RESULTS: Securing Custody and Equity for a Mom

Our client, a 38-year-old mother of three, found herself in an uphill battle in her divorce case. After being dropped by her previous attorney following 18 months of representation, she came to Attorney Matt Zimmerman with only eight days until the final hearing was scheduled. The stakes couldn’t have been higher.

Custody Issues: While the case was pending, our client had temporarily lost custody of her children due to two positive drug tests within six months. Although she had worked hard to re-establish visitation rights with a series of clean drug tests, the children’s father was still the primary custodial parent.

Property Dispute: The marital residence was a major point of contention. The opposing party claimed the home was legally his separate property, as it was purchased using a VA loan with $0 down, and all payments had been made using his VA disability income, which is considered separate property under the law.

Potential Outcome: Our client faced the risk of receiving nothing in the property division, limited visitation rights, and being required to pay significant child support, amounting to 30% of her paycheck.

Attorney Matt Zimmerman’s Strategic Approach

• Rescheduling the Hearing: Attorney Zimmerman successfully had the trial setting rescheduled, allowing our client additional time to achieve clean drug tests and strengthen her position.
• Custody Argument: He effectively argued that the best interest of the children required equal time with both parents, ensuring a 50/50 visitation schedule.
• Property Division: Attorney Zimmerman presented a compelling case that the couple’s conduct demonstrated an intention to gift the wife equity in the marital residence, overcoming the husband’s claim of sole ownership.

Divorce Case Outcome

Attorney Zimmerman’s strategic preparation and persuasive courtroom advocacy resulted in a favorable judgment:

Custody: The Court granted 50/50 visitation, ensuring equal parenting time for both parties.

Property Division: Our client was awarded a substantial payment of the equity in the marital residence, despite significant legal hurdles.

Child Support: No child support obligation was imposed, alleviating a significant financial burden on our client.

Result

The judgment delivered by the Court was significantly better than any settlement offers proposed prior to the trial, leaving our client thrilled with the outcome.

Attorney Zimmerman’s dedication and experience turned what seemed like an unwinnable case into a monumental victory.