|
Welcome to the April 2024 edition of the Vacca Family Law Group newsletter.
In this month's newsletter, we discuss the role of Postnuptial Agreements to help married couples navigate significant life changes, such as relocating for work, coming into a sizable sum of money, or leaving the workforce to care for children or loved ones.
We also discuss the dangers of using online services or generic templates for Prenuptial Agreements.
And last, but not least, we're sharing the start of our journey of securing, designing, and moving into our new office and Collaborative Suite this spring!
| |
~ Andrea Vacca, Collaborative Attorney and Mediator | |
|
For established married couples who find themselves at a roadblock in their relationships, it can be difficult to decide between getting divorced or staying in their marriage with feelings of uncertainty about the future.
However, these roadblocks are not always bad things. In fact, they can be rather positive significant life changes that present both challenges and opportunities for one or both spouses, such as relocating for work, coming into a sizable sum of money, or leaving the workforce to care for children or loved ones.
Luckily for these couples, divorcing or remaining unhappy are not the only options. With a postnuptial agreement, couples can address their concerns and agree on terms that both spouses are comfortable with so they can stay in their relationship with confidence and peace of mind.
In our latest blog post, we examine the role of postnuptial agreements in navigating various life situations that may arise during marriage, including protecting assets, clarifying financial responsibilities, and/or addressing changes in family dynamics.
| |
Thinking of getting a prenuptial agreement? Hold that thought! Before you seek online services or hit 'download' on that generic template, take a moment to read our latest blog post about the dangers of doing so.
Prenuptial agreements are as unique as the relationships they protect, and cookie-cutter solutions just won't cut it. Generic templates can't capture the complexities of your life and may leave you vulnerable in unforeseen situations.
Sure, you might save some money now, but what will it cost you later? While online services may be affordable and convenient, they do not offer the tailored guidance necessary to fully protect your interests. The last thing you want is a prenup that is one-sided or otherwise unenforceable.
| |
Catch Up on the Latest Episodes of
A Better Divorce Podcast
| |
Andrea Presents "Postnuptial Agreements," an UNtied Virtual Event | |
Andrea Vacca presented "Postnuptial Agreements" to members of UNtied, an online support group of almost 2,000 divorced and divorcing women, on March 12. Andrea shared invaluable insights about how postnuptial agreements allow married couples to resolve various issues without resorting to divorce or going to court. | |
Senior Associate, Marcos Fernandez, joined the New York Association of Collaborative Professionals' (NYACP) Collaborative Chat series with NYACP Vice President, Melissa Goodstein on March 13.
Marcos recently served his first term as a NYACP Board Member and is highly involved in the Association's Membership Committee.
Marcos shared his journey of discovering collaborative divorce, crediting his mentor and the NYACP's former past president, Andrea Vacca, for the opportunity to explore the collaborative process and highlighting his realization as a former litigator of the limitations of a courtroom divorce in preserving the emotional well-being of the family.
| |
Andrea Presents "The Lawyer's Role in Mediation" NADP Ed Talk | |
Andrea Vacca presented "The Lawyer's Role in Mediation" as part of an "Ed Talk" at the National Association Of Divorce Professionals (NADP) NYC Midtown Wednesday Breakfast Monthly Chapter Meeting on March 20.
Andrea discussed how divorce matters are handled in mediation, including the benefits of mediation and common concerns about the process, why most mediators recommend consulting attorneys, and best practices for mediation-friendly lawyers.
The NADP is an association of divorce professionals from the legal, financial, mental health, and residential sectors with a focus on facilitating strategic alliances and providing education to help its members transform the divorce experience for their clients.
| |
Vacca Family Law Group is excited to announce that we are moving into an all-new office space this spring!
Join us as we embark on this exciting new chapter, from early construction work to the moment our team settles into their new desks.
Over the next few months, we invite you to tag along with us as we share each phase of our transition to the new office along with Q&As with our Owner and Founder, Andrea Vacca.
| |
What's your vision for the new office?
My vision for the new office is centered on optimizing space and fostering collaboration. I liked the look and feel of the new office, but I noticed a lot of “dead space” with no obvious purpose. So, I negotiated with the landlord who agreed to have a seventh office built. I knew it would take more time and we couldn’t move in right away, but I wanted to make sure our team members and clients felt comfortable in the space. Additionally, I wanted to have more opportunities to sublet to other aligned professionals who could help bring more of a collaborative feel to our office suite.
| |
|
Can you describe how your vision for the new office aligns with Vacca Family Law Group's mission of helping couples dissolve their marriages with as little acrimony as possible?
I’ve wanted my office to be a collaborative suite for a long time. When I heard about other attorneys who have had this, I felt strongly that this was something I wanted to create. As I’ve been practicing collaborative law for the last 15 years, I’ve realized how beneficial it is to clients when you can closely refer them to other professionals who can help them either during or after their divorce. So, having a Trusts & Estates attorney or Certified Divorce Financial Analyst in the same office space is going to add tremendous value for our clients and make our internal processes more efficient.
Has the process of securing your new office space brought back any memories of past office moves or other major transitional moments?
One afternoon in 2004 around the time when I launched my firm, I was having lunch with a friend and colleague who offered me an office for $1,000 a month, and I took it right away. Although this will be my sixth office move since starting my firm, it is the first time the lease is 100% in my own name. It may appear as just another move, and since it’s right down the hall, it will physically be the easiest move I’ve ever had. Emotionally, however, it’s the most monumental. I’m taking on more space and creating this collaborative suite I’ve always wanted, so it’s a really exciting milestone for the firm.
What other professionals have you consulted with throughout this process?
Our real estate broker, Bert Rosenblatt was essential in helping us find the right space. My real estate attorney, Helene Pangalos, helped to make sure the lease was in good shape and that we got everything we needed. We’re also consulting with our insurance brokers, IT professionals, movers, and interior designers, to mention a few.
| |
Tune in to next month's newsletter for Part 2 of our interview | |
In Divorce Without Court, Andrea Vacca discusses how and why to keep your divorce out of court. You’ll learn the differences between divorce mediation and collaborative divorce, as well as tips for choosing the right attorney for your unique situation.
Read the book in full on our website or sign up for our five-day eCourse. The eCourse option allows you to receive the eBook in daily installments via email. On the final day of the course, you'll receive a comprehensive checklist to help you prepare for your divorce.
To sign up for your free eCourse, complete the form in the link below and select "Opt-in to Andrea Vacca's No Court Divorce eCourse".
| |
Looking For a Speaker?
With over 30 years of experience, Andrea Vacca is an established thought leader in matrimonial and family law in New York, including collaborative divorce, mediation, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, financial issues in divorce, and more. For inquiries about having Andrea speak to your organization on these and various related topics, contact us.
| |
A Better Divorce Quote of the Month | |
"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence."
- Hellen Keller
| |
Want to dissolve your marriage without litigation? We can help. | |
For over 19 years, Vacca Family Law Group has helped clients to dissolve their marriages without litigation. We focus on finding creative (and sometimes unconventional) solutions that are right for each client’s unique situation to help alleviate stress and facilitate the establishment of a positive path forward throughout the divorce. Our flexible approach allows us to navigate this process with the utmost discretion and elevated service while prioritizing the well-being and long-term goals of our clients and their families.
For more information about how Vacca Family Law Group can help you have the least adversarial divorce possible, contact us to schedule a free introductory call, or you can reach us at (646) 798-4603.
| |
Attorney Advertising. Past results do not guarantee similar future results. | | | | |