Nation's Leading Divorce Lawyers Finding More Cases Settled Before Trial

CHICAGO, Sept. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- A majority of the respondents to a
recent poll of American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyer (AAML) members cited
an increase in divorce cases being settled before trial. In all, 58% of the
attorneys said that they have seen more cases being resolved without trial
during the past five years.

"A growing number of couples are having more success negotiating
settlements with the assistance of their lawyers," said Gaetano "Guy"
Ferro, president of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.
"Negotiated settlement gives the spouses more input into their divorce
judgment than does letting a judge decide the issues. It affords the
opportunity for more creative resolutions which can minimize adverse tax
consequences. Settlement is almost always less stressful for the spouses
than trial and, where there are children, makes it more likely that the
parties will be able to effectively co-parent."

The number of attorneys who noted an increase in the number of divorces
being resolved without a trial during the past five years was significantly
greater than those who felt there were fewer negotiated settlements taking
place. Only 12% of the respondents reported fewer cases being settled
before trial.

About AAML
Founded in 1962, The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) is
committed to encouraging the study, improving the practice, elevating the
standards, and advancing the cause of matrimonial law, in order to better
protect the welfare of American families.

Comprised of the top 1,600 matrimonial attorneys throughout the nation,
AAML members are recognized experts in the specialized areas of matrimonial
law, including divorce, prenuptial agreements, legal separation, annulment,
child custody, property valuation and division, alimony, support, and the
rights of unmarried couples.