Steve’s Story

Steve was not satisfied with the spousal support settlement in his original divorce. His yearly spousal support was in the six figures, and the order required Steve to pay even more additional spousal support based on any bonuses he received, with no annual cap. Out of frustration Steve researched and identified Dishon & Block’s specialty in post-divorce complex spousal support reduction settlements for high-net-worth clients. Aaron convinced Steve that cohabitation was the key to renegotiating his spousal support.

Can you tell me your experience with Dishon & Block?

I researched attorneys on the Internet that specialized in Spousal Support reduction and termination. Dishon & Block’s website was very thorough and spoke eloquently regarding spousal support reduction. During my initial consultation with Aaron and Carrie, I felt they understood my legal needs as well as my needs as a person. Aaron was extremely mindful of my feelings, and we immediately connected. I think that’s important when you are relying on a high paid advisor during a life-altering set of circumstances. Aaron let me know he wanted to make sure we had a case. He took the time to qualify me and understand what I wanted. At the outset Aaron said the primary basis of my case would be cohabitation. My previous attorney had advised that cohabitation was really not worth that much, where Aaron shared with me that in my case it is worth everything.

“As a result of my settlement, I have no more obligations. My spousal support is zero.”

What were the details of your case?

After 30 years of marriage my ex-wife filed for divorce. My first time in divorce court was a very difficult time for everyone. I was not mentally prepared to really protect myself the way I should have. The original case took approximately one year from the initial filing. My spousal support was a six figure number every year that sometimes doubled because a portion of the amount was a baseline, plus a percentage figure of my variable compensation. There was no end in sight. With my case in the hands of Dishon & Block, Aaron and Carrie applied pressure on my ex-wife and her attorney by filing an Order to Show Cause to terminate or reduce spousal support, through extensive discovery, depositions, subpoenas and negotiating behind the scenes. They never missed a deadline. In just over three few months, a new agreement was finalized. I paid a lump sum to terminate spousal support and walked away. I am relieved and can move on with my life.

Steve's Experience with Dishon & Block

Did you meet with any other attorneys before hiring Dishon & Block?

The attorney that handled my initial divorce said that there was nothing that could be done to reduce my spousal support. In my search for other counsel, I reached out to referrals of other attorneys I know. I researched information on spousal support reduction law practices in major publications. I did a number of interviews with family law practices with high income specialty practices in the LA area. I was dissatisfied in how I was treated. Out of frustration I went to the Internet and identified Dishon & Block as a firm I wanted to talk to about my difficult situation. I liked what I read on their website. There was a clear indication that they were experienced in complex business post-divorce settlements.

“My other attorney was only interested in my money. He didn’t care about me. Aaron connected with me as a person at our initial consultation.”

Was there anything that stood out about Aaron?

Aaron knows how to read personalities. He is a very fast study. I had the impression that if he didn’t think we’d work well together, he would have told me. I liked that. My other attorney was only interested in the money, and he really didn’t care about me. With Aaron it was all about value not about fees. As an example, even though it would have been to my advantage for my son to serve as a witness, when I explained to Aaron why I didn’t want him to be a witness, he listened to me. He said, “No, you’re right we can’t.” Aaron was extremely mindful of my feelings. He was aware of the limitations I had, and he worked around them.

What value did Aaron and Carrie provide you during your case?

Carrie works very closely with Aaron, and the two are a very effective team. They are a special almost unbeatable combination. Aaron is an excellent litigator, and he is also extremely fast in the moment to seize on any opportunity that opposing counsel opens themselves up for. Carrie was important in preparing the written documents and communications. She is extremely thorough checking every element in the documentation, and she never misses a deadline. Aaron and Carrie both applied a lot of pressure to my ex-spouse and her counsel. In addition to 12 to 15 subpoenas, there were several actions filed as a result of some delays by my ex’s counsel. This created additional pressure on him because he wasn’t performing. I felt this was an advantage to my case in reaching the ultimate settlement.

Was there any part of the settlement process that surprised you?

In Family Law it’s all about pressure. And the ultimate pressure on either side is what happens in court. Going to court poses risks to both sides. Negotiations that lead to a settlement are often more flexible or can achieve a better result. In negotiations you have more control. During the informal conferences between Aaron and opposing counsel, Aaron was an expert in managing that space. If you have an attorney like Aaron who specializes in complex settlements you can get a better result with a higher degree of assurance than you could in court. Aaron and Carrie worked together in my case to achieve a settlement. It was equal to about a year and a half of my alimony payments. It was unexpected by me that they would be able to negotiate that amount, and that my obligation would end.

What was important to you in your final settlement?

What was important to me is that my support obligation is zero and has ended forever. I had expected only to have a reduction in my spousal support. In my case I paid a lump sum. I received a full and final release, and I have no more obligations. I am very pleased. It was an excellent result.

Would you recommend Mr. Dishon? What would you say to a friend when you gave him / her Mr. Dishon’s name?

For anyone who is dissatisfied with their spousal support arrangement, I think Dishon & Block’s advantage is that they’ll tell you if you have a case or not. If you do have a case worth pursuing, in my opinion Aaron will get a result better than the next counsel because of his focus and experience. During my case, he assured me I had a strong case. He said, “Let me do what I have to do, and we’ll bring this to a conclusion.” I trusted him and he did.