How To Protect Your Privacy

By Sandy Brooks & Cheryl Hepfer

While you will be sharing a great deal of information during the divorce process, it is important for you to take steps to protect your privacy. You will be required to produce financial documents, and you may also be required to provide copies of emails and text messages. Emails and texts between yourself and your attorney are protected due to privilege. However, the same is not true as to communication with others.

If you believe that your spouse has access to your computer, iPad or phone, you should take steps to protect your privacy. You may want to purchase a new iPad or computer that you use only when communicating with your counsel or your therapist. If you do that, assure that you are using a password that is difficult to break, such as a phrase.

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How to Prepare for Divorce

By Sandy Brooks & Cheryl Hepfer

Whatever brought you to the decision to consider divorce, as with most situations, knowledge is power. If you have determined that your spouse is considering separation and divorce, or if you have to the decision that you have tried to resolve matters, and that you are ready to part ways, consulting with an experienced family lawyer will provide you with information so that you can make informed decisions.

One of the first steps you should take is to prepare a chronology of events, from the date of your relationship, noting important dates. The chronology need not be in great detail, but organizing your thoughts and recollection will be very helpful when it’s time for you for explain your situation to your attorney, counselors, mediators, etc. “Once and done” will relieve you of the need to review your history over and over again.

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Cheryl and Sandy supported the Asian Pacific American Bar Association at their annual gala along with Maryland Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller.

Cheryl and her daughter, Dara, at the American College of Family Trial Lawyers meeting at the Breakers in Palm Beach.

Sandy attended the Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. AAML retreat in Cambridge, MD in April.

Orzo with Roasted Vegetables

1 small eggplant, peeled and 3/4-inch diced
1 red bell pepper, 1-inch diced
1 yellow bell pepper, 1-inch diced
1 red onion, peeled and 1-inch diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup good olive oil
1-1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 pound orzo

For the Dressing:

1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 lemons)
1/3 cup good olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

To Assemble:

4 scallions, minced (white and green parts)
1/4 cup pignolis, toasted
3/4 pound good feta, 1/2-inch diced (not crumbled)
15 fresh basil leaves, cut into chiffonade

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Toss the eggplant, bell peppers, onion, and garlic with the olive oil, salt, and pepper on a large baking sheet. Roast for 40 minutes, until browned, turning once with a spatula. Meanwhile, cook the orzo in boiling salted water for 7 to 9 minutes, until tender. Drain and transfer to a large serving bowl. Add the roasted vegetables to the pasta, scraping all the liquid and seasonings from the roasting pan into the pasta bowl. For the dressing, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper and pour on the pasta and vegetables. Let cool to room temperature, then add the scallions, pignolis, feta, and basil. Check the seasonings and serve at room temperature.

From the cookbook of Ina Garten

Sandra A. Brooks

sbrooks@offitkurman.com

240.507.1716

As a family law attorney, Sandra (Sandy) Brooks’ practice focuses on a wide range of aspects in regards to family law. She dedicates her time to assisting clients in domestic law matters including divorce, child custody and visitation, family mediation, spousal and child support, property division, and division of retirement benefits. Other matters that fall under her jurisdiction as a family law attorney include tax consequences of divorce, mediation, prenuptial and post-nuptial agreements, negotiating and drafting of separation agreements, domestic litigation, and post-judgment proceedings. Sandy is a member of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.

Cheryl L. Hepfer

chepfer@offitkurman.com

240.507.1717

Cheryl Hepfer is a highly-regarded attorney who has practiced family law for more than 40 years. She has been rated by her peers and is listed in Best Lawyers in America and as a top lawyer in the Washingtonian, Bethesda Magazine, and Super Lawyers. She is past president of both the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and the International Academy of Family Lawyers.

Her practice consists primarily of domestic litigation involving significant assets and business interests. She has a wealth of experience in complex cases involving significant assets and property distribution, alimony, child custody and access. She has significant experience representing owners of businesses and their spouses, and those with significant assets, and works with business valuation experts and forensic accountants to maximize the benefits to her clients.

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