New York Law Journal, March 29, 2024 ●
At times, this author has noticed a certain level of dejectedness among matrimonial lawyers in the post-pandemic world, and that includes yours truly. The feeling stems from what many matrimonial lawyers have told me is a sense that our judicial system is understaffed, and in desperate need of more resources.
More specifically, I hear about (and experience) a growing number of motions that are left undecided, judgments of divorce that seem to take eons to get signed (and then entered), and clients who are, accordingly, left somewhat disillusioned by the process.
But most concerning is a sentiment I’ve started to hear recently, which is that the best interests of families are not being prioritized, and not out of any ill will, but simply because our judicial system is overwhelmed and cannot practically keep up with the relentless flow of divorce cases that enter the system daily.
Perhaps that is why, when I read Judge Victor G. Grossman’s recent decision in J.H. v. C.H., 2024 NY Slip Op 50220(U) (Supreme Court, Putnam County), I couldn’t help but smile in complete satisfaction from start to finish, because in this case, a divorce court did what we, as matrimonial lawyers, can only hope for: it prioritized the best interests of a family.