For many individuals and couples, domestic adoption remains a meaningful path to building a family. However, prospective adoptive parents are often surprised by how much the adoption process has evolved in recent years. Advances in technology, the rise of open adoption, and changing expectations among expectant parents have reshaped the domestic adoption landscape. Understanding these developments can help families approach the process with realistic expectations and greater confidence. Domestic Adoption Has Evolved A common [...]

Recently, attorneys Anita M. Ventrelli and Michele M. Jochner of Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP co-authored an article for the Spring 2026 edition of the Family Advocate examining the legal and practical issues that often arise when dividing real estate during divorce. Their analysis highlights the unique challenges presented by the family home, where emotional considerations frequently intersect with complex financial and legal realities. Below are several important insights drawn from their discussion. 1. [...]

Divorces involving substantial wealth or complicated financial structures are rarely straightforward. Beyond the legal and emotional aspects, these matters often depend on developing a clear, supportable understanding of the parties’ financial circumstances. When closely held businesses, investment entities, deferred compensation, or disputed income are involved, forensic accounting frequently becomes a critical part of the process. For family law attorneys, the challenge extends beyond simply identifying assets. It requires determining fair market value, tracing the [...]