FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATION’S LEADING DIVORCE LAWYERS FINDING MORE CASES SETTLED BEFORE TRIAL

Chicago, IL September 25, 2007 - 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. 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 Lawyer. "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, members are recognized experts in the specialized areas of matrimonial law, including divorce, prenuptial agreements, legal separation, annulment, custody, property valuation and division, support, and the rights of unmarried couples.