Touching Shadows

Sugary fingers

COHEN

Audrey and I were sitting in my lawyers office, going over the divorce proceedings. Walt was running us through what to expect.

“We will meet with the defendant and her lawyer on Monday morning, and go over the paperwork. We will need to discuss the equitable distribution of assets.”

“Ok… so how does that work exactly?”

Walt put down his pen.

“Basically, we look at all your assets… properties, vehicles, investment portfolios, etcetera etcetera. Plus any joint loans, bank accounts, that kind of thing. Then we have to nut out how to equally distribute them between the two of you.”

“That sounds messy.”

Walt nodded.

“It can be, if you don’t agree on what is fair, or if you are both determined to keep the same things. Then it has to go to court. If the assets are dissolved, and it is just based on a monetary figure, it is much more straightforward.”

Audrey squeezed my hand in support.

“Alright, so what now?”

“I’ll get you to sign some paperwork so I can access your accounts, and we’ll go from there.”

“Ok.”

“Now Cohen, is there anything you won’t compromise on, in terms of property or investments? Anything I need to make sure stays in your name?”

“Just my dads cabin. He left it to me, but I put it in both out names…”

I shrugged.

“It was a stupid thing to do in hindsight, but I thought maybe she would actually want to spend time there if it felt like it was hers… ours.”

“Ahh, yes. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, especially when going through a divorce.”

Audrey shifted beside me.

“I bet you hear lots of regrets in your job.”

“Yes, love. I certainly do. If I had a dollar for everytime I’d heard… well, you know what they say.”

She nodded.

“Anyway, I won’t take up any more of your time. I’ll just get you to sign this, and I’ll contact your accountant this afternoon.”

I finished signing the forms and stood, shaking Walts hand.

“I’ll email you the details for Mondays meeting.”

“Thanks.”

“And may I make a suggestion?”

“Of course.”

He surprised me, turning and speaking to Audrey.

“I encourage all current partners of my clients to stay home the day we have to discuss who gets what. Emotions are already high… and I understand it was infidelity on her part that led to this…”

He turned to me now.

“...but showing her that you’ve moved on and actually moving on are two very different things. Angry ex’s can drag this on for an awfully long time if they want to.”

Audrey and I looked at each other and nodded. She had met Britt, and knew the type of woman she was.

“Understood. Thanks for your help again, Walt.”

We left the office and headed to the car. I started the engine, then turned to Audrey.

“After that depressing, serious discussion, how about we do something fun?”