Selecting the right Domestic Relations attorney is crucial. When seeking legal representation, it is essential to identify a Domestic Relations attorney with expertise in this particular area of law. Plakas Mannos’ family law team is made up of experienced attorneys who will tirelessly advocate for your rights and fight for the best possible outcomes, while also showing a deep empathetic nature that acknowledges the emotional weight of your circumstances. With Attorneys James Mannos, Marietta Pavlidis, Peter Cahoon, and Michael John, and our amazing family law paralegals Kaitlyn and Jamie, our Domestic Relations team ensures that every aspect of your case is handled with the highest standards of professionalism and dedication. To truly understand family law, we sat down with expert attorneys Jim Mannos and Marietta Pavlidis.
Attorney Pavlidis: “I sort of fell into family law. I do not know of many attorneys that would say they always wanted to practice family law. Although I had an interest in family law as divorce was not something foreign to me growing up, I was not certain I wanted to practice family law until I practiced it and enjoyed it. I ended up in family law from the start of my law career. I was hired as an associate in a law firm in my hometown. An elderly attorney at that firm (who was a well-known family law attorney) needed assistance with his practice as he was looking to eventually retire. I began handling a lot of his cases and found the practice both challenging and rewarding. Practicing in this field for now over 28 years, the challenges have been plenty, but the rewards have been overwhelming.”
Attorney Mannos: “First, let me start by saying that I agree with Marietta on these points-as a team we discuss how we are going to handle cases. We meet with one another so as to stay on the same page with each case.”
“We did not have a family law attorney when I came into the practice in 1977. Someone needed to take on the task of organizing this area of law within the practice, and that someone ended up being me.”
Attorney Pavlidis: “A lot of clients do not have a choice of whether to proceed with a dissolution or with a divorce. Sometimes the choice is made up for them by the spouse who has already filed for a divorce. However, if there is a choice, I will explain to them the differences between a dissolution and a divorce and ask a lot of questions about their marriage, their finances, their children (if they have children and are minors), and their overall circumstances that led them to us. From there, I will explain which path, whether a dissolution or a divorce, may be best for their circumstance and particular situation and guide them through it.”
Attorney Mannos: “With a potential client I always discuss the differences between a dissolution and a divorce. I agree with Marietta’s analysis in regard to whether to go the route of the divorce or dissolution. Each case is very unique, and we guide the client in the direction that works best for them and their specific situation.”
Attorney Mannos: “There are two words of advice I would give a client going through a divorce or dissolution; I would tell the client not to let emotions get the better of you and listen to the advice of your attorney.”
Attorney Pavlidis: “The paths of dissolution and divorce are quite different. A dissolution requires full agreement on all terms including, but not limited to, an agreement on division of property, debt, support, and matters involving their children (if they have children and are minors). A dissolution is quicker and less expensive, and it requires the spouses to cooperate with one another and work together to arrive at an agreement. It is a less adversarial process. A divorce, however, is usually more adversarial as it involves a spouse filing a complaint for divorce against the other spouse. A judge will make the decisions as to unresolved issues. A divorce involves more court involvement and takes a longer time to conclude which in turn is more expensive. Considering the differences, the words of advice to clients are relatively the same. Both paths are difficult regardless of whether one is more amicable than the other. Not only do I provide legal advice to clients and advocate on their behalf, but I also offer them empathy and understanding, guidance and structure, and reassurance and encouragement in both the process and their future. Some words of advice include having faith in the process, trusting your lawyer, being patient as the process is a marathon not a sprint, making logical decisions and not those made out of anger, seeking counseling when needed to help cope with emotions, not involving children in adult conflicts and not using them as weapons in the process, and not using social media as an outlet as it may end up seen by the judge.”
Attorney Pavlidis: “The best part of being a family law attorney is knowing that I have helped people rebuild their lives during one of the most challenging, emotionally charged, and vulnerable times of their lives. There is something that is learned with every client. Every case has its own challenges, its own issues, its own unique circumstances, and its own stories. Being a family law attorney has shaped me both professionally and personally. Not only do I have a deep understanding as to the complexities of family dynamics, but I have been taught patience, resilience, and so many skills (too many to name) in how to handle emotionally charged situations while also maintaining my professionalism and integrity.”
Attorney Mannos: “The best part of the job is in those cases where the client actually thanks you for completing a case since divorce or dissolution is a no-win situation.”
Attorney Mannos: “I think the attorneys and our staff truly care about our clients and attempt to resolve cases for our clients as opposed to promoting litigation.”
Attorney Pavlidis: “PM has a solid reputation in the community in family law. We have combined experience in family law matters among our family law attorneys of over 75 years. We promote teamwork, and we place our clients and their needs first. Not only do we have the expertise, but we also have the skills and resources (together with a client-focused approach) to guide our clients and help them through a termination of marriage or a custody dispute which can be one of the most challenging times they will face in life.”
Attorney Lee Plakas: “Our family law team is committed to excellence, and it shows in the way they treat our clients, and in the results they get in their cases. I am proud of our family law attorneys and staff for their tireless commitment to achieving excellent outcomes for our clients, many times under the most difficult of situations.”
Attorney Maria Klutinoty Edwards: “Our Domestic Relations team does such an amazing job advocating for our clients during such a stressful time in our clients’ lives. I am always grateful to have Marietta, Jim, and the rest of our team standing beside our clients when they need to walk into family court, and I can’t say enough about the positive feedback I get about our whole team, including our amazing family law paralegals Kaitlyn and Jamie.”
Attorney Collin Wise: “Not many large firms have a domestic relations department, much less a four-attorney domestic relations powerhouse like we have. Jim, Marietta, Pete, Michael, and the entire team are huge assets for our firm and for our clients.”
When it comes to the sensitive and often challenging areas of family law, like divorce and the dissolution of marriage, Plakas Mannos stands out. Our Domestic Relations team understands that these situations aren't just legal battles, but deeply personal journeys. Our DR team provides fierce counsel, relentlessly advocating for our clients' rights and ensuring their best interests are protected through every step of the process. At the same time, their empathetic nature shines through, offering understanding and support during what can be one of life's most difficult periods.
Contact Plakas Mannos today to see how our Domestic Relations attorneys can assist you. Our experienced family law team is here to listen and help you chart a path forward.