As FamLaw eats my brain...

[ciroccoj]

I keep thinking it's both mean & crummy, and totally inspired, that our profs gave us a fact situation to practice doing Net Family Property equalization payments that begins like this:

Monica Geller-Bing comes to consult you regarding the breakdown of her marriage to Chandler Bing. She is specifically concerned about the issue of division of property.

The situation then goes on to list all the assets that Monica and Chandler collected, before and after their marriage: a cottage that was a gift from Monica's parents, jewelry, an old car, an antique watch Chandler inherited from his father, yadda yadda yadda. We're supposed to go through and figure out what can be listed, what can be excluded, deducted, etc., then figure out how to equalize them.

It's crummy because, you know, Monica and Chandler. If she'd made it Ross & Rachel I could split them up no problem, knowing that (a) they'll just get back together again anyway or (b) they'll finally for the love of god leave each other for good and go on with their lives. But Monica and Chandler?

It's inspired because I hope that, silly as it is, the example has made some of us think about whether we really want to go into Family law. Because if we get bummed out by splitting a fictional couple's marriage, maybe this is a pulsating neon sign telling us this is not the best career choice available.

OK, back to work.



BTW, Chandler ends up owing Monica $86,850.

Comments

[sangerin.livejournal.com]

I was perfectly fine with splitting up fictional couples at Lawyer Kindergarten, and yet: very, very glad that I'm not in that area now (even if that end of the office always makes budget and never seem to have any of the issues I seem to have...)

(Also, your theory only works if one likes Monica and Chandler...)

[a-dawn.livejournal.com]

Wow, for a fictional situation that is incredibly depressing. I LOVE Monica and Chandler (but may that's just because Matthew Perry grew up in Ottawa).