Cordell & Cordell CEO Scott Trout speaks at one of the Men’s Divorce Schools held by the domestic litigation firm throughout the country. He will join other speakers in Chattanooga during the city’s first such seminar on June 21. (Contributed photo by Cordell & Cordell)A divorce doesn’t have to mean a child can’t grow up with both parents.
That’s just one of the lessons attendees are sure to learn during Chattanooga’s first Men’s Divorce School, a free seminar to be held at the Chattanooga Marriott Downtown Hotel June 21.
The crash course, presented by domestic litigation firm Cordell & Cordell, will give local men going through a divorce the tools they need to overcome the gender bias that could keep them from playing a role in their children’s lives.
Perceptually, men are at a disadvantage in family courts due to stereotypes that paint them as bread-winners and women as home-keepers, said Cordell & Cordell CEO Scott Trout.
“We have guys who have actually gone through the process already come to these seminars and say, ‘I wish I had been to you beforehand,'” Trout said.
Speakers will give attendees an overview of alimony, child support, custody, property division and the divorce process, while offering them tips and strategies for their case. Each guest will learn what mistakes to avoid during the process and have a chance to ask a lawyer questions.
The goal is to provide the men with as much information as possible so they can get the maximum amount of time with their children.
“Studies show that kids are far better off with two parents – living together or not – than they are with one, whether it be mom or dad,” said Trout, who will also speak at the seminar. “It’s really about making sure that the kids have the best chance for success with two parents, even [if they’re] living separate.”
The course will also serve as the city’s introduction to Cordell & Cordell’s local office, opened on M.L. King Boulevard in January. The firm already has six other law offices throughout Tennessee but decided to establish another in Chattanooga due to a surplus of emails from local men seeking information over the last 18 months, Trout said.
“We knew it was an opportunity where we could serve guys and also provide the educational tools with a local presence,” he explained.
The seminar is designed for men, but Trout encourages anyone interested to attend, adding that he often sees sisters and second wives in the crowd.
“We’re not anti-mom or anti-women. We’re pro-family, pro-kids, pro-parent,” Trout said. “It’s about leveling the playing field. We’re going to shout it as loud as we can to ensure that the kids have a great opportunity for success.”
The seminar will run from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Register by calling 799-0000 or visiting mensdivorceschool.com.