Attorney
If you run a business in the Albuquerque area, you know our local economy doesn’t move in a straight line. It turns, dips, rebounds, and grows again, often in tandem with national trends but sometimes due to local forces. Divorce isn’t much different—it’s a cycle that has its ups and downs, but there is a clear beginning, middle, and end.
Understanding the stages of divorce can help you get through it faster and protect what you’ve built along the way. And there is nobody better suited to educate you about the divorce process, its parallels to the business cycle, and the impact it will have on your business, than Attorney Bob Matteucci. Bob is not just an experienced family law attorney, he’s a former business owner and divorcee who has been through what you are facing and is ready to help you come through it too.
Stage One: The Market Shifts — Filing and Preparation
Every economic cycle starts with a shift, an event or signal that you have to make some changes if you want your business to survive. In divorce, that shift is the decision to file. The relationship has been under pressure for quite some time, but it has now reached a tipping point. There’s no going back, the only way out is through.
At this stage, your focus should be on collecting all the documents and other information needed to assess your circumstances and figure out what your options are. There are several different ways to get divorced under New Mexico law, and it’s impossible to know which one will work best for you, your family, and your business without taking a hard look at where you are, and thinking about where you hope to be at the end of the divorce process.
Stage Two: The Contraction — Negotiations and Temporary Orders
Just like a recession, this phase tightens everything. Each move you make should be cautious and forward-focused as you head to the negotiating table to hammer out an agreement.
While you are crafting a long-term plan, it may be necessary to put a temporary order in place that helps you and your soon-to-be-former partner co-parent. You might also be required to make temporary spousal support payments (aka alimony).
If you own a business, this stage is about figuring out how the company can weather the storm. It will almost certainly be impacted by your split (some businesses must even be sold off in order to comply with New Mexico’s community property laws) but Attorney Bob Matteucci can put his MBA and business experience to use to help you preserve your business’s value.
Stage Three: The Bottom — Resolution and Agreement
Eventually, the market hits bottom. This is the point where divorces are settled. A judge signs off on the agreements that have been struck, and you can breathe a sigh of relief or resignation.
Stage Four: The Recovery — Implementing Post-Divorce Plans
After the court signs off, you’re not just divorced—you’re in recovery. This stage is where the new normal begins. Titles get transferred, assets get split, new parenting schedules go into effect, and business owners have the certainty needed to move forward. This part is challenging, but you have a road map to follow thanks to the thoughtful consideration you put into the negotiation process.
Stage Five: Growth
Every downturn carries with it the seeds of the next expansion. After divorce, many people find they have a clearer sense of purpose and a new lease on life. Whether that means creating new memories and traditions with your kids, or restructuring your business, growth and change are inevitable.
Serving Families With Dignity & Compassion
Divorce isn’t the end of your story, it’s just one cycle of it. With proper planning and the right attitude, you can come through it prepared to take on the next stage of your life. Attorney Bob Matteucci is here to help guide you through the divorce process so you can move forward on a firm foundation. Contact him today to set up a meeting and discuss your case.