I met Mr. Walchenbach some time in 1999. The circumstances being what they were I could not well…read moreafford representation for the long haul.
My ex had effectively upended my financial ducks that I had worked so hard to put in a row.
Mr. Walchenbach understood this and gave me what has been some of the best guidance that anyone has ever given me. Mr. Walchenbach shared what most people keep close to their professional vest: information. He generously and openly shared what he knew. He patiently outlined the parenting/custodial/child support process, stressed the importance of filing with the Clerk, relayed pitfalls to avoid and the most important thing of all: just the facts - edit out emotion, speculation and avoid drawing conclusions. He advised me to keep a notebook to record events: date, time, etc.
Even with all of that, Mr. Walchenbach's greatest gift to me as a young woman, was to instill a confidence and belief in me to move forward. To not be baited by false accusations made by the opposing counsel, but to keep going. To be reasonable, keep a cooler head and always JUST THE FACTS.
Ultimately I represented myself pro-se, filling in the blanks and learning everything about family law and process that I could. I was drop-kicked into Family Law and the only way out was through.
The respondent in my case was contentious and went thru several attorneys, funded in turn by one relative or another. It was a rough go there for a while, but I kept going because there was no option not to. It was the most challenging and difficult times of my life. At the end of it all the Judge awarded my daughter & I everything I had requested. Then came an Appeal - so of course we started again.
At the end of THAT appeal the Judge awarded my daughter and I everything I had asked for -- for the second time. She acknowledged an appreciation for the clarity of my work. Afterwards, in the elevator, the opposing counsel shared with me that, in her experience, I was the best pro se that she had ever worked with.
Needless to say, life went on and though I never circled back to thank Mr. Walchenbach personally I remember him, and thank him by practicing his ways. As a professional now, I also share what I know because, twenty-four years ago, I was on the receiving end of some solid guidance and generosity.
There is no way Mr. Walchenbach could have known then the impact that his words would have on a young person in midst of a traumatic series of events. It was during a conversation that I was having recently that it was suggested to me that it could be an important thing to share back, in gratitude, so here I am.
Thank you Mr. Walchenbach, for looking out and for sharing your expertise to guide and support me. It has absolutely had a long term impact and it was time I let you know that. My girl and I made it through that storm with some next level kickassery. Thank you.
