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“ For my family law case, Steve Smith had a very strong presence and was dominant in the courtroom. The manner in which he carries out cases is something you see in the movies. He was really animated and passionate about my case. His military background is a big asset, and he really helped me out. I would highly recommend him. “

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“ We hired Leah M. Baldacci for a family law case and she was so extremely helpful and got me through my case. She’s very professional and takes the time to listen to her clients. She’s a wonderful advocate and a fantastic attorney. If you’re looking for a great attorney, I recommend Leah. Thank you so much for your legal help. “

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“ I’ve hired Steve for two cases, and I am very pleased with my decision. He fights for his clients and strives for the best outcome. His entire staff is pleasant and wonderful to work with. “

Amber

“ I hired Steve for a parental rights case involving my 2 children. He was aggressive but supportive and did not file unnecessary motions that wasted my retainer. I was terrified of court, but with his experience, I felt at ease. The process was explained, and his staff was great as well. I would hire him again if needed and received a great outcome with an order that works for me and my children. “

Handled my Parental Rights Case with Ease

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Military Pensions and The Former Spouses Protection Act

September 27, 2022

Military Pensions and The Former Spouses Protection Act

Steve recently won an interesting “omitted property” case involving a divorce from 1984. The parties divorced while the husband was in the military just after Congress passed The Former Spouses Protection Act (FSPA) (10 U.S.C. § 1408). The FSPA provided for the division of military pensions in divorce, it took a few years for the full impact to get out to the wider legal community. As the client’s divorce was just after the passage of the FSPA, the military pension was not included in the divorce. Decades passed and the client approached us about obtaining her share of her former spouse’s military pension. We filed under Maine’s omitted property statute (19-A M.R.S.A. § 953) which states that:

“if a final divorce decree fails to set apart or divide marital property over which the courts had jurisdiction the immediate property is deemed held by both parties as tenants-in-common on the notion of either party, the court may set aside or divide the omitted property between the parties as justice may require.”

After a fight, the other side conceded, and our client is now receiving her just share of the pension.

Previous Case Outcomes

CHILD CUSTODY

Result: Client Granted Custody

Our firm successfully obtained custody for our client who had worries for his children’s safety when they were with their mother. Our lawyers were successful in moving the children away from the mother’s unsafe environment and permanently into the father’s care.

RELOCATION

Result: Blocked Relocation

We represented a father whose ex-spouse was attempting to move out of state with their two children to slightly advance in her professional career. The father’s close relationship with his children would have been disrupted.

ALIMONY

Result: Enforced Alimony, Attorney’s Fees & Court Costs

The ex-husband of our client was not complying with the provisions of their marital agreement and was not paying alimony. Our attorneys were able to get a court order to enforce the alimony award as well as have the ex-spouse cover the attorney fees and court costs.

What Our Clients Say

I received a copy of my son's appeal prepared by Carl E. Woock. I cannot tell you how relieved I am to read this appeal.…

Client of Carl Woock

Has a ton of experience. Knows the court and the other attorney which should be helpful.

Mindy V.

He is a wonderful attorney, and I definitely recommend him. Thank you very much for your help & support, Steve!

Kim T.

Contacted me promptly & provided professional & extremely useful info which allowed me to have a better understanding of the legal context of the issue.

Jan A.

A+, very helpful & understanding. I'm sure he could've charged much more. I will go to him again if I ever have a legal issue.

Charlie P.

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Military Pensions and The Former Spouses Protection Act

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Stephen “Steve” C. Smith, Esq.

John “Jack” E. Baldacci, Jr., Esq.

Leah M. Baldacci, Esq.

Ian M. L’Heureux, Esq.

Carl E. Woock, Esq.