Forshey launched Raleigh Divorce Law Firm in 2010. The five-lawyer firm handles a broad spectrum of family law matters, including divorce, domestic issues, adoptions, and appeals of family law issues. The firm represents clients in Wake, Durham, Orange, Franklin, and Harnett Counties.

Forshey is a board-certified family law specialist and also holds certifications as a family financial mediator and a parenting coordinator.

“Our brand is quality, honesty and integrity,” said Forshey. “I feel that we are very honest with clients about what we believe is realistic and what we can realistically do for them. We use a comprehensive, solutions-driven approach. Cases don’t end in the courtroom when the judge issues a decision. In custody cases, that family system has to learn how to function together in some form or fashion.

“Part of the lawyer’s responsibility is not just walking out when the final order is done. I feel like it is the responsibility of the lawyer to advocate for resources for the family, whether it’s a parenting coordinator, a skilled clinician, family therapy, evaluations that need to happen or special needs that need to be addressed. And I guess to me that is what sets us apart.

“I try to explain to people that being irrational is not helping them,” Forshey continued. “I think when I can connect with someone who is taking that kind of position or maybe wanting it internally, thinking that that’s the kind of outcome they want to achieve, it’s often helpful to step back and build the connection with them.

“My job as a lawyer is not to just be a mouthpiece for people’s feelings and emotions on a whim. It’s not that I’m not doing a dutiful and good job as an advocate. I’m trying to help people come to their own conclusions that what they are telling me they want, may not, in fact, be aligned with what their ultimate goals and objectives are, which is to move on to a happier chapter of their life.”

But despite the urging by attorneys and judges to mediate a settlement, Forshey said there are times when a client insists on going to court.

“For some people, settlement is not going to bring them the emotional closure that they need to leave it behind. When I’m in mediation, I don’t tell my client or opposing counsel, ‘The judge is absolutely going to do this, so we just need to push the other side to do XY or Z.’ That doesn’t sit well with people, and I think sometimes they have to go through that experience themselves of having their day in court and seeing it play out in order to be able to move on.”

In some high-conflict divorces the equitable distribution of assets can be a flashpoint. “If there is a business or multiple businesses, the challenge is valuation. The same applies to assets such as restricted stock units or deferred compensation. When you start valuing assets like that, a more in-depth analysis often needs to occur. Because we’re looking at not just the asset, but when it can be divided, how it can be divided, and then what are the tax implications.”