Divorce When Spouses Own a Business Together: Legal and financial Issues in spouses owned businesses

Christy A. Zlatkus | Z Family Law

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been invested in the impact family dynamics have on our lives. Maybe it was watching friends of mine deal with the divorce of their parents growing up or my enduring belief in the importance of having a reliable support system to lean on, but along the way, guiding families throughout times of transition became my life’s calling.

Prior to starting Z Family Law, I graduated from the University of Maryland with two Bachelor of Arts degrees in May 2006 and then went on to pursue my Juris Doctor from George Washington University. With law school behind me, I served two years as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Sherrie L. Krauser in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, before transitioning to another family law firm, where I spent eight years.

It was at this point in my career when, for reasons both personal and professional, I recognized the need for a different kind of family law firm, one dedicated to building strong families through compassionate, steadfast counsel with a focus on keeping a positive mindset through challenging times.

Today, I’ve assembled a qualified team that empowers every client to make informed decisions about their future when it matters most — driven by a clear understanding of the process from start to finish. Together, we help families restructure and grow during times of uncertainty, arming each of our clients with the emotional, financial, and legal tools necessary to safeguard their legal interests and pursue their life goals. At Z Family Law, we match the passion and knowledge we bring to our work with a defining emphasis on the client journey. The way we see it, in a discipline as personal as family law, it’s our responsibility to get to know the people at the heart of each case, tailor the resulting strategy to their distinct needs, and inspire every client to recast themselves as the leading character in their own story.

As an extension of my role as the firm’s Founder and CEO, I’m committed to finding strategic, effective solutions for the families I serve. To that end, I’m licensed to practice in Maryland, and am a member of the Bar Association of Montgomery County, the Bar Association of Frederick County, and the Maryland State Bar Association. In addition, I was selected to join the prestigious Montgomery County, Maryland Bar Foundation Bar Leaders in 2016. I also participate in the Montgomery County, Maryland American Inn of Court and was a member of the 2016-2017 Bar Association for Montgomery County’s Maryland Leadership Development Academy. Since 2018, I’ve been licensed to practice in the District of Columbia, and in 2017, I was admitted to practice in the United States Supreme Court.

Of course, I wouldn’t be where I am today without all the people who have helped me along the way, which is why I give back to the family law community every chance I get. My extracurricular pursuits include: serving as a former co-chair of the Montgomery County Bar Foundation’s Continuing Legal Education Committee, creating an Advanced Litigation Symposium, teaching basic family law training courses, and supporting sitting judges in Montgomery County, where the bulk of my cases unfold.

At the end of the day, there are a multitude of amazing attorneys working throughout the DC Metro Area, and I truly want every family to find the right fit for their needs. The people that choose to work with my team? They’re seeking a dedicated partner who will be by their side throughout the entirety of their case and beyond. No matter what family transition you’re facing, know this: whether it means settling before trial or bringing your case all the way to the Supreme Court, with my team here to guide you, the best is yet to come.

When I’m not working for my clients or supporting the family law community, you can find me messing around in my kitchen with new recipes, curling up with a good book, hosting friends and family for dinner parties, working out, and spoiling my two American Cocker Spaniels, Lily and Hannah and my two cats, Chloe and Emma. A current resident of Rockville, I first visited the DC area in 5th grade to march for dolphin-safe tuna, and knew it would be my home someday. 7 years later, I officially made the move, and I haven’t left since!

Maura Lynch | Z Family Law

I first discovered the power of advocacy as a force for positive change during my undergraduate years at Loyola College. Ever since then, I’ve dedicated my career to helping families and individuals in need navigate life’s most trying times.

After graduating from college and earning my Juris Doctor from the University of Baltimore Law School, I worked for the Office of the Public Defender in Prince George’s County, Maryland, for five years. From there, I went on to become an Assistant Public Defender in Montgomery County, where my caseload spanned everything from misdemeanors to serious felonies, including child neglect and abuse cases, homicides, and sexual assault matters.
Throughout my six years in the Office of the Public Defender, I participated in approximately 50 jury trials and innumerable bench trials. I later served as Assistant State’s Attorney for Montgomery County, Maryland, and as a prosecutor, I tried approximately 100 jury trials and countless others before a judge. In 2010, I moved into private practice and expanded my horizons, transitioning from an exclusive focus on Criminal Law to include family, juvenile, and guardianship matters.

Ultimately, I found my way to Z Family Law, a firm whose innovative outlook and collaborative style aligns with my own beliefs and values. Over the course of my career, I’ve learned that the division of families isn’t best approached through an adversarial lens — but rather by way of a holistic strategy that protects the best interests of those involved. From victims of domestic violence to families in transition, I look forward to helping every client rebuild their faith in the future with this dedicated team by my side.

I am passionate about giving back to my community, and speak frequently at local schools to educate teens about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. When I’m not advocating for my clients, chances are, you’ll find me perfecting my serve out on the tennis court, or writing.

I. Proving Ownership of a Business | 12:00pm – 12:20pm

II. Valuation of the Business | 12:20pm – 12:40pm

III. Post-Divorce Options | 12:40pm – 1:00pm

Break | 1:00pm – 1:10pm

IV. The Financial Impact of a Buyout on Alimony and Monetary Awards | 1:10pm – 1:40pm

V. What Happens When More Than Just the Spouses Own the Business | 1:40pm – 2:10pm