According to a survey published in TIME magazine, the average net worth of married couples today, ages 51 to 61, is $132,200. Those who are divorced average only $33,700.
John M. Wood and Paul B. Shaw, Jr., are partners in the Birmingham, Alabama law firm of Wood & Shaw, L.L.C. Their practice is devoted almost exclusively to matrimonial law. John Wood is the author of The Successful Divorce, published in 1997. He graduated from Georgetown University Law School and is the former chairman of the Alabama State Bar Family Law section.
Paul B. Shaw has combined his concentration in family law with his experience in civil and business litigation. Over more than 14 years of practice, he has represented several Fortune 500 companies, some of them based in Birmingham. His business representation and litigation experience helps him deal with large asset or business-based divorce cases and forms much of the basis for this book. Paul is a graduate of the University of Alabama Law School. He has served as co-chairman of the Alabama Family Law section State Bar committee and as a member of that section's executive committee.
John and Paul frequently speak on family law issues at seminars and workshops. Each has been honored by the Birmingham Business Journal as one of the city's Top 40 Under 40, recognizing young leaders in the business and civic arena.