What IS Girl’s Night Out?
If you’ve been around for a little while (you know, kind of scoping us out to see who we are and what we’re about), you’ve probably seen that we have an event series called Girl’s Night Out.
But what is it? Should you go? Would you feel weird if you did? Is it just a bunch of people, sitting around, harping on and on about divorce? (Because that doesn’t sound like very much fun to anyone, I’m sure, including me, and I often sit around harping on and on about divorce. Occupational hazard, I’m afraid.)
I’m so glad you asked, though, and you’re totally in the right place! If you’re thinking about coming to Girl’s Night Out, I wanted to explain it a little bit, and give you some more background. On the surface, I think it’s all pretty explanatory – after all, we’re a law firm that represents women only in divorce, custody, and support matters, and we have these social get togethers.
But who actually comes to Girl’s Night Out?
Girl’s Night Out was designed by our former managing partner, Kristen Hofheimer. She felt like she was constantly hearing her clients complain about how they lost their friends as part of the divorce. Sometimes, it happens with mutual friends of a couple; they just sort of drift apart as the relationship crumbles. It happens, too, though (and I think this is what is surprising to some people) to your regular, non-couple friends.
Whether it happens because they are tired of hearing about nothing but your divorce (hey, it’s important, and you’ve got to talk about it!), they just don’t know what to say to you about it, or you’re just going in different directions now and it’s hard to find the same common ground you once had, friendships end during divorces. Or, at least, they take a temporary hiatus. Or, possibly, it’s YOU who is looking for someone new that you have a little more in common with.
So, anyway, Girl’s Night Out was born. It was created as a way for our current, former, and prospective clients to find each other and form new friendships. We go, too, of course – most of our attorneys are present at each event, as well as many of our staff. We’re there to help provide the buffer; to perform introductions, to help wallflowers integrate into the group, and to just be that helpful friendly face.
Is it a chance to ask my legal questions to my attorney?
No. It’s a social event! Though divorce does sometimes come up in conversation (as in, “I’m going through this right now”), it’s not an opportunity to discuss your case in any detail, or to ask any legal questions. Our attorneys are there in a social capacity, too! We like to keep it fun and upbeat, and that’s hard to do amid questions like, “But how much of the retirement will I get?”
There’s a time and a place for legal questions, too, though, and we understand that there are issues that are keeping you lying awake at night, worrying. If you’ve got questions about your divorce, consider requesting a copy of one of our free books or attending a seminar where you can ask your questions to an attorney before you even come in for an initial consultation. If you’d like an initial consultation, though, we can do that, too – just give our office a call at 757-425-5200 to schedule something.
I don’t think I’m ever going to hire your firm. Can I still come?
Yes. You don’t have to actually hire us (or plan to) in order to come to Girl’s Night Out. In case you hadn’t noticed already, we do a LOT in the interest of empowering and educating women. It’s just something we’re passionate about.
Whether you’re hoping to reconcile with your husband, represent yourself in your divorce or custody case, or hire a different law firm entirely, that’s fine. We’re no pressure. No one will ask you and, unless you bring it up, it won’t come up in conversation.
I’m scared to come alone. Can I bring a friend?
Yup. I get it. I wouldn’t want to go to an event alone, either. I’m friendly, but I’m also an introvert – so it’s definitely my tendency to hang back a bit in a room full of strangers. If you’re like me, bring a friend. It has to be a woman (hey, it’s Girl’s Night Out), but otherwise, anyone is welcome. She doesn’t have to be divorced or divorcing or anything like that. Just bring someone along! We’ll treat her to a drink and some food, too.
Also, on that subject…
How much does Girl’s Night Out cost? I’m on a budget right now, with my divorce and all.
It’s FREE! I feel like I make that clear all the time, but I’ve still had people tell me they just can’t afford a night out right now.
Alright, it’s true, we don’t pay for your gas – so there may be a small cost to you. But we do provide food and drinks for you (and your friends!), at no cost. If you want something specific, have specific dietary restrictions or allergies, or want more drinks than we provide, you’re always welcome to open a tab and get whatever you like. But we provide the basics, and you’re welcome to them!
Where are Girl’s Night Out events?
A good question! We rotate all over. We have offices in Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, and Newport News, so we have events in lots of cities nearby – Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Hampton, Newport News, etc., etc. If the next event isn’t nearby you and you just don’t want to brave the tunnel, just wait – the next one will likely be closer!
Where can I find out when and where the next event will be?
Click here to check our website. You can register on the page to attend, too. You don’t HAVE to register, but it does help us determine how much food, etc., to order – so, if you don’t mind, I’d be a big help to me. (There’s nothing worse than planning food for 40 and then 60 hungry women turn up, and you’re scrambling to try to get more food ordered and out!)
You can also visit our Girl’s Night Out Facebook page for more information, pictures of recent events, and to connect with the other girls in the group in between events!
I hope you’ll join us. It really is a lot of fun and definitely no pressure. For more information, visit our website or give us a call at 757-425-5200.