Contents
Chapter 18
Overview
Naomi meets Ezra Fletcher in his shabby office and is initially doubtful, but his confidence and strategy win her over. Ezra calls the prenup flawed and warns New York’s no-fault law limits infidelity claims. He urges Naomi to secure finances and custody. Naomi commits to moving forward with the divorce.
Summary
Naomi arrives at Ezra Fletcher’s rundown office and, despite the sketchy building and his disheveled appearance, sits down for a consultation. Ezra’s cluttered, paper-stacked office initially undermines her confidence, but his assertive explanation of another case signals competence.
After confirming Jeremy emptied the joint accounts, Ezra criticizes Jeremy’s tactics and asks for the prenup. Naomi admits she signed it without counsel, trusting Jeremy. Ezra reviews it, calls it a mess unlikely to hold, and suggests coercion concerns could weaken it.
Naomi discloses Jeremy’s affair, hoping it might help. Ezra expresses sympathy but explains New York’s no-fault rules limit its impact. He stresses priorities: securing funds to provide a stable home and pursuing a favorable custody arrangement so Jeremy cannot steamroll her.
Confronted with practical realities, Naomi agrees to move forward with the divorce despite her lingering hope about the marriage. Ezra commits to the case with confidence, and they begin, his enthusiasm spilling into a chaotic paper avalanche that closes the meeting.
Who Appears
- Naomi RothProtagonist; consults Ezra, shares prenup and affair details, and decides to proceed with the divorce.
- Ezra FletcherDisheveled but confident lawyer; reviews the prenup, explains no-fault limits, and urges Naomi to protect money and custody.
- Jeremy RothOffstage husband; emptied accounts and served divorce papers, driving Naomi to seek legal help.
- Stefanie GormanOffstage friend/ally; referred Naomi to Ezra after top firms were pre-retained.