Russell Knight isn’t your typical divorce attorney. Based in Chicago with an additional office in Naples, Florida, Russell has built his practice around one singular focus: family law. By narrowing his expertise, he’s been able to take on complex custody and business valuation cases with a precision that most attorneys never achieve. He shares how advanced trial training flipped a custody case in his client’s favor and why knowing the ins and outs of business valuation can mean the difference between losing everything or keeping your business free and clear.
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The Custody Case That Changed Everything
Early in his career, Russell realized that family law trials weren’t being handled with the rigor of other legal fields. Many attorneys relied on loose procedures, leaving openings that could decide a case.
That all changed when Russell attended the National Family Law Trial Institute, an intensive program where he practiced full trials against actors playing parents and was coached by some of the nation’s best family law attorneys.
When he returned to court in Chicago, he applied what he had learned: strict evidence rules, confident objections, and an airtight presentation. The result? A guardian ad litem switched custody to his client mid-trial. A complete turnaround from what had been a 50/50 toss-up.
For Russell, it wasn’t just a win. It was proof that preparation and mastery of the process can completely alter the outcome of a case.
The Business Valuation That Disappeared
Divorce doesn’t just split families, it often entangles businesses. Valuing those businesses is rarely straightforward. Unlike cars or houses, there’s no “Kelley Blue Book” for small companies. Experts often use formulas that combine multiple valuation methods, which can be confusing even for judges.
Russell recalled a case where the opposing side brought in an expert to value his client’s insurance brokerage. Instead of presenting a clear, market-based valuation, the expert layered complicated calculations that lost the judge’s interest.
In the end, the judge decided the business had no real value, leaving Russell’s client with the company intact, essentially winning it for free.
For business owners, the lesson is clear: the way value is presented in court can matter more than the actual numbers.
Why Postnups Could Save Businesses
Russell also emphasized a proactive step too few business owners consider: postnuptial agreements. While prenups often get the spotlight, postnups allow couples to agree on how a business should be valued if divorce ever happens.
By defining the method ahead of time, whether it’s years of revenue, EBITDA, or a percentage blend of valuation models. Couples can avoid costly disputes later. It turns a courtroom battle into a simple calculation.
As Russell pointed out, this type of foresight not only protects the business but also reduces emotional stress during an already difficult process.
Lessons for Entrepreneurs and Professionals
What do Russell’s cases reveal to small business owners, entrepreneurs, and marketers?
- Specialization builds authority. Focusing deeply on one area makes you a trusted expert.
- Preparation beats improvisation. Mastering the details, whether in law or business, turns uncertainty into confidence.
- Presentation shapes perception. How you deliver facts often matters more than the facts themselves.
- Proactive planning pays off. Just as a postnup can save a business, forward-thinking strategies protect your investments.
Russell Knight’s story is more than just courtroom drama. It’s a lesson in strategy, focus, and preparation that entrepreneurs can apply in their own ventures.
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