I’m glad you’re here.

For over 18 years, I’ve worked with families raising children with disabilities. Again and again, I have seen how divorce left these families not only emotionally stretched, but financially uncertain—especially when it came to long-term caregiving and future planning. That’s why I founded Hortin Divorce Services to help families navigate life’s most difficult transitions with clarity, compassion, and confidence.

But my passion for this work isn’t just professional. It’s deeply personal.

After completing three years of service as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army in Nuremberg, Germany, I began a career as a financial advisor in 1987. I witnessed firsthand how comprehensive planning could bring peace of mind and financial independence to families from all walks of life.

Then our story took a turn.

In 1989, our son Joseph was born. On his eighth day of life, he went into cardiac failure and was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect. Our lives quickly revolved around medical care—surgeries, hospital stays, NG tube feedings—and a family-wide commitment to keeping him well. Joe was deeply loved by us all, including his two older sisters. In 1994, during his third open heart surgery, he passed away. We were devastated.

A year later, we learned we were expecting our fifth child, Carrie. She was prenatally diagnosed with a similar heart condition. Her journey has included multiple surgeries, a spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, and more—but with unwavering family support, Carrie became a thriving Occupational Therapy Assistant (CODA). Her strength continues to inspire us.

In 2006, I discovered special needs planning—and everything clicked. When I shared it with my wife Pam, she said, “I wish there had been someone like that when we were going through those difficult times.” That moment became my mission.

I completed certification through the MassMutual SpecialCare^® program and became a Special Care Planner. In 2012, I earned the Chartered Special Needs Consultant^® (ChSNC^®) designation through the American College of Financial Services—the only designation in the financial services industry focused solely on special needs planning.