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Patricia Barrett CFP CDFA

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You are here: Home / Archives for Patricia Barrett

Post-Divorce Allocation, Earnings, Appreciation & Contributions

May 17, 2017 By Patricia Barrett

Immediate Steps As soon as you are notified of the plans involved in the property settlement, it is advisable to contact the Plan Administrator immediately to give notice of the impending divorce and division of assets. Ask them to avoid making distributions prior to receipt of the DRO, if possible, and to be aware of any sudden shift in asset allocation that would be detrimental to the Alternate … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Articles, Divorce Planning

Preparing financially for divorce will help avoid costly pitfalls

May 17, 2017 By Patricia Barrett

Divorce can be a long and arduous process once it gets started. If you can buy some time before you file, doing your homework ahead of time may produce big dividends. Read books and learn all you can about the divorce laws in your state. Timing your divorce may also be financially wise. Meeting with a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst such as myself also can provide you with a deeper … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Divorce Planning, Financial Planning

PWBA – Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration

May 17, 2017 By Patricia Barrett

PWBA Booklet: The Department of Labor, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, QDROs publishes a booklet entitled The Division of Pensions Through Qualified Domestic Relations Orders. The PWBA booklet’s mandate to benefit plans encourages them to be helpful in working with attorneys, Alternate Payees, participants, courts and State IV-D Agencies. Detailed procedures are outlined, including … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Divorce Planning

Your divorce may require the assistance of a financial expert

May 17, 2017 By Patricia Barrett

Given the complexities of today’s financial landscape, it may be in your best interest to consider securing specific expertise to help you sort out and evaluate the financial aspects of your divorce. One important thing to remember is that most family law attorneys, even when experienced in divorce, are not trained to address financially complicated divorce issues. As a key participant in … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Divorce Planning, Financial Planning Tagged With: certified divorce financial analyst, divorce finances, divorce financial planning, divorce settlement, Texas divorce

The five most common myths regarding divorce finances in Texas

May 17, 2017 By Patricia Barrett

1. Myth: Assets are always divided 50/50 Fact: Texas divorce law does not support the common belief of splitting marital assets 50/50 The State of Texas requires a “just and equitable” division of property. A 50/50 settlement is rarely appropriate and should never be implemented without expert advice, and ideally, using an analysis of the situation by a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Divorce Planning, Financial Planning Tagged With: alimony in Texas, certified divorce financial analyst, divorce, divorce finance, home value in divorce

QDRO – One Document That Can Rule Your Life

May 17, 2017 By Patricia Barrett

The Complete QDRO Handbook by Carrad PWBA Booklet: The Department of Labor, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, QDROs publishes a booklet entitled The Division of Pensions Through Qualified Domestic Relations Orders. The PWBA booklet’s mandate to benefit plans encourages them to be helpful in working with attorneys, Alternate Payees, participants, courts and State IV-D Agencies. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Articles, Divorce Planning

Divorcing couples may qualify for a tax break on home sale gains

May 17, 2017 By Patricia Barrett

In many divorces, couples end up selling the family home — before, during or shortly after the divorce — in an effort to practically adjust to post-divorce lifestyles and expenses. In order to avoid paying federal income tax on the gain on a home sale, divorcing couples should explore their options — preferably before the divorce is final — to use the federal income tax exclusion. Depending on … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Divorce Planning, Financial Planning Tagged With: divorce finance, divorce financial planning, Divorce Planning

When Can a Couple Use One Lawyer?

May 17, 2017 By Patricia Barrett

Nolo.com There's an exception to the rule that one lawyer may not work for both divorcing spouses. Joint representation is allowed when: the clients agree on the major issues the clients are confident they can work out the minor issues the clients understand that the lawyer cannot fully represent both under the circumstances the clients have agreed to this in writing, and the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Articles, Divorce Planning

What is collaborative divorce in Texas?

May 17, 2017 By Patricia Barrett

Couples facing divorce may want to explore a relatively new option for legally ending marriage in Texas called collaborative divorce. This approach emphasizes cooperation over confrontation, and problem-solving over grievance-airing. It was developed as a way to minimize conflicts and the emotional anguish of a traditional divorce process, especially when children are involved. In a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Divorce Planning

Consider insurance needs as part of divorce agreement

May 17, 2017 By Patricia Barrett

Negotiating an equitable divorce agreement can be complicated. There are many issues to consider. In my experience, an often neglected or overlooked area is the insurance needs of both individuals, post-divorce. Both individuals will likely need medical, automobile, homeowner’s/renter’s, life and ideally, long-term care insurance. And if there are any children involved, their insurance needs … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Divorce Planning

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From Our Blog

Buying a house together before marriage

Buying a house together before marriage

If you are beginning a new chapter in your life with a new partner, managing money may be the last thing on your mind. But it should be one of the first things you both consider as you begin to direct … [Read More...]

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Information provided in this website is not meant to be construed as legal advice and does not necessarily predict decisions that will eventually be made by a court of law. It is strongly recommended that you consult competent legal advice if your divorce includes children or property issues.

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