Sharing your emotions and physical affection with the one you love comes naturally for most of us early in the marriage. But, even in this honeymoon stage, when it comes to finances and money, many spouses typically hold their cards close to the chest and avoid difficult discussions on the topic. If you haven’t kept up with the family financial details and want to avoid future surprises, suspicion … [Read more...]
Dividing assets equitably in a divorce can get complicated
If you are facing divorce, it pays to know as much as possible about your marital assets and finances. In today's complex financial landscape, it is increasingly difficult to assess the value of marital assets in a divorce. The characteristics of assets can vary tremendously, and each family has unique needs and goals. Navigating your finances in order to work out an equitable and fair … [Read more...]
Civil service pensions and divorce
Retirement and pension plans can be the largest marital asset to divide in a divorce in terms of value. This is especially true in cases of long-term marriages. And equitably dividing these financial assets in a divorce can be quite complicated, depending on each couple's individual situation. For example, if one or both spouses in a divorce is a current or retired federal employee of the U.S. … [Read more...]
Spousal and Child Support During Divorce
Dealing with the Spouse It is especially important to be business-like with your spouse, since emotions can interfere with negotiations. Don’t let old battles rekindle. Refuse to continue a meeting that degenerates into a battle. While you want to be clear about what is important to you, try not to make your demands excessive. Never use your children as a pawn to hurt the spouse or draw … [Read more...]
Finding hidden assets and debts in a divorce isn’t as spooky as you think
I am often asked to help divorcing individuals track down potential assets or debts of their spouses during a divorce. It can be an arduous job, sifting through piles of paper -- pouring over bank statements, credit cards bills, and tax records. In the past, I have had to rely primarily on traditional tools-of-the-trade and my own experience in order to sniff out hidden monies or debts, … [Read more...]
Social Security and divorce
Decisions about filing for Social Security benefits will affect you financially for the rest of your life. And if you have gotten divorced in the past, or are preparing for divorce now, you may qualify to receive Social Security on the work record of your ex-spouse, and later on your own work record, if you qualify under the current rules of choosing which benefits to file for and when. You must … [Read more...]
What happens to the family home in a divorce?
The question of what happens to “the house” in a divorce is often one that requires careful consideration. In my experience, this issue is often clouded by emotions that can get in the way of the couple, or one spouse, making the best financial decision. I advise my clients to pause, set aside emotions and objectively consider all the significant, interrelated factors before deciding on what … [Read more...]
What is an equitable divorce settlement?
I am often asked to help divorcing individuals and couples determine how to equitably divide their marital estate. This may seem to be cut-and-dry, but it rarely is. For one, many people believe that the court will automatically divide a couple's assets 50/50 in a divorce. This a myth. The Texas Family Code (the laws on divorce) uses the words “just and right” when dividing community assets … [Read more...]
Is your spouse hiding assets, income or debt?
I If you are currently in a dysfunctional marriage, or considering divorce, you may be wondering if your spouse could be hiding assets, income or debts from you. Sadly, your fears are not that unusual. In fact, financial mischief is fairly widespread among couples today, even if they are not in the process of divorce. According to a study conducted by The National Endowment for … [Read more...]
Hiring the right financial expert to help with your divorce
Most couples seeking divorce are aware that they will likely require help from a divorce attorney. Fewer couples realize that as they enter the nuts-and-bolts of the divorce process, they will have many questions about the financial side of divorce. Questions such as: Who will pay for their children’s education and medical treatment?How do we calculate the value our assets?How should we divide … [Read more...]
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