If you are considering a divorce, you may be ecstatic, scared, relieved or miserable, depending on the circumstances and your own outlook. One thing for sure though, is that the divorce is going to cost quite a bit of money. The more your net worth, typically, the more expensive the divorce. The more attorneys are involved, the higher the cost. For the affluent, the cost is usually $50,000 to a … [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...]
During COVID-19, divorcing couples turn to Early Intervention Mediation
As we continue to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic and its grip on our nation, couples facing divorce have hit a road block as many family courts have been closed during the lockdown. While Texas family courts are just beginning to open up electronically, cases in the queue are backing up rapidly. In addition, family law firms and staffs are still scrambling to stay operational during the … [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...]
Long-term care insurance and divorce
Being financially prepared for the possibility that you could require long-term care is an important part of retirement planning. Yet, too many people hope for the best and don’t give this much thought. Our rapidly aging population, lengthening longevity and unpredictable health care costs highlight the need for long-term care insurance. So, couples getting a divorce, especially those approaching … [Read more...]
Preparing financially for divorce will help avoid costly pitfalls
Doing your financial homework before you file for divorce can help you avoid a host of potentially costly pitfalls. Learn all you can about the divorce laws in your state and consider engaging a team of experts to get you through. The timing your divorce may also play a role in the financial outcome of your divorce. Meeting with a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, such as myself, also can … [Read more...]
Hello clients, friends and colleagues! Goodbye #HurricaneHarvey!
I hope each of you came through Hurricane Harvey unscathed, but I know many of us did not. My heart goes out to those of you whose homes, cars and property were affected or destroyed by flood waters that blanketed the greater Houston area. I am one of the fortunate ones whose home was not flooded. Yet, like many of you, my daily life is still being affected by high water in many places to the … [Read more...]