Health insurance is the most important kind of insurance coverage a person carries. There are more bankruptcies because of medical bills than from any other cause. This is an extremely important financial issue for couples facing divorce. Securing health insurance coverage for both spouses, and any children, is clearly something that should be included in a divorce … [Read more...]
Dividing 401(k) savings, corporate benefits and pension funds in a divorce
If you and your spouse are considering, or are in the process of divorce, and one or both of you has corporate or civil service benefits, or a 401(k) savings and/or pension plan, part of the division of these marital assets will involve the drafting of a QDRO, or Qualified Domestic Relations Order. It is important that you understand how this works. QDROs are documents mandated by federal law … [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...]
Don’t fight over pots and pans
As a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, I consider my primary focus to be one of helping divorcing individuals and couples sort out and divide the marital estate in an equitable manner. This typically requires gathering all financial documents and statements with regard to all assets and debts. This includes the couple’s savings accounts, retirement accounts, credit card statements, brokerage … [Read more...]
Divorce and long-term care insurance
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...]
Divorce and Company Bonuses
An often overlooked community property asset to be equitably divided in a Texas divorce settlement is any company or employer bonus given to one or both of the spouses involved in a divorce. Sometimes attorneys fail to address the community nature of bonuses. Or, they forget to ask if either spouse typically receives, or is expected to receive, an annual or other type of bonus as part of his or … [Read more...]
Your divorce may require the assistance of a financial expert
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 your … [Read more...]