In the divorce process, but haven’t filed your 2018 tax return? Your soon-to-be ex-spouse says the “best” way to file is Joint; but best for who? Are you being pressured to file jointly but negotiations are not being conducted in good faith? When you file and how you file can [...]
As discussed in Part 1, neglecting estate planning may lead to assets that you secured with the divorce settlement being distributed to people and organizations that you do not desire after your death. Part 2 will discuss Naming a Guardian for Minors, Beneficiary Designations, and Powers of Attorney. […]
Divorce can be very upsetting emotionally, so you may not even have thought about your will during this stressful time. Unfortunately, neglecting estate planning may lead to assets that you secured with the divorce settlement being distributed to undesired people and organizations after your death. Your ex-spouse may end up being a beneficiary unless you [...]
As discussed in Part 2, compatibility is perhaps the most important factor in selecting the divorce attorney right for you. Part 3 will complete this article by discussing several other factors to consider before making the final choice of a divorce attorney. Relevant Experience and Reputation Determined by the residence of the divorcing couple, divorce [...]
Divorcing couples are typically counseled to make an effort to negotiate a fair divorce settlement agreement. Although the division of assets can be made to appear mathematically equal, it may still not seem fair for one of the parties. In addition, how does the law determine what is equitable? The following will discuss several obstacles [...]
Ending a marriage is always a difficult decision, and once both spouses decide to divorce, there will be other important decisions to be made, many with long-term financial impacts. When you consult with a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA), the analyst will provide comprehensive guidance regarding the financial matters involved when a marriage is dissolved. [...]
The U.S. divorce rate had dropped for three years in a row, dipping to its lowest mark in almost 40 years in 2016. However, the financial effects from divorce remain as devastating as ever. Depending on the state where you and your spouse reside, the average cost is from $15,000 to $20,000. If you are [...]
As mentioned in Part 1, divorce can be devastating on finances. Being knowledgeable about your obligations and rights can decrease the costs and lessen the anguish of divorce. Part 2 will discuss Division of Property and Financial Impact. Division of Property Without a prenuptial agreement, state divorce laws determine how assets will be divided. Arizona, [...]
Divorce settlement agreements specify who will be claiming the dependency exemption; and that exemption can be released in future years. Some tax breaks, for example the Child Care Credit, belong to the custodial parent even if that parent releases the exemption to the noncustodial parent. But what happens to the parent who pays child support [...]
Going it alone or excluding a Financial Divorce Analyst from your divorce team can lead to bad decisions that will have a negative impact on your future financial security. Here's a short list of the potentially worst decisions that individuals have made and continue to make as emotions take hold. 1. Trading your share [...]
