DIVORCE 101
The Modern Woman’s Guide • BEFORE • DURING • AFTER •
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Hi there! We are glad you found us. We are sorry you need us. We know what you are going through and how you are feeling... that is why we created Divorce 101. Just like 50% of adult women, who decide to get married, all of us at Divorce 101 made a hopeful commitment with a belief in love, partnership and happily ever after. Just like 70% of women who decide to marry, we have all contemplated divorce. Does anyone else think the other 30% weren't being completely honest? Just like 51% of all marriages, some of us had marriages that didn't work out... Each divorce is unique to the people involved. There are, however, some shared experiences: • It sucks! • It is super disappointing when things don't work out the way you hoped they would - especially a lifetime commitment that all of your major decisions have revolved around. • Even when you are ready to move on or are the one initiating the break-up, the sense of loss and regret can be overwhelming. As unique as each experience is, so is the process of coping and moving on. However, there are a few unifying factors: • It's nice to have one place to turn to for all the information and resources you need - especially when you're in the middle of a major life-changing event. • It's really nice if you can access the information at any time of the day or night. • When you're ready to move beyond shock or pain, it's nice to connect with resources and support systems to help you find your way. We hope you find the preview issue of Divorce 101 to be a valuable, local resource guide that addresses your specific needs before, during and after divorce. Publishers Maria Polins Kelly Bower
Contributors Sherri K. DeWitt Joryn Jenkins Lisa Marie Jenkins Shandra Valenzuela Marian Yon Maguire Rhonda Sanderford
Creative Direction Design & Layout Loretta Desvernine
©2015 by Divorce 101 Guide™. All rights reserved. Parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted with prior permission from the publishers. Divorce 101 Guide™ is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected retail locations, health and education centers, medical offices, social service providers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally available. Please, contact us if you would like copies for your business or organization. While Divorce 101 Guide™ is not responsible for the products and services advertised, and does not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles, we do welcome your feedback about advertisers and articles. Divorce 101 Guide™ is not responsible for statements made by advertisers and writers or for any consequences arising from omissions or errors. Readers should verify information and research any company with which you are not familiar before using its services. All offers and promotions are valid to the expiration date and terms set by the advertiser. Please contact us if you would like to advertise or submit an article. Divorce 101 Guide™ reserves the right to refuse any advertising for any reason and will not knowingly or intentionally publish any information or advertisement which is misleading to our readers.
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10
Critical Financial Mistakes in Divorce * • 3 UsingYour Lawyer for More Than
Your Legal Work Can Really Cost You
• 1 Becoming a Financial Victim
If you are planning a divorce or you suspect that your spouse is planning a divorce, make copies of financial records - savings, checking and investment accounts; real estate; credit cards; loan documents; tax returns and do an asset inventory. If your spouse might liquidate or retitle marital assets, or accrue debt in joint name, notify the institution in writing and get a restraining order from the court. Watch cash in bank and brokerage accounts, and cash value of life insurance. Without proper documentation, you may rack up costly legal and forensic accounting bills trying to prove that assets were taken or debt was accrued by your spouse alone.
• 2 Not Considering Mediation or Collaborative Divorce
If assets are moderate, joint custody is workable and your spouse is agreeable to a fair settlement, mediation or collaborative divorce can save thousands of dollars in legal fees and emotional aggravation.
No matter how much you want to punish your ex [except in extremely egregious cases] divorce settlements are determined by equitable distribution laws. The divorce process is not going to make your ex pay financially for being a bad person. You’re being billed by the hour. Don’t be chatty or use the time as therapy. Do go in organized, stick to the facts and stay on task. With respect to your legal issues, treat divorce as a business arrangement. Save big by utilizing qualified professionals for everything else (financial advice, emotional support, career advice, etc.). Use the money you save on legal fees for the best revenge: living well after divorce.
• 4 Failing to Recognize Your
Commom Enemy... the I.R.S
Work with a divorce financial planner or tax accountant to minimize the total taxes you and your ex will pay during separation and after divorce. Don't forget, both parties are liable for taxes due as a result of audits on previously filed joint returns.
• 5 Not Understanding Before-Tax Value and After-Tax
Say your spouse handles all the investments and offers to split them 50/50. Sounds fair, right? Make sure you look at the value of your assets on an after-tax basis. Then, decide if you like the deal.
continued on page 16 * Excerpted and edited from Fifteen Critical Financial Mistakes in Divorce by Lee Slater, MBA, CFP®, CDFA™, Association of Divorce Financial Planners, at www.divorceandfinance.org
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SHANDRA V. on FITNESS 10 YEARS IN THE FITNESS AND WELLNESS FIELD NASM Certified Personal Trainer & Certified Sports Nutrition Specialist Livestrong Certified Cancer Wellness Coach As a 45-year-old divorced mother of four, I understand my clients’ unique needs, goals and time constraints. I primarily work with women, 35 and older, that are going through a transition (typically divorce) where they are absolutely ready to get in the best shape of their lives.
STOP FOCUSING ON WHAT YOU CAN’T DO
Talking about making a change is great. Actually taking the first steps to change can be scary. You don’t need to take those first steps alone. In fact, you have a much better chance of success when you work with a supportive team to hold you accountable. Any big goal can be intimidating. When you break it into smaller pieces, it becomes so much simpler. Notice, I did not say easy – it takes work and determination. Start with something simple like drinking 80 ounces of water a day. Over time, small changes add up to amazing transformations! It is not just about working out and watching what you eat. It is about paying attention to the little things – the whys and the triggers. Understanding why you are making the choice to eat something that will make you feel bad or derail your goal is crucial. Having
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START FOCUSING ON WHAT YOU CAN DO.
a good support system is invaluable. Self confidence and self-esteem come from overcoming the things you thought were impossible and saying, “I can control my reactions. I am strong. I believe in myself.” The ShandraVFitness philosophy: We believe in you BEFORE you believe in yourself. The gains you make with us translate into gains in the rest of your life – personal and professional. You WILL NOT say, “Wow, that was a great workout.” You WILL say, “Wow, I am great!” Change your life in just 12 amazing weeks. The Gamer Changer is our unique integrated approach to help you reach your goals. You’ll see, by focusing on your health and wellness, we’ll help you transform other parts of your life too.
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We produce life-long healthy habits by breaking workouts and nutrition down into personalized, achievable steps. WHAT DO I EAT? WHEN DO I EAT?
Our education includes: nutritional guidance, suggested meal plans, recipes, tricks for meal prep, grocery shopping field trips, how to read food labels, proper supplementation and more. ShandraV’s approach is unique because it is not just about exercise and nutrition. It is also about: • Identifying key habits – why and how did you get where you are • Educating with additional seminars and coaches for family and relationships, finances, skincare and more • Rewriting your script for the rest of your life • Projecting the new confident you with advice from a stylist • Celebrating with an incentive group cruise at completion of the program As your body and mind change and rewire, the support system of our team and your new friends – your tribe of positive women with similar experiences and goals – provide the motivation and encouragement to keep you engaged.
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LOOKING FOR A KINDER, GENTLER DIVORCE? Divorce proceedings can be wrought with emotion and angst. While legal action is required, litigation is not. Too often, couples are simply unaware of the many alternatives. If divorce is in your future, you need to understand the options so that you can decide which one is best for you and your family. Understanding your options is an important first step in resolving your divorce as inexpensively, stress-free, and quickly as possible. When I say “courtless,” I mean exactly that; less court. There is no such thing as a “no-court” option.
Seven Courtless Divorce Options *
1
DEFAULT
This is the easiest divorce from most standpoints, except it is rarely possible. There is no communication or negotiation between the spouses. One person wants the divorce; the other spouse either: also wants the divorce, doesn’t care or has disappeared. One spouse files a divorce petition/complaint. The other spouse doesn’t respond to the petition/complaint. The spouse who filed the petition asks the court to enter a “default” judgment and grant the divorce because the other spouse “defaulted” by failing to answer the petition.
2
DO-IT-YOURSELF
We lawyers refer to this option as the Kitchen Table Divorce. You may choose to handle the dissolution of your marriage yourself, without hiring attorneys. If you haven’t been married long, do not have children, and have few assets and liabilities, negotiating an
agreement with your spouse and filing it in court on your own is not terribly difficult, will be the least expensive way to dissolve your marriage, and is the option most folks often choose. Many jurisdictions provide the necessary forms on their court websites. The forms contain specific instructions that are intended to be user-friendly. If you and your soon-to-be-ex are able to complete the forms, your only expense will be the filing fee. And then, in most jurisdictions, one of you must attend a court hearing to obtain the judge’s execution of the final judgment of dissolution of marriage approving your marital settlement agreement. Keep in mind, however, that even in the simplest of divorces, it is a good idea to have an attorney review your agreement before you file it. This brings us to Courtless Option #3. Excerpt from War or Peace: Avoid The Destruction of Divorce by Joryn Jenkins. Order your copy at www.amazon.com and www.openpalmlaw.com or download now from Barnes & Noble at www.bn.com
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KITCHEN-TABLE PLUS
Sometimes, the parties are able to reach an agreement together without the help of any professionals, but it’s too complicated to use a simple form. Sometimes, they believe that they have reached an agreement, but one or both of them want an attorney’s advice before signing anything. Whatever the reason, after the sit-down at the kitchen table, one of them then retains a lawyer who drafts what his client understands to be their settlement agreement. It is often beneficial to hire an attorney even if you and your spouse have reached an agreement in order to have legal eyes review it to let you know if you have left out any important issues. However, the parties must understand that only one of them hired the attorney, and that lawyer represents only that party’s interests. Of course, the other spouse may also retain counsel to review the agreement prepared by the first and to advise him or her of its potential impact on their lives. If the lawyer advises his client that there are provisions that should be added or changed, then Courtless Option #4 may result.
the lawyer and the spouse who is unrepresented (called “pro se”) ultimately reach a settlement agreement, again, the other spouse may then retain counsel to review the agreement prepared by the first and to advise him or her of its potential effects. This may result in Courtless Option #5.
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TWO-LAWYER/TWO SPOUSE NEGOTIATIONS
This alternative is frequently called Cooperative Divorce. Sometimes both spouses retain lawyers to represent them in negotiating the terms of their divorce; sometimes they’ve already completed their kitchen table negotiations but, having both obtained the advice of counsel, have reopened those negotiations. Cooperative divorce is a principles-based dispute resolution process in which both parties are represented by attorneys. It is settlement-focused, but leaves open the possibility of litigation if, and only if, it is absolutely necessary.
Sometimes one spouse hires an attorney before reaching an agreement with the first, but the other does not. Or the lawyer retained by one to review the agreement the couple thought they had reached advises his client that he recommends certain changes. The attorney then negotiates an agreement between the two spouses.
This process utilizes a framework for settlement which, if there are children of the marriage, promotes cooperative co-parenting later. If not, it simply supports the spouses’ efforts to keep their divorce respectful and friendly, for the sake of their families, their mutual friends, and their own senses of self-worth. It reassures clients that their attorneys will try to settle the case. Assuming that both of the lawyers who are retained respect each other and can work well together, it minimizes inefficiency and unnecessary costs while fostering civility and respect between the parties.
Again, the couple must be mindful that the attorney only represents the interests of the party who retained him/her. Assuming that
If the spouses hit a wall in their negotiations in any of the foregoing scenarios, Courtless Option #6 is the next logical alternative.
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ONE-LAWYER/ONE SPOUSE NEGOTIATIONS
6
MEDIATION
Mediation is a dispute resolution process in which an impartial person (the “mediator”) facilitates settlement negotiations between the two spouses. The mediator may be an attorney, a licensed mental health counselor, a certified public accountant, or some other specially-trained professional. The critical elements are that s/he is trained to mediate and neutral; s/he does not represent either spouse. When considering which type of mediator to retain, you should consider the primary issues of your divorce. If you have children or a mentally ill spouse, for example, a counselor may be best because s/he is better trained to understand the developmental stages of children and how to most effectively negotiate with an ill person. If your issues are primarily financial, you may wish to hire a financial professional of some kind. Mediation can be used in any of the alternative situations discussed above, except for Default Divorce. In mediation, the couple, either together or separately, either with counsel or without, sits with the mediator to work out their agreement. If the relationship has become oppositional, then the mediator will often work with both spouses at the same time, albeit shuttling back and forth between them in their separate rooms. Mediation is intended to be interest-based, rather than positional. However, if the parties were not able to achieve their marital settlement agreement through any of the first four negotiation processes described above, it is likely because they are not able to back down from their “positions,” and to identify their “interests” without the help of a very talented mediator.
In any event, an attorney will best understand the legal ramifications of your agreement, and, even if you retain a counselor or financial professional to mediate the details of your divorce between just you two, you may still want to engage a lawyer to review your settlement agreement before it becomes official.
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COLLABORATIVE PROCESS
Collaborative practice is a negotiation process that also occurs outside of court, but is specifically structured to ensure respectful and efficient meetings between the two spouses. The focus and objective of collaborative practice is to produce solutions that meet both parties’ needs, and those of their children, if any, within a safe and confidential setting. Most divorce processes address only the legal and financial separation between the parties. Many times the spouses have already taken care of the emotional element of the dissolution of their marriage. If not, however, the collaborative process enables a couple to end their marriage legally, financially, and emotionally, without sacrificing those relationships that they value most, as so often happens in court. CP is based on three primary principles: the spouses’ pledge not to go to court (i.e. to war); their pledge to an open and transparent, but private and confidential exchange of information; and solutions customized by the parties to account for the highest priorities of the adults, their children, and any other interested parties. In CP, the parties each retain a lawyer, as well as a team of other professionals who are neutral, usually a financial professional, at
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least one mental health professional, and sometimes a child specialist. All CP team members, including the parties’ lawyers, should be specially-trained in the collaborative paradigm, although a team may agree to the parties’ choice of a professional who has not yet been trained collaboratively, if they believe that they can collaborate with the parties’ nominee and that s/he will contribute to a successful collaboration. CP consists of a series of meetings, between each spouse and each neutral professional, between each spouse and his or her attorney, sometimes between both spouses and each neutral professional, and almost always of the full team, referring to all of the professionals, neutrals, lawyers, and both spouses. These meetings are intended to be non-confrontational, and to focus on the shared primary goal of finding acceptable resolution between the spouses. Like the neutral team members, collaborative lawyers are trained to work with one another and the clients to manage communications, to ensure that each client is heard, and to explore each issue and possible solution fully. CP does not rely on court-imposed resolutions but instead permits the parties to negotiate in a safe and structured atmosphere of honesty, cooperation, integrity, and professionalism geared toward the future well-being of the restructured family. The critical element of the collaborative process that distinguishes it from any other is that the collaborative attorneys will withdraw and the spouses must retain separate trial attorneys if any adversarial proceedings ensue. This assures that everyone involved in the process is committed solely to the collaboration and its goals; no one splits his or her attention between collaborating and preparing for possible litigation in the event that the CP is terminated.
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While parties may be more comfortable with the idea that they will not lose their attorneys if they cannot reach a settlement, the fact that the parties in Divorce Options #2-6 can easily choose litigation over settlement means that reaching a settlement is less likely than in the collaborative model. Furthermore, while there are many ethical lawyers out there, many of them simply do not understand that we all have a conflict with our clients; we want to make money and our clients want to save money. The collaborative process eliminates the majority of this conflict by eliminating the lawyer’s ability to “stir the pot,” whether by design or by accident. The lawyer’s sole job in the collaborative model is to help the clients satisfy their interests and settle their divorce. If he fails in that task and the collaboration terminates, then he loses his job. The parties then proceed to Divorce Option #8.
*
TRADITIONAL COURTROOM DIVORCE
Traditional Courtroom Divorce. This is also known as litigation. In spite of the plethora of courtless divorce choices, the traditional divorce method is litigation, primarily because most couples are unaware of these choices. With the advent of the internet, folks are becoming more educated, but, while the vast majority of litigating parties end up settling, many issues are still tried in the courtroom; settlements only come after ceaseless courtroom battles on which countless dollars have been spent and endless time wasted. Rather than trying to settle matters amicably, attorneys file motions for even the simplest of issues. Parties play discovery games, refusing to provide financial documents so that the other side has to chase them down. The process tends to be expensive and hostile. It can destroy families
who are already emotionally taxed and at odds with one another. And it fails to account for the fact that, in family law, once the divorce is finalized, the parties still have to deal with one another if children are involved. The very few studies that have been conducted that compare the collaborative divorce model with the traditional courtroom divorce demonstrate that it: 1) costs less 2) takes less time 3) is private and confidential 4) causes less stress 5) preserves relationships 6) produces customized results by which the former spouses are more likely to abide going forward. Couples who are able to negotiate their own dissolution of marriage agreements, rather
than asking a judge to decide the details of their separation and their post-divorce lives, are more likely to abide by their settlement agreements. They suffer less post-divorce litigation because they “own� their agreements, decisions they have made for themselves. Further, judges are limited to what they can rule, and parties agreeing with each other have more leeway to formulate creative contracts that are more likely to fit their specific and sometimes unique needs. Understanding your options is an important first step in resolving your divorce as inexpensively, stress-free, and quickly as possible. Excerpt from War or Peace: Avoid The Destruction of Divorce by Joryn Jenkins. Order your copy at www.amazon.com and www.openpalmlaw.com or download now from Barnes & Noble at www.bn.com
Changing the Way the World Gets Divorced
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NUTRITION with SHANDRA V. 10 YEARS IN THE FITNESS AND WELLNESS FIELD NASM Certified Personal Trainer & Certified Sports Nutrition Specialist Livestrong Certified Cancer Wellness Coach As a 45-year-old divorced mother of four, I understand my clients’ unique needs, goals and time constraints. I primarily work with women, 35 and older, that are going through a transition (typically divorce) where they are absolutely ready to get in the best shape of their lives.
How many times have you heard, “you are what you eat”? Well, it’s true. Your body is simply a chemical machine that works with the raw materials you give it. You can work out for hours in the gym and if you are not feeding your body correctly you will not get the results you are hoping for.
THE CALORIE COUNTING LIE. If you eat 1,500 calories per day, technically, you could have large fries for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You would be eating mostly fat and carbohydrates with very little protein. How would you feel? Not great. Your skin would be oily, you would have no energy and you would be lacking essential vitamins and minerals. Take the same 1,500 calories and have 5 small meals each with protein, complex carbs, healthy fats and fresh vegetables. You feel great! You look great! You have energy and think clearly!
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3 SIMPLE RULES feel better * look better * think better
1
2
3
DRINK MORE WATER Replace sodas and artificial sweetner drinks with water. Hydrogen and oxygen are essential in the break down and removal of FAT from your system. Often, when you crave something salty, you are dehydrated, not hungry. TRACK YOUR FOOD If you bite it, you write it. Keep track of what you eat, when, why and how you feel – like many of us, you may eat from emotional triggers or reward yourself with food. Adopting this habit is the ONE thing all of my client success stories have in common. PROTEIN WITH EVERY MEAL And no, nuts are not protein – they are fat!
TESTIMONIAL At 52 years old, I felt proud of the energy I had put into my job and raising two teenagers as a single mother. I was experiencing menopause symptoms and not sleeping well. My energy level was down, and my weight was up. S ha
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Now, 6 months later, I realize how little I knew about fitness and healthy eating.
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Shandra encourages without criticizing. During her workouts, even a non-athlete can feel accomplished. The changes she suggested will be part of the way I eat forever. I didn’t diet; I made smarter choices! Shandra has taught me, and inspired me, and changed the way I think about my body. She is directly responsible for helping me feel better, look better and be happier than I could have possibly imagined.
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Andrew Hoek
REALTORÂŽ, J.D., LL.M.
A divorce is a costly and difficult experience that can take all of your focus. Many times in a divorce, mutually owned real estate is one of the largest assets to consider. As both a Realtor and real estate attorney, I can ensure you avoid unneeded headaches pertaining to the purchase or sale of your real estate. Call me today to discuss your specific set of circumstances. Direct 813.690.5650 | Office 813.839.3800 AHoek@smithandassociates.com www.smithandassociates.com
Tampa | St. Petersburg | Clearwater
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WAKE UP, BEAUTY! It’s Not About the Prince and happiness, which is a bottomless pit, a never-ending search. We wait to be discovered, to be rescued, in hopes that we will feel our soul emerge and experience bliss and our happily ever after, we give up our power and the ability to make it happen from within ourselves.
You are a cupcake.
The Prince’s Kiss Brace yourself, because I am about to tell you the true story of Snow White, the one that no one ever told you. Snow White did not wake up when Prince Charming kissed her; she actually went to sleep. It’s true! She went to sleep on herself. Her dreams. Her passions. She believed that romantic love was meant to ignite her own passion and purpose in life. She stopped taking responsibility for her own happiness and fulfillment. She stalled her own journey of enlightenment, her own evolution as a spiritual being. When romantic love fades, the real work begins. This is the pivotal point when we can choose to wake up. Romantic love always offers up a calling to do our own work, not for the other person to fulfill and complete us. We have the opportunity to love, nurture, and cultivate in ourselves what we thought we saw in the other person. When we realize the ending of a romantic relationship is an opportunity to claim ourselves, a vehicle to find our way home, to our own truth and joy, then the ending of any romantic relationship can be transformed into a beautiful gift. Remember that line in Jerry Maguire when Tom Cruise says, “You complete me,” and everyone melts? I say, bullshit! That is more of the stuff we buy into that keeps us looking outside ourselves for wholeness
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Whole and complete within yourself and all a partner can ever be is your sprinkles on top. I am not saying in any way that a loving and soulful relationship isn’t totally possible and desirable—of course it is. I am only saying that another person can’t complete you. We are solely responsible for our own happiness and growth. You are the one constant in your life. You will be with you from birth to death, so isn’t it logical that you are responsible for your own happily ever after? Learn to love your own company and become your own best friend.
You are the one you have always been waiting for! –Lisa Marie Jenkins
ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!
www.LisaMarieJenkins.com
10
Critical Financial Mistakes in Divorce * continued from page 4
6 • Negoiating with an Emotional Attchment to Assets
Letting it go may be the best thing for you. Example: “getting the house” may not actually be in your best interest. A house is an asset that has a low return on investment (2 or 3% average annual appreciation) and is a major cash expense (mortgage payments, taxes, maintenance and repairs, utilities). Analyze every asset based on its financial merit for your future not your past.
7 • Not Waiting Until the Wife is
Eligible for Her Husband’s Social Security
Did you know that for marriages lasting 10 or more years, the wife is entitled to receive half of her husband's social security at retirement and her ex-husband's social security payments aren’t reduced. The average marriage for people who get divorced is 9.6 years. Waiting 6 more months increases a woman’s retirement options without affecting her husband's payments.
8 • Forgetting to Update Estate Documents
Change the beneficiaries on insurance policies, financial accounts and your will. Ignore this step, and your ex could get the inheritance you wanted to give your children, new partner or favorite charity.
9 • Failure to Adequately Insure the Divorce Settlement
Premature death or disability of your ex-spouse can result in loss of support payments, college tuition or property settlement. Life and disability insurance can guarantee your payments and your family's security.
10 • Failure to Develop a Post-Divorce Financial Plan
Two households cost more to operate than one. Financial planning can help you transition from a married to single lifestyle by prioritizing financial goals, developing realistic budgets, factoring inflation (cost of college tuition, retirement, etc.) and creating a written plan.
* Excerpted and edited from Fifteen Critical Financial Mistakes in Divorce by Lee Slater, MBA, CFP®, CDFA™, Association of Divorce Financial Planners, at www.divorceandfinance.org
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Divorce and Real Estate... Understanding How To Manage The Largest Marital Asset
If In most divorces, real estate tends to be the largest asset in the marriage. Accordingly, when the petition for divorce is filed, you should know your rights when it comes to the marital home and any other real property that may be mutually owned. Unfortunately, in today’s tough economic times, many divorces must contend with an “underwater� home, or one that has more debt than value. There a multiple ways in which the real property can be valued in a divorce. The first, and most straightforward, method is to assign a mutually agreeable value to the property. In order to do so, the parties will obtain a comparative market analysis (CMA) from a licensed real estate broker. If the couple can agree on a price, then that number is factored into the overall assets and divided accordingly. If the parties are unable to agree on the CMA value, the next option is to obtain an appraisal of the property by a licensed appraiser. If the parties do not agree on the first appraisal, then a competing appraisal should be conducted. Upon completion of
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the second appraisal, the parties can negotiate a mutually agreeable value for the property. If the parties cannot agree to a price, the final option is to ask the court to partition, or force the sale of the home, and then divide the proceeds upon the sale of the home. In theory, valuation of marital property seems fairly straightforward. However, in practice, valuation has become more difficult over the last few years due to the volatile nature of the real estate market. Unfortunately, many homes are worth less now than when they were purchased. The result is the parties are forced to try to sell the property as a short sale. Even when there is equity in the home, valuation is difficult due to ever changing market conditions. Some reports say the market is improving each month, while others notate decreases. Who should you believe? What can a couple going through divorce do to manage these factors? The best option is to hire a law firm that is competent at both divorce and real estate law. At DeWitt Law Firm, our attorneys practice in both family law and real estate. Our experience allows us to handle all aspects of your case, and can make all the difference. Give us a call today to discuss your specific set of circumstances.
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