Posted on February 16, 2018 in Divorce

When a married couple dissolves their marriage through divorce, they should both be able to continue living at a standard that is similar to what they enjoyed while they were married. Unfortunately, some spouses do not have the financial resources that will allow them to do so, perhaps because they earn less than their former partner, because their family obligations prevent them from working a full-time job, or because they passed up job opportunities during their marriage while supporting their spouse’s career advancement. 

In cases when a spouse is at a financial disadvantage following divorce, they may be able to receive spousal maintenance (also known as alimony) from their former spouse, especially if they made sacrifices to their own earning ability during their marriage or contributed to the education and training that allowed their former partner to increase the income they earn. However, divorcing spouses should be sure they understand recent changes to the law that affect spousal maintenance awards.

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 Posted on February 12, 2018 in Divorce

After the end of a long-term relationship, you are likely ready to move on with your life and leave the emotional pain of your breakup behind. Unfortunately, this can be difficult to do during the days and weeks surrounding February 14th. As a holiday dedicated to love and relationships, Valentine’s Day can seem inescapable, with the products on store shelves, radio and TV advertisements, and other people’s plans for romantic celebrations all serving as reminders of your newly-single status.

If you have been recently divorced or are in the midst of the divorce process, Valentine’s Day does not have to be a negative time of the year. Here are some strategies for surviving the holiday during and after divorce:

• Spend time with friends - Getting together with other single people you know is a great way to have fun on Valentine’s Day, whether you are going out for dinner and drinks or having a party at your home.

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 Posted on February 02, 2018 in Divorce

When a couple’s relationship breaks down and they decide to end their marriage, they are likely to experience a number of strong emotions which may make it difficult to remain civil with one another. However, when spouses have children together, they should remember that divorce is not the end of their relationship, since they will both be parents of their children for the rest of their lives. By taking steps to establish a good foundation for co-parenting during divorce, they will be able to provide a good environment for their children for years to come. Here are some helpful tips for working together with your ex to co-parent your children:

1. Maintain consistency between both homes - Even if your style of parenting is different from your ex-spouse, it is best for children if their parents are on the same page about issues such as rules for behavior, school expectations, and methods of discipline. Work together with your ex-spouse to find parenting strategies you can agree on.

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 Posted on January 31, 2018 in Divorce

When you are facing a divorce, you are likely overwhelmed with the changes you are experiencing in your life and uncertainty about your future. Since finances are a major concern during this time, you may wonder if you can save money by representing yourself in your divorce case. However, even in an amicable divorce, it is essential to have an attorney on your side. Consider the following six reasons why you need a divorce lawyer:

1. Providing legal representation - One attorney cannot represent both spouses, so if your spouse has already hired an attorney, he or she will not be looking out for your interests. Moreover, you will be at a disadvantage, even if you and your spouse are in agreement on most of the issues which need to be resolved. With your own attorney on your side, you can be sure that your rights and interests will be protected throughout the divorce process.

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 Posted on January 26, 2018 in Divorce

The major life changes that accompany the end of a marriage can be overwhelming, even in the most amicable breakups. Whether you have made the mutual decision to move on from a relationship that is no longer working or have been unexpectedly served with divorce papers, you are likely not fully prepared for the upheaval that divorce will bring to your life. But while divorce can be stressful and full of complicated emotions, you can complete the process more efficiently and effectively by taking the following steps:

1. Manage your expectations - Your divorce will require some major changes to nearly every aspect of your life, from your finances, to your living situation, to your relationship with family and friends. When you are realistic about what you expect your post-divorce life to look like, you can then set goals for what you want to accomplish and work toward them throughout the divorce process.

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 Posted on January 19, 2018 in Divorce

Divorce is difficult at the best of times, but it can become much more of a headache when one spouse is argumentative and prone to provoking conflict. You are likely ready to move on with your life after the end of your marriage, and the last thing you want is an ex who keeps dragging you back into old arguments and coming up with new things to fight about.

If your ex is making things difficult during and after your divorce, consider the following factors:

1. You can set boundaries. While you and your spouse were used to being able to confide in each other and talk about anything during your marriage, those days are over. Moreover, if you do not want to discuss your personal life with your ex or listen to their complaints, you do not have to do so. Keeping conversations business-like, avoiding emotional discussions, and hanging up the phone or walking away if things get heated are good ways to keep from letting your ex push your buttons.

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 Posted on January 12, 2018 in Divorce

When you decide to end your marriage by getting a divorce, the process of separating the various aspects of your life from your spouse and establishing yourself in your newly-single existence can be incredibly complicated. During this time, it is easy to neglect your finances, but doing everything you can to avoid debt will help you prepare for a secure financial foundation following your divorce. 

Consider the following tips for understanding and managing your debt throughout the divorce process:

1. Get your credit report - It is important to understand your complete financial picture prior to your divorce, and obtaining a copy of your credit report is essential for doing so. This will help you identify all joint bank accounts and credit cards, as well as any outstanding debts.

2. Establish your own credit - Having a good credit score will be essential for obtaining loans, housing, and credit cards after your divorce. If you do not have an extensive individual credit history, you can establish one by obtaining a credit card in your name, making regular purchases, and paying off the balance on a monthly basis.

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 Posted on January 05, 2018 in Divorce

In December of 2017, Congress passed a landmark tax reform bill, and this update to the law made a number of significant changes that will affect nearly everyone in the United States. One key change that people should be aware of is how spousal maintenance (also known as alimony or spousal support) will be taxed.

Taxes on Spousal Support

Following divorce, the spouse who earns a higher income may be required to make maintenance payments to the lower-earning spouse, with the amount and duration of these payments being based on the income each spouse earns and the length of the marriage. Under current law, maintenance is tax-deductible for the paying spouse, and it is considered taxable income for the receiving spouse.

The tax reform bill has eliminated this deduction, and spousal support will now be treated the same as child support. This means that the paying spouse will not be able to deduct the amount of maintenance payments from his or her taxable income, and the payments will not be taxable for the payee. This change will apply to divorces which are commenced after December 31, 2018.

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 Posted on December 29, 2017 in Divorce

Every year, the divorce rate spikes in the month of January. This may be because divorcing parents want to keep their family together for one last holiday season before dissolving their marriage, or because the stress of the holidays pushed an unhappy marriage past the breaking point. But whatever the reason, the new year offers many people an opportunity to end a relationship that is not working and move on to a new stage of their life.

If you are considering divorce, have begun the divorce process, or are close to finalizing your divorce, here are a few resolutions you may want to consider making in the new year:

1. Get your finances in order - Divorce can cause a great deal of financial upheaval, and it is easy to lose track of your financial situation as attorney’s fees, moving expenses, and other costs pile up. As you adjust to a new living situation and surviving on a single income, the new year offers the chance to take stock of your income and expenses and prepare for how to maintain financial security after your divorce.

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 Posted on December 26, 2017 in Divorce

When a marriage is falling apart, every member of the family will be going through a great deal of emotional turmoil, and during this chaotic time, spouses will often be focused on their legal requirements, their finances, their changing living arrangements, and their own emotional needs. However, divorce can be especially hard on children, and parents should be aware of the potential negative effects that the end of their marriage can have on their children, including:

1. Emotional distress - Children of divorcing parents are likely to experience a great deal of anxiety and stress, especially when they are at a young age. Children often cannot fully understand why their lives are changing, and they may blame themselves for the end of their parents’ marriage. This emotional distress can lead to mood swings, irritability, depression, behavioral problems, and lower academic performance.

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