Get a Smart Divorce Blog

Is it possible to have a fair divorce settlement? Yes. It is important for both spouses to consider what they think is fair and why. They should make a list of what they want and another list of what they think their spouse wants. During negotiations too often, a spouse focuses only on their needs...…

Divorce and communication should not be mutually exclusive. During divorce, it is essential for both spouses to communicate directly with each other. Many times divorce attorneys will tell their clients not to speak to their spouse because the attorneys will handle all communication. Really? Is it...…

During divorce clear communication between spouses rarely occurs.  This happens for many reasons and most of these reasons are tied to emotions.  While it is understood that communications will be strained, it is essential that divorcing spouses keep the lines of communication open.  That...…

Financial issues of divorce need to be clearly understood by both spouses to ensure a fair settlement.  Think about this... divorce is 45% emotional, 45% financial and 10% legal... Find this suprising?  Perhaps you are new to the world of divorce?  Granted, every case is different but, divorce...…

Divorce financial fears in Nashville / Davidson County and Brenwood / Williamson county are common.  Having some finacial fears during this time is to be expected because intelligent people understand the stakes are high.  Considering the short and long-term impacts as well as tax consequences of...…

Nashville divorce mediation typically includes both spouses hiring an attorney. With two attorneys charging $300+ per hour and having two retainers of $3,000+ each, the case starts off expensive and fees increase quickly. Most divorcing spouses do not understand their case will likley not be...…

A divorcing parent is required to attend the parentingf class if they have a minor child or children.  This four-hour class is offered by several companies throughout Nashville and two providers offer an online class.  Many of my clients have taken the online class rather than attending the class...…

If you live in Nashville and are considering divorce or mediation, focus on the finances. Why? Because divorce is 45% emotions, 45% finances and 10% law. You really need to get your finances organized and understood before you consult an attorney. Why? Because attorneys tell me they cannot give...…

If you are preparing for divorce mediation in Franklin, Nashville, Brentwood or some other town in TN, you will prepare for mediation the same way.  First, get a list of assest and debts.  Then work on a parenting plan and child support worksheet.  Finally, gather information on your monthly...…

Three clients in my Brentwood, TN office this week asked me to help them with post nup agreements their estate planning attorney was drafting.  So, thought I would write something these in my blog in the hopes the information would help another couple.  These post-nup agreements all focus on...…

If you are considering a divorce and want the process to be collaborative, it is essential you understand the first step should be to understand your finances. After you have gathered the appropriate financial information (assets, debts, expenses) and understand your financial reality, you will...…

A new divorcing client came into my Brentwood, TN office today.  She has not yet given me any of the case financial inforamtion I requested.  Regardless, she asked for a list of divorce attorneys I recommend so she could start the interview process.  I explained if she asked her Dr. for a list...…

A collaborative practice divorce has been getting some good publicity recently in Nashville, TN. Did you see the article in the Tennessean regarding the collaborative divorce of Bill Frist? This type of divorce has many advantages over a typical litigated divorce primarily because a collaborative...…

A client came into my Belle Meade office this week and told me his attorney said the best way to protect himself in his divorce was to  hire an aggressive attorney.  I disagreed with this client and suggested the best way to protect himself was to first educate himself about the financial...…

I participated in a typical divorce mediation this past week (to provide financial analysis) and was amazed at the tremendous cost.  By typical mediation, I am referring to each spouse having an attorney and then an attorney mediator communicating between the attorneys.  During this one day, the...…

If you are divorcing and own a start-up business, you need to understand your options for valuing the business.  The most important point is the value a start-up business can be very different from the value of a business that has been incorporated for 20 years.  Many times a young business has...…

A potential client who is considering divorce met with me in my Brentwood, TN office this morning.  She told me her most significant concern is worring about having to go to court.  I explained that less than 5% of cases actually go to court.  Additionally, attorneys tell me it costs at least...…

I received a phone call today in my Brentwood, TN office and the caller asked about collaborative divorce.  They read something on-line and wanted more information.  Here's is summary of the collaborative divorce process. A therapist coach, financial professional, attorney for the husband and...…

A divorcing client came into my Brentwood, TN office today and showed me a draft of a Parenting Plan from his divorce attorney.  The following items were incorrect and are frequently wrong in the Parenting Plans I review for clients. 1.  The child support calculation did not include the correct...…