Get a Smart Divorce Blog

Divorce and Alimony

Posted on August 7, 2017

Divorce and alimony are topics I discuss with clients every day.  It is really very straight forward and is all about the numbers... Attorneys tell me the main issues are how much does one spouse need and what is the other able to pay.  So, it is essential that both spouses have a solid...…

Divorce Mediation and Alimony

Posted on October 4, 2018

Divorce mediation and alimony are topics I review daily with clients in my Brentwood, TN office. It is not a mysterious topic... Attorneys tell me alimony is determined by 16 factors (length of marriage, education of spouses, earning potential, contribution to the marriage etc.) but the two key...…

Financial Issues of Divorce

Posted on November 26, 2017

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 and Taxes in 2018

Posted on February 11, 2018

Divorce and taxes is a topic I discuss with clients on a daily basis. The recent tax changes have significant impacts on divorce settlements. While understanding all of the changes can be overwhelming, below are common tax issues I've been explaining to and discussing with clients and their divorce...…

DIVORCE AND REALISTIC ALIMONY

Posted on April 10, 2019

Alimony is a hot divorce topic regardless if you are in Nashville, Brentwood or Franklin Tennessee.  Calculating potential alimony is based on math... What does one spouse need and what is the other spouse able to pay?  Focusing on a very detailed expense worksheet is the best way to determine a...…

DIVORCE AND HOW TO APPROACH A SETTLEMENT

Posted on November 12, 2020

I was in my Brentwood, TN office yesterday and a client asked me about alimony and how it was determined.  I told her it is all about the numbers and gave her my expense worksheet.  She looked at me puzzled and said, "I thought alimony was a formula".  I explained that child support is a formula...…

IS A BONUS CONSIDERED WHEN CALCULATING ALIMONY?

Posted on October 10, 2022

A client came into my Brentwood, TN office today and asked if her husband's annual bonus will be included in the alimony calculation.  I explained his annual salary will be included.  However, it is important to understand, her husband will pay taxes on his bonus so, the net bonus is considered...…

DIVORCE AND COMMUNICATION WITH YOUR SPOUSE

Posted on January 14, 2023

If you are divorcing and have children, it will be important for you to communicate directly with your spouse regarding parenting time, how expenses for the children will be paid and many other topics.  While this is likely a difficult time for both spouses, you know your children better than the...…