Get a Smart Divorce Blog

Divorce and Verifying Numbers

Posted on April 11, 2017

I met with a client in my Brentwood office today and discussed his ability to get a mortgage.  He spoke with a mortgage professional yesterday and that person told him he would qualify for a mortgage.  The numbers din not look right to me.  So, I called the mortgage contact.  They had...…

Divorce and Clear Communication Between Spouses

Posted on May 29, 2017

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...…

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...…

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 Liquidating Retirement Funds

Posted on April 5, 2018

Divorce and liquidating retirement funds are frequent topics in my Brentwood and Nashville offices.  If you withdraw money from your individual retirement account before age 59 1/2, you will generally have to pay a 10 percent early withdrawal penalty in addition to income tax on the amount...…

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...…

Divorce and Tax Issues

Posted on January 18, 2019

Divorce and tax issues are topics we frequently discuss with our Nashville and Brentwood clients because the laws are always changing. For example, as of January 1, 2019 the tax laws have changed and alimony is no longer tax deductible to the payer. Another new change is taxes are not owed by the...…

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...…

NASHVILLE DIVORCE AND MEDIATION FINANCES

Posted on May 18, 2019

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...…

BRENTWOOD DIVORCE AND POST NUP AGREEMENTS

Posted on November 6, 2019

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...…

EVERY FAMILY IS UNIQUE AND EVERY DIVORCE SETTLEMENT SHOULD BE UNIQUE

Posted on January 20, 2020

Divorce settlements should be as individual as your family.  One size does not fit all or most when it somes to creating a property settelment or parenting plan.  Don't assume the settlement your neighbor or cousin received is what yours should resemble. It is fine to talk with friends about...…