Get a Smart Divorce Blog

I was meeting with clients in my Brentwood office today and we discussed what to do with the marital residence.  Because they have three children, they would like to keep the house.  But, they could not afford to both have a residence large enough for three children.  So, they came to a...…

I received a phone call this morning from a man who has been thinking about divorce for about 6 months.  He and his wife have agreed their marriage is no longer working.  They have both reached out to divorce attorneys and were not pleased with the aggressive, take no prisoners approach from the...…

Purchasing a Home During Divorce Process I do not encourage my clients to buy a house, condo or townhouse etc. during the divorce or within the first year of the divorce. The reason for this is simple. Research has shown that divorce is the second most emotionally traumatic event you will...…

Pension Details During Divorce–Tennessee Important Facts A client came to my Nashville office yesterday and said "I want to request a portion of my husband's pension in the divorce settlement. His first wife got a portion of his retirement funds and I deserve some too." I asked her if the...…

If couples hope to achieve a fair divorce settlement that is acceptable to both spouses, thinking outside the box is essential. I've never had the exact same settlement for any of my Nashville clients because each family is unique and so are the solutions to their problems. A settlement that I am...…

Many divorces involve selling the marital residence or transfer of it from one spouse to the other. In order to remove a spouse from a property deed post divorce, a quit claim deed must be filed. Your spouse must agree to the transfer. You cannot remove them from the property deed without their...…

A divorce client came into my Brentwood, TN office today and told me their friend is getting a divorce and her attorney recommended she hire a forensic accountant to review the business tax returns.  So, my client said she also wanted to hire a forensic accountant.  I explained to my client that...…

During divorce, living in the same house is very stressful.  Before one spouse moves out, it is recommended they both carefully review the family expenses to ensure there is sufficient cash flow to afford 1st/last months rent, two cable bills, electric bills and the other expenses. I met with a...…

A divorce client in my Brentwood, TN office asked me today about how to divide the furniture and furnsihings.  His wife told him she wanted to keep all of the furniture and furnishings and she did not have to pay him anyhting for these items.  He in turn said he did not want any of the furniture...…

If you are divorcing, you may want to keep the marital residence.  If the jointly titled mortgage will have to be refinanced into your name, will you qualify for a mortgage?  Talking to a mortgage professional should be your first step. If you qualify for the mortgage refinance including the...…

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...…

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...…

A divorce client came into my Brentwood, TN office today and explained she wanted to keep the marital residence in the settlement.  She told me she had calculated the total amount of money paid towards the mortgage during the marriage and she wanted to pay her husband half of that amount for his...…

A client came into my Brentwood, TN office today and let me know her spouse's mother had died.  I suggested we take a break from the divorce until her spouse was ready to move forward.  She agreed. If you are divorcing and experience a traumatic family event, I suggest you put the divorce...…