Get a Smart Divorce Blog

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...…

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...…

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...…

My Nashville divorcing clients frequently ask questions about dividing retirement funds.  Attorneys tell me marital property including retirement funds are typically divided 50 / 50.  If part of the retirment funds were earned prior to the marriage then, part of the funds are premarital funds...…

Divorce and children's expense are a topic that many divorcing couples fail to adequatley address.  Why?  Because they are so distraught and distracted that they are not thinking clearly.  Because they likely have not been divorced before, they don't know what they dont know.   For example, I...…

Divorce and dividing stock options are topics I frequently review with clients in my Nashville and Brentwood, TN offices.  It is important to understand the stock options are tied to the spouse who is emplyed by the company issuing the options and typically cannot be transferred to the other...…

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 considering divorce mediation in the Nashville area, remember to address tax issues. Since the financial issues of divorce are 45%, it is critical that you pay attention to the numbers. Do not assume your attorney will understand or explain the tax issues to you. Consider such questions...…

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...…

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...…

This week I have had three clients in my Nashville and Brentwood / Franklin offices ask me how to divide RSUs or restricted stock units in a divorce settlement.  So, this blog will focus on RSUs.  An RSU or, restricted stock unit can be given to an employee as part of their annual compensation...…

A potentail client came into my Brentwood, TN office this morning for an initial consult to understand our collaborative divorce mediation services.  Like most people divorcing, they were confused about the first steps of divorce.  I explained that because divorce is 95% emotions and finance...…