Get a Smart Divorce Blog

A client came into my Brentwood, TN office today and told me she was worn out by living with her husband and she just wanted to move out today, this minute! While her frustration is understandable, I remined her that there was not enough cash in the bank to pay the bills for the marital residence...…

During the divorce process, emotions are heightened and it can be difficult to focus.  However, it is only after those divorcing really focus on the numbers that an acceptable settlement can be achieved. For example, a divorcing couple was in our Brentwood, TN office this morning and they said...…

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...…

A client came into my Brentwood, TN office this morning and asked to discuss options for paying off their marital debts.  Paying off the debts meant both spouse's monthly expenses will be reduced and both spouses will be able to start their new chapter with less financial baggage weighing them...…

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 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 last week and mentioned she was so busy thinking about the kids and selling their house, she forgot to discuss who would take their two cats and two dogs.  She insisted that because she was on the adoption papers, she should keep the pets.  Although she...…

Although TN laws do not require child support after a child has turned 18 and graduated from high school, most children still require financial support past 18, during college and graduate school.  Rather than assuming one parent will of course pay for college etc., I encourage divorcing parents...…

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...…

During a divorce, the marital residence is often the largest asset to be divided and so it is important to spend time confirming the numbers and understanding the details.  The equity calculation for the residence requires the spouses agree on the value of the property.  The value can be...…