Get a Smart Divorce Blog

  As a parent, I understand at age 18, a child is typically not financially independent from their parents.  I find it strange the laws of TN state that child support payments end when the child is 18 and has graduated from high school.  It is important to understand child support payments DO...…

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...…

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...…

I received a phone call today in my Brentwood, TN office and the caller asked about collaborative divorce.  They read something on-line and wanted more information.  Here's is summary of the collaborative divorce process. A therapist coach, financial professional, attorney for the husband and...…

A potential client who is considering divorce met with me in my Brentwood, TN office this morning.  She told me her most significant concern is worring about having to go to court.  I explained that less than 5% of cases actually go to court.  Additionally, attorneys tell me it costs at least...…

If you are divorcing and own a start-up business, you need to understand your options for valuing the business.  The most important point is the value a start-up business can be very different from the value of a business that has been incorporated for 20 years.  Many times a young business has...…

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...…

I participated in a typical divorce mediation this past week (to provide financial analysis) and was amazed at the tremendous cost.  By typical mediation, I am referring to each spouse having an attorney and then an attorney mediator communicating between the attorneys.  During this one day, the...…

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...…

A client came into my Belle Meade office this week and told me his attorney said the best way to protect himself in his divorce was to  hire an aggressive attorney.  I disagreed with this client and suggested the best way to protect himself was to first educate himself about the financial...…