Get a Smart Divorce Blog

WHAT IS COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE?

Posted on July 26, 2021

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...…

DIVORCE AND HOW TO AVOID COURT

Posted on July 19, 2021

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...…

DIVORCE AND VALUING A BUSINESS

Posted on June 3, 2021

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...…

DIVORCE AND FORENSIC ACCOUNTING

Posted on March 22, 2021

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...…

HOW TO MINIMIZE DIVORCE MEDIATION FEES

Posted on February 7, 2021

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...…

DIVORCE AND HOW TO APPROACH A SETTLEMENT

Posted on November 12, 2020

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...…

DIVORCE AND HOW TO MINIMIZE LEGAL FEES

Posted on September 30, 2020

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...…

DIVORCE AND REFINANCING THE HOUSE MORTGAGE

Posted on September 15, 2020

Today, a divorce client in my Nashville office told me she wants to keep the marital residence and asked me if she should have the mortgage refinanced into her name only.  My answer was... it depends on a few things: 1.  Is the mortgage currently jointly titled with your spouse? 2.  Do you...…

DIVORCE IN TN AND COMMON QUESTIONS

Posted on August 30, 2020

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...…

DIVORCE AND PARETNING PLANS

Posted on August 14, 2020

Divorcing parents are frequently concerned about how their child or children will spend time with each parent after the divorce is final.  The document that outlines the time spent with each parent is called a parenting plan.  This plan also covers which parent will pay for the children's health...…