Get a Smart Divorce Blog

Divorce and Retirement Funds

Posted on March 6, 2018

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 Taxes in 2018

Posted on February 11, 2018

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...…

Divorce and How to Spend Your Money on Professional Fees

Posted on January 7, 2018

If you are considering divorce, you will have to decide how to spend your money on professional fees.  For example, a client called my Brentwood office about a month ago and said she needed help understanding her expenses so she asked her CPA to help her.  I asked her what experience her CPA had...…

Divorce Financial Fears in Nashville

Posted on December 17, 2017

Divorce financial fears in Nashville / Davidson County and Brenwood / Williamson county are common.  Having some finacial fears during this time is to be expected because intelligent people understand the stakes are high.  Considering the short and long-term impacts as well as tax consequences of...…

Financial Issues of Divorce

Posted on November 26, 2017

Financial issues of divorce need to be clearly understood by both spouses to ensure a fair settlement.  Think about this... divorce is 45% emotional, 45% financial and 10% legal... Find this suprising?  Perhaps you are new to the world of divorce?  Granted, every case is different but, divorce...…

Divorce and Alimony

Posted on August 7, 2017

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...…

Divorce Settlements and the Long Term Financial Impact for Both Spouses

Posted on June 18, 2017

A divorce settlement needs to look at the short-term and long-term financial impacts.  In the short term, what can the husband afford to pay in child support and or alimony?  What are the monthly expenses (including taxes) for both spouses and the children?  What amount of alimony does the wife...…

Divorce and Clear Communication Between Spouses

Posted on May 29, 2017

During divorce clear communication between spouses rarely occurs.  This happens for many reasons and most of these reasons are tied to emotions.  While it is understood that communications will be strained, it is essential that divorcing spouses keep the lines of communication open.  That...…

Divorce and Verifying Numbers

Posted on April 11, 2017

I met with a client in my Brentwood office today and discussed his ability to get a mortgage.  He spoke with a mortgage professional yesterday and that person told him he would qualify for a mortgage.  The numbers din not look right to me.  So, I called the mortgage contact.  They had...…

Divorce and Children

Posted on February 27, 2017

Divorce and children are a topic I frequently discuss with clients in my Brentwood, TN office.  I have found it is critical to consider what is best for the children.  If the parents focus on that issue, the parenting plan falls into place.  Is it best for them to be on a 7 days off, 7 days on...…