Get a Smart Divorce Blog

Divorce and taxes should go hand-in-hand like peanut butter and jelly. Well, not exactly like that but, tax issues should be addressed during divorce negotiations. If they are not, you could end up with a surprise tax bill in April 2016. For example, if you think your divorce will be final in 2015...…

Divorce first steps? If you are divorcing, your emotions may have best of you. Feeling scared and wanting to be protected are common "knee jerk reactions". As a result of the emotions, the first thing most divorcing spouses do is hire a divorce attorney. However, if a client does not address their...…

Do you have a fair divorce settlement? You may think so but, I see 3 common mistakes in settlements. The first mistake is you don't know what to ask for because you don't really know what you need. The mistake here is not understanding your monthly living expenses. A thorough list of monthly...…

Divorce mediation preparation done right will make a significant impact on your settlement. For example, a divorce client in my Nashville, TN office recently asked me to help her prepare for her mediation. After reviewing her case, I saw several common financial mistakes. First, her house had not...…

Divorce Parenting Plans are frequently difficult to draft. I was meeting with a divorcing couple in my Brentwood, Tn office this week because they were arguing over how their child should spend time with each of them. I asked one question and it stopped the arguing…"What is best for your son?"...…

A divorce client in my Brentwood, TN office said she wanted to retain my services because she did not have confidence that her attorney could really give her meaningful financial advice. She asked her attorney, “Should we pay off the house or should we keep the extra cash? If we pay off the...…

If your spouse is uncooperative, you have two options: Pay your attorney to go to court or, educate your spouse what lies ahead if they are uncooperative. A spouse who is refusing to provide financial information does not understand they can’t withhold information. Perhaps they have always been...…

Does one size fit all? While this concept is most commonly applied to clothing (these items rarely fit properly), it also used in divorce settlements. Regardless if the settlement is in Nashville, Brentwood, TN or your city and state. Your family is unique and so are your needs. Yes, attorneys tell...…

Going through a divorce can be an emotionally difficult time. Ironing out a divorce settlement, attending various hearings, and dealing with attorneys can weigh heavy on all individuals involved. In addition to the emotional impact, individuals and families are left trying to assess how their...…

A QDRO (Qualified Domestic Relations Order) is a legal document necessary when dividing a qualified retirement plan such as a 401(K) or 403(b). It is not required when dividing an IRA. A QDRO is typically prepared by the divorce attorney and costs about $1,200. If you are dividing retirement funds...…