What is a QDRO?
A Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is a court order that is used to divide a retirement plan or pension among a divorcing couple. This is in recognition of their joint ownership of the asset and ensures that each partner comes away from the divorce with his or her fair share of the money that […]
The Professionals you Might Meet During your Divorce
During the divorce process, you will likely meet many professionals. The professionals you meet depend on the circumstances of your divorce and the demands that accompany them, such as the need to appraise a small business or a rental property. Couples who choose collaborative divorces often have fewer interactions with outside professionals than those who […]
An Overview of The Collaborative Divorce Process
Divorce is not a “one size fits all” subject. Not all divorces are completed in courtrooms and of those that are not, there are multiple ways to reach a mutually-satisfying resolution for the couple. Two methods of alternative dispute resolution that divorcing couples often choose to complete their divorces are collaborative divorce and mediation. With […]
Is my Prenuptial Agreement Valid?
It is not uncommon for engaged couples to sign prenuptial agreements before they marry. This is an especially popular, and pragmatic, choice for individuals who are business owners, have significant assets, or those who have children from previous relationships. A prenuptial agreement does not signify that a couple does not have faith in their marriage; […]
How Your Income and Other Personal Characteristics Can Determine Your Likelihood of Divorce
When you get married, you vow to spend the rest of your life with your partner, for better or for worse. Nearly all couples taking these vows truly believe that they will uphold them and have every intention of remaining together for the rest of their lives. But current divorce statistics say otherwise. You might […]
How is a Collaborative Divorce Different from Divorcing through Mediation?
If you are considering a divorce, you probably know that there are a few ways to complete the process. You can complete your divorce through litigation, which means bringing your case to the courtroom to have it decided by a judge. You can also complete it through one of two methods of alternative dispute resolution: […]
Social Media and your Divorce
Social media plays a pivotal role in most of our lives. It is where we find out about friends’ and loved ones’ engagements, promotions, new babies, and other milestone events. It is also where many of us seek comfort from friends in our times of need. Although you are probably feeling difficult emotions like anger, […]
Paying Taxes After your Divorce
Tax time is here again, and if you are recently divorced or currently going through the divorce process, you might be wondering whether you can file for divorce jointly or singly. As long as you were still married on December 31st of the previous year, you can file your taxes jointly with your spouse. For […]
New Year, New You: Make the Changes you Need to Make for 2019 Now
Every January, many Americans make resolutions to change something about themselves in the new year. These resolutions can include losing weight, becoming more outgoing, getting out of debt, changing careers, or renewing relationships with estranged friends and family members. Completing this type of goal can be extremely rewarding and demonstrate not only one’s dedication toward […]
Choosing your Child’s Religion: What to Do When you and your Former Partner Disagree
Religion and its role in a child’s life can be a controversial topic. On the one hand, a parent wants to raise his or her child to make their own decisions about the “big” topics like God, death, and our moral duties as human beings. On the other, religion often provides the framework in which […]