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On December 31, 2018, the tax deduction for alimony will be ending under new federal tax laws.  If you are in the middle of a divorce, or thinking about it, you might want to sit up and take notice. As author of the legal tax reference Frumkes & Vertz on Divorce Taxation, I’ve been reporting on and teaching colleagues all about these changes. Here are some explanations why decisive action […]

One of the most common questions asked of a divorce lawyer is “How much is this going to cost?”  While your lawyer cannot ultimately control the cost of your case, here are five tips to help ensure your divorce is as cost-efficient as possible: If possible, work directly with your spouse. While you will need to rely on the expertise of your lawyer for many decisions, if you can agree […]

In a recent survey, nearly 65 percent of Americans told CreditCards.com they lose sleep worrying about financial concerns. Everyday financial stresses weigh us down and those worries are bound to be compounded by a divorce. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to prepare yourself and your finances for divorce to minimize uncertainty and help you sleep easier. Follow these three easy steps: First, it is critical to have a […]

No two marriages are the same, and so it only follows no two divorces will be the same either. While the majority of divorcing couples today choose the traditional model of litigated divorce, keep in mind litigated does not mean the divorce ends up in court. In fact, the vast majority of all divorce cases are resolved by an out-of-court settlement agreement, each choosing a slightly different route of dispute […]

Consider for a moment why you want something, not just what it is you want. There’s a difference. We often take positions asking for what we want without divulging the why. It’s an argumentative tactic we learn even at a young age to ensure an outcome in our favor. Yet understanding the distinction between what and why can lead to a faster, or easier, settlement when it comes to divorce […]

Mediation and collaborative law are two types of alternative dispute resolution processes with a highly important similarity — the goal of amicable resolution. The mediation process commences with the parties involved hiring a mediator to assist them in reaching their goal of settlement. The mediator does not represent either party. The parties each have their respective counsel should he or she choose to be represented. The mediator commonly advises the […]