This article is from Tracy Stewart, a financial professional based in College Station specializing in collaborative divorce, and a Collaborative Law Institute of Texas board member, whose credentials include CPA/PFS/CFF, CFP and CDFA. “I’ve never seen it all on one page before.” Those were the words of my client in his second collaborative divorce meeting. He was looking at the list of his property and debt that I had prepared. I was shocked. He was a bright, successful man. It turns out … [Read more...]
Arnold, Maria, and Collaborative Divorce
The recent news about divorce proceedings starting up between one of America’s most famous couples – Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver – now includes input from Collaborative Law Institute of Texas board member Tracy Stewart, who was quoted in this CNNMoney article which ran this past Friday: The story focused on Schwarzenegger’s wealth – tied, of course, to his film career and subsequent investments. Stewart had a number of observations for the reporter beyond what could fit in the story … [Read more...]
Why It’s Important to Have the Right Business Valuation Expert in a Collaborative Divorce
This blog post is from Elizabeth Ann Schrupp, CPA/ABV/CFF, CVA, a collaboratively trained financial professional. She has been providing business valuation and forensic accounting services for attorneys for the past 22 years. I was talking with some collaborative law professionals the other day, when it was brought to my attention that they had used a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), who had no valuation credentials, to value a business in their collaborative case. This made me curious. I … [Read more...]
The Impact of Divorce on Taxes and Tax Issues
This blog post is from David Droppo, a collaboratively trained financial advisor with Ameriprise Financial in Dallas, Texas. He is a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst™and a Certified Financial Planner™. This is the one week out of the year in which, for many of us, taxes loom largest. For couples in the divorce process, tax issues can be particularly tricky, and it’s good to know what to do while you’re getting divorced and once you’re officially single again. You should understand the tax … [Read more...]
Strategies to Protect Investment Portfolios and Concentrated Stock Positions in Divorce
This blog post is from Jeffrey Thomas, a Dallas-based financial advisor with Raymond James Financial Services. Imagine Bob and Mary, a married couple in their 50s. Mary is a long time stay-at-home mom to their two children, now teenagers. Bob is a senior executive for a major public company, with a significant amount of net worth tied up in stock options and company stock. The couple has other substantial assets, including a very nice home, substantial 401(k) and other company benefits, nice … [Read more...]
The Emotions of Finances in Divorce
This blog post is from Ronnie McClure, a collaboratively-trained financial professional and mediator located in Lewisville, TX. He holds academic degrees in economics, accounting, taxation, family counseling, and conflict resolution, and is a certified public accountant and a nationally certified counselor. He is a member of the American Counseling Association, the International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors, the Collaborative Law Institute of Texas, and Denton County … [Read more...]
What is the Business Worth?
This blog post is from Edward C. Fowler, CFA, ASA, the President of Financial Valuation Services, LC. Mr. Fowler has 18 years of full time experience performing valuations of businesses, business interests, and intangible assets. He holds a Finance Degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Business Administration from Texas A&M University. He is designated as an Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA) in Business Valuation by the American Society of Appraisers and as a Chartered … [Read more...]
The Collaborative Team: Who Plays What Role
This post is from Kris Algert, who is board certified in family law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and a partner in the firm Ausley, Algert, Robertson & Flores in Austin, Texas. She has practiced Collaborative Family Law for the last 10 years and is the current president of the Collaborative Law Institute of Texas. Many Collaborative cases include the participation of professionals other than the lawyers. These professionals comprise the “team.” These other professionals are … [Read more...]
Take a Field Trip to Court to Learn More About the Advantages of Collaborative Divorce
This post is from Steve Walker, principal at Steve Walker, CPA, based in Frisco. He has over 30 years accounting, tax, valuation, and forensic accounting experience. His practice focuses exclusively on family law matters in the areas of collaborative divorce, mediation, litigation support and professional training. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, The Collaborative Law Institute of Texas and the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals. In … [Read more...]
Options for Creating a Fixed Income Stream in Divorce or Retirement
This post is from Steve Walker, principal at Steve Walker, CPA, based in Frisco. He has over 30 years accounting, tax, valuation, and forensic accounting experience. His practice focuses exclusively on family law matters in the areas of collaborative divorce, mediation, litigation support and professional training. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, The Collaborative Law Institute of Texas and the International Academy of Collaborative … [Read more...]
