Psychiatrists and psychologists rank divorce as the second most stressful life event behind the death of a spouse. In a divorce, one of the most frustrating parts of the process involves the division of the family’s assets. Both spouses are concerned about how they will stretch the finances that have supported one household to now support two. One of the biggest pieces of the financial puzzle is “Who gets the house in a divorce?” In traditional divorce litigation, the focus is often on, … [Read more...]
The Three Most Important Decisions Before You File For Divorce
As a Collaborative Divorce Attorney, I have witnessed the sheer agony experienced by those I have served in making the decision to divorce. I have learned just how important it is to finally and fully decide it is the right time to uncouple in the right way. The first and most important decision is not a legal one at all. Whether you are the spouse who is the one leaving or the one left behind, … [Read more...]
The Financial Challenges of Divorcing in Difficult Economic Times
The process and outcomes of divorce are always multifaceted and difficult, even in the best of economic times. When a couple divorces, they are divorcing emotionally, socially, legally and of course, financially. Depending on the timing of one’s divorce, these areas of divorce can produce problems that are particularly challenging relative to other times one might divorce. When a couple chooses to collaborate in the context of a Collaborative Divorce, they are … [Read more...]
Five Self-Care Tips for Clients During a Divorce
Divorce is often described as one of the most stressful events of any person’s life, right up there with the death of a loved one. And it is the “death” of a relationship which was initially intended to last a lifetime. Even for the spouse who has decided the relationship should be over, divorce can be extremely stressful. So, how can the stress and emotional damage be decreased? 1. Acceptance As soon as you know the … [Read more...]
Facing the Holidays During a Covid-Era Divorce
As the “longest year ever” starts to draw to a close, we turn to thoughts of the holidays. The Halloween inflatables have come down, the candy has been eaten (except for that secret stash in the pantry!), and plans are being made for Thanksgiving and beyond. But how to plan and how to celebrate in this year of COVID-19? Extended families are separated by masks and geography. Many of us have experienced unspeakable loss since March, and all of us have dealt with fear, … [Read more...]
Two Common Misconceptions About Divorce
As a divorce lawyer, I am often surprised by the questions I hear from my clients reflecting common misconceptions about divorce that they’ve picked up from friends, relatives and the media. The most common misconception is that “there is no such thing as a friendly divorce.” In my over 40 years in practice I have been involved in scores of divorces during which the couples have worked out the details of their divorce settlements with a minimum of unpleasantness and bad behavior. … [Read more...]
Divorce Proceedings; The Impact of Email, Texts and Social Media
In our daily lives, technology has become the new norm. We don't think twice about using email, text, or even social media posts to communicate with loved ones or even the world. Blogs are the new media outlet where we find our hobbies, news, or also lifestyle information. However, have you ever thought about the impact of this type of communication? Many courts allow digital records into evidence; emails, texts, and social media have been used as proof of bad behavior and, in some cases, … [Read more...]
Divorce During COVID-19 and Making Informed Decisions
As if COVID-19 isn’t enough to worry about, Individuals going through divorce are often overwhelmed by the laws involved, as well as by the financial issues. They don’t know what they don’t know, and they are stressed. Your attorney will be your primary guide through this process, explaining the laws as they apply to your situation and being sure that your goals and interest are addressed in the initial meeting and all along the way. Thee “goals and interest” will be … [Read more...]
Divorce Is Different For Parents of Kids with Disabilities
Figuring out how to divide and share rights, responsibilities and time with the kids is hard for divorcing parents of all children – with and without disabilities -- because there are so many things to consider. Parents eventually land on how they will handle schedules, residences, health care, and support, but going through the process can generate a lot of reflection on childhood – and parenthood – over issues that didn’t seem to exist, back when the couple thought they … [Read more...]
Health Insurance and Divorce
Health insurance is an important issue in any divorce when at least one party is under age 65 and without means to obtain their own health insurance. It can also be a significant issue with children who have graduated from high school but have not yet entered the work force to acquire their own health insurance. Thus, there are two areas where decisions should be made regarding health insurance and divorce: your child’s coverage and your coverage. This article is a high-level overview of what to … [Read more...]
