Get a Smart Divorce Blog

DIVORCE AND PAYING OFF DEBTS

Posted on December 5, 2022

A client came into my Brentwood, TN office this morning and asked to discuss options for paying off their marital debts.  Paying off the debts meant both spouse's monthly expenses will be reduced and both spouses will be able to start their new chapter with less financial baggage weighing them...…

IS A BONUS CONSIDERED WHEN CALCULATING ALIMONY?

Posted on October 10, 2022

A client came into my Brentwood, TN office today and asked if her husband's annual bonus will be included in the alimony calculation.  I explained his annual salary will be included.  However, it is important to understand, her husband will pay taxes on his bonus so, the net bonus is considered...…

DIVORCE AND THE PARENTING PLAN

Posted on September 21, 2022

A divorcing client came into my Brentwood, TN office today and showed me a draft of a Parenting Plan from his divorce attorney.  The following items were incorrect and are frequently wrong in the Parenting Plans I review for clients. 1.  The child support calculation did not include the correct...…

DIVORCE AND PETS

Posted on August 14, 2022

A client came into my Brentwood, TN office last week and mentioned she was so busy thinking about the kids and selling their house, she forgot to discuss who would take their two cats and two dogs.  She insisted that because she was on the adoption papers, she should keep the pets.  Although she...…

DIVORCE AND CHILDREN OVER 18

Posted on July 8, 2022

Although TN laws do not require child support after a child has turned 18 and graduated from high school, most children still require financial support past 18, during college and graduate school.  Rather than assuming one parent will of course pay for college etc., I encourage divorcing parents...…

DIVORCE AND CAN YOU AFFORD TO KEEP THE MARITAL RESIDENCE?

Posted on May 11, 2022

If you are divorcing, you may want to keep the marital residence.  If the jointly titled mortgage will have to be refinanced into your name, will you qualify for a mortgage?  Talking to a mortgage professional should be your first step. If you qualify for the mortgage refinance including the...…

DIVORCE AND DIVIDING THE EQUITY IN THE MARITAL RESIDENCE

Posted on March 3, 2022

During a divorce, the marital residence is often the largest asset to be divided and so it is important to spend time confirming the numbers and understanding the details.  The equity calculation for the residence requires the spouses agree on the value of the property.  The value can be...…

DIVORCE AND CHILD SUPPORT

Posted on January 17, 2022

  As a parent, I understand at age 18, a child is typically not financially independent from their parents.  I find it strange the laws of TN state that child support payments end when the child is 18 and has graduated from high school.  It is important to understand child support payments DO...…

DIVORCE AND THE VALUE OF HOME FURNISHINGS

Posted on December 21, 2021

A divorce client in my Brentwood, TN office asked me today about how to divide the furniture and furnsihings.  His wife told him she wanted to keep all of the furniture and furnishings and she did not have to pay him anyhting for these items.  He in turn said he did not want any of the furniture...…

DIVORCE AND SEPARATE HOUSING

Posted on September 24, 2021

During divorce, living in the same house is very stressful.  Before one spouse moves out, it is recommended they both carefully review the family expenses to ensure there is sufficient cash flow to afford 1st/last months rent, two cable bills, electric bills and the other expenses. I met with a...…