Couples who have spent a lifetime together sometimes decide to go their separate ways as they get close to retirement. If this happens to you, you may worry about the retirement accounts you have accumulated during your career. In California, a community property state, courts typically divide retirement accounts like any other asset. Besides owning a house, retirement accounts are often … [Read more...] about Dividing Retirement Accounts in a Divorce
Financial
Dividing the Debt in a Divorce
A divorce can be strenuous for all parties involved and there could be difficult issues you may not have anticipated. There could be infidelity, addiction, and even debts that you weren’t aware of. One of those most complicated issues can be the division of debts. How do you divide the debt in a divorce? What about a debt you didn’t know about? Here are a few tips that can … [Read more...] about Dividing the Debt in a Divorce
Deciding to Divorce: Two Big Items to Consider
Deciding to divorce is never an easy decision. There are many things to consider. What will we do with the house? What about the children? How will we handle the holidays? Will there be enough money to take care of everyone? When deciding to divorce, it is important to give careful consideration to the following topics. #1 Children It is safe to say that if you have … [Read more...] about Deciding to Divorce: Two Big Items to Consider
What to Consider When Divorcing Your House
For most couples who divorce, whether amicably or not, the house is their biggest asset. Between the added emotional attachment and the perceived upheaval that comes with children potentially having to move, the question of “what to do with the house” becomes a financial, emotional and parenting dilemma all wrapped up into one gut-wrenching decision. The struggle is due to the fact … [Read more...] about What to Consider When Divorcing Your House
What’s the Average Cost of Divorce in California?
If you’re trying to anticipate the average cost of divorce in California, you’ll quickly realize there’s no typical amount. It all depends on how much legal representation you need, whether you have children, the complexity of your assets, and how many issues you need to resolve. To help you develop a realistic budget for your situation, I’ll begin with some ballpark numbers on the cost … [Read more...] about What’s the Average Cost of Divorce in California?
What You Need to Bring to Divorce Mediation
If you're preparing for your divorce mediation sessions, it's time to get organized. In order to make informed decisions, you'll need to gather several documents about your finances, insurance, and taxes. This blog provides a comprehensive divorce mediation checklist - everything you may need during your mediation. But don't panic at the size of this list. Just focus on the ones applicable to … [Read more...] about What You Need to Bring to Divorce Mediation
The Facts About Spousal Support in California
Divorcing your spouse is never easy, regardless of who initiated the separation. Aside from the emotional turmoil, financial strain can add tension to an already difficult situation. To reduce uncertainty, it's important to understand how spousal support in California works. That way, you and your spouse can plan ahead and make a smooth transition to separate households. What is Spousal … [Read more...] about The Facts About Spousal Support in California
How to Calculate Child Support in California
Your highest priority as a divorcing parent is to maintain a great quality of life for your children. By developing a fair and sustainable child support arrangement, you can ensure a smooth transition to two separate households. And most importantly, your children will have everything they need for the long-term. So, how do you calculate child support in California? Let's walk through the … [Read more...] about How to Calculate Child Support in California