Author: Morghan

Morghan Richardson is a family and divorce attorney and mediator in New York City. Her firm is Tarter Krinsky & Drogin LLP.

Stress, Secrets, and Health: How Avoiding the Talk Impacts Divorce

Divorce is a significant life event that can bring about a whirlwind of emotions. While many may prefer to avoid discussing the painful aspects, the truth is that open communication, about feelings, finances, and future plans, can profoundly influence the divorce experience and its aftermath. Neglecting these important dialogues can foster stress, secrets, and health issues that affect not just the individuals involved, but also their families and communities.

Let’s delve into the relationship between avoiding difficult conversations and the resulting impacts on stress levels, mental and physical health, and overall well-being in the context of divorce.

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High Net Worth, High Stakes: How NYC Courts Handle Divorce with Million-Dollar Assets

High Net Worth, High Stakes: How NYC Courts Handle Divorce with Million-Dollar Assets

A break down of equitable distribution in cases involving brownstones, co-ops, startups, and Wall Street bonuses.

Divorce is never simple, but in New York City, it can become extraordinarily complicated when millions of dollars are on the line. This is a city of brownstones worth more than most people’s lifetime earnings, Wall Street bonuses that rival lottery wins, and startups where today’s idea might be tomorrow’s IPO. When those assets are part of a marriage, the process of dividing them is anything but straightforward.

Equitable Distribution: What It Really Means

New York is an equitable distribution state. That means marital property is divided fairly, but not necessarily equally, when a couple divorces. Marital property generally includes assets acquired during the marriage, regardless of whose name is on the title. Separate property, on the other hand, usually refers to assets owned before the marriage, inheritances, or gifts made to one spouse individually.

But when millions are at stake, the line between marital and separate property often blurs. Appreciation on a premarital asset, contributions from a spouse’s labor, or the use of marital funds to maintain or improve property can transform what looks like separate property into something that’s at least partly marital. That’s where the litigation begins.

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Who Gets the Dog? Pets, Divorce, and Planning Ahead

Who Gets the Dog? Pets, Divorce, and Planning Ahead

Over the course of my career, I’ve handled hundreds of divorces involving pets, and yes, one of them even went to trial over who would get the couple’s dog. If you’ve ever loved a pet, that probably doesn’t surprise you.

Pets become part of our family. They share our homes, our routines, and our milestones. So when a relationship ends, deciding where the pet goes can become as emotionally charged as deciding where the children live.

So what happens at the end of a relationship if there is a dispute over Rover? Let’s discuss:

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The Pre-Divorce Money Prep Checklist: Documents, Taxes, and Smart Timing

Divorce can be a complex and emotionally charged process. Alongside the personal and emotional aspects, understanding the financial implications is essential for anyone considering or going through a divorce.

Being financially prepared is crucial, and one of the best ways to do this is by creating a pre-divorce money preparation checklist. This includes gathering important documents, understanding tax implications, and timing your decisions wisely to protect your financial well-being.

Read on for my list of essential documents that you should gather in preparation for a coming divorce matter, as well some important points about taxes and timing.

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