Tag: Alimony

In New York the word “maintenance” means alimony.

He Said/She Said: Should We Separate? Tips From a Marriage Counselor and Divorce Lawyer

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In our second installment of He Said/She Said on the Huffington Post, marriage counselor Aaron Anderson and I disagree about whether couples should have a trial separation: 

When it comes to test-driving a separation everyone has an opinion, but no one disagrees more than your marriage counselor and your divorce attorney. A trial separation is one of the most challenging decisions a couple can make when facing hard relationship problems. Couples often struggle with questions like “What will we tell the kids?,” “Is it healthy to try and stay in the same house?” and “What are the legal consequences if I move?”

With so many questions to address, Denver marriage counselor Aaron Anderson advises couples that it’s healthier to separate during the divorce but New York divorce attorney Morghan Richardson advises against a move-out. Here’s why in their latest he said/she said: Continue reading “He Said/She Said: Should We Separate? Tips From a Marriage Counselor and Divorce Lawyer” →

The #1 Secret Weapon And Surprising Best Friend In Your Divorce

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Meet your new BFF

Mark was confused: his wife was demanding their co-op apartment in the divorce, and he felt – deep in his heart – that she should have it. His friends and coworkers were telling him it was a bad deal to trade-off paying her “alimony” and give her the apartment. And so was I. When Mark came in for our next appointment, I showed him my number one secret weapon in divorce – and his new best friend: a calculator.

“When you break down the tax benefits to paying ‘alimony’ and look closely at avoiding capital gains in a sale of the home, you are losing,” I told Mark. And so did the calculator.

Once Mark and I factored in the costs of litigation (best-case and worst-case), and examined his investment and retirement accounts, he had a choice: would he give up $175k in exchange for a “quick” settlement? Finally, Mark saw the light and went to a CPA and a realtor to confirm our rough estimates. Continue reading “The #1 Secret Weapon And Surprising Best Friend In Your Divorce” →

FAQ Series: When Do I Get Support?; Can I Save My Marriage?; Next Steps

ReadingMy answers to commonly asked questions.  Keep in mind: this does not constitute legal advice about your specific case; and, I’m not your lawyer until you pay me.

1. At what point in the Divorce will I get Temporary Child Support, Maintenance (“Alimony”) and Counsel fees awarded? I need support! Continue reading “FAQ Series: When Do I Get Support?; Can I Save My Marriage?; Next Steps” →

The Huffington Post Featured: Don’t Let Divorce Guilt Break Your Bank

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My piece on primary male bread winners and divorce guilt has been taken up by The Huffington Post. Let’s have a discussion about the ramifications of divorce guilt in the comments here or on the HuffPo.

Andy was desperate: he owed more than half a million dollars in back child support and alimony and his ex-wife was seeking enforcement, including a violation for failure to pay, which would land him in jail for up to six months. They had been divorced for about 10 years and at the time, he agreed to pay through the nose.

“I felt bad,” he explained. “I was the one leaving the marriage, and at the time I was doing really well at work.” His guilt and a rushed desire to settle landed him with high payments and no assets (he gave her the house too). His payments became untenable when the economy soured and his job was cut.

This isn’t the only case where I’ve encountered this type of divorce guilt that can plague the male primary income earner — particularly when he’s the one seeking the divorce. Continue reading “The Huffington Post Featured: Don’t Let Divorce Guilt Break Your Bank” →