Tag: Marriage

Does Your Relationship Spark Joy?

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Hot as hell and I’m walking by a couple on the sidewalk in New York City. They have a new baby. And I remember this feeling. He’s silent, standing with the stroller. His face is annoyed — like his woman could just disappear from earth and it wouldn’t matter to him. She’s saying something. She’s trying to suppress tears, frustration and still seem calm and attune to the hot wiggling baby in her arms. It’s not supposed to be this hard, she’s thinking. There’s supposed to be joy packed into this thing called love somehow, somewhere. Continue reading “Does Your Relationship Spark Joy?” →

Vlog: New York Alimony and Child Support Basics

Vlog: New York Alimony and Child Support Basics

This Vlog is a short chat about the basics of Alimony (called “maintenance” in New York) and child support under the statutory framework. Keep in mind that these are quick explanations of complicated areas that have many exceptions. But I give you the basic run-down on what we are talking about when looking at maintenance and child support figures – a good starting point before any deviations or exceptions!

Questions? Feel free to join in the comments or send me an email.

 

How To Know When Divorce Is The Answer?

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Marriage is hard work. But that shouldn’t be confused with a bad or painful relationship that causes you more tears than smiles. Remember happy?

I am frequently asked: “But how do I know that divorce is the answer?” Very few people are 100% certain about divorce. I have personally handled hundreds of divorces at this point in my career and if you have doubts, you aren’t alone. Continue reading “How To Know When Divorce Is The Answer?” →

Vlog: Prenup Season is Here!

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Forget March Madness – Prenup Season is here!

We are a few months out from summer wedding season, which means that the time to talk prenups. Talking about it now will give you time to consider the agreement, negotiations and hopefully not add to the pressure you might be experiencing as the wedding draws near.

Why get a prenup? A typical prenup sets out what is viewed as marital property and what will remain separate property. It addresses who gets financial support and how much.

In this short Vlog I talk about reasons why to get a prenup, reasons why prenups can be overturned, and some interesting things you might want to put in your agreement.

 

Still have questions? Join the discussion in the comments or give me a shout (now, come on and shout now! Heeyyy-eyyy!) to discuss your pending nuptials: mlr@dhclegal.com 

Interview: Perspectives on Step-Parenting

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My crazy wonderful blended crew!

Building a blended family after a divorce can get complicated. Not only is becoming a step-parent a major emotional commitment but now add in the finances and the dynamics involved in supporting this new expanded family. As a step-parent myself, I know all about this difficult and wonderful journey.

I spoke with MassMutual about the financial concerns when tackling step-parenting. While some tips are obvious (eg. get life insurance), other ideas are more nuanced (consider creating a trust and updating your will).

The article addresses four things that new stepparents should do:

  • Decide how you and your new spouse will manage household finances.
  • Update beneficiaries on insurance policies, bank accounts, and brokerage accounts.
  • Secure or revise life and disability income insurance policies, if needed.
  • Learn how your changed situation will affect your taxes.

You can read the article here and discuss your step-parenting journey in the comments.

 

 

 

US Supreme Court Rules Same-Sex Marriage Legal Nationwide in Landmark Decision

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“No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice, and family. In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than once they were. As some of the petitioners in these cases demonstrate, marriage embodies a love that may endure even past death. It would misunderstand these men and women to say they disrespect the idea of marriage. Their plea is that they do respect it, respect it so deeply that they seek to find its fulfillment for themselves. Their hope is not to be condemned to live in loneliness, excluded from one of civilization’s oldest institutions. They ask for equal dignity in the eyes of the law. The Constitution grants them that right.

The judgment of the Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit is reversed.

It is so ordered.”

You can read the full opinion here: http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/14pdf/14-556_3204.pdf

Interview: 9 Signs Your Marriage Was Doomed From The Start

legs-divorceThis week I spoke with Huffington Post associate editor Brittany Wong about the top signs a marriage is doomed from the start. Many times, people ignore the red flags, only to have these issues break the marriage later on. Continue reading “Interview: 9 Signs Your Marriage Was Doomed From The Start” →