• Asset/Property Division
• Alimony/Spousal Support
• Child Custody issues
• Child Support issues
• Collaborative Family Law issues
• Financial issues

• Emotional/Relationship issues
• Legal issues
• Mediation issues
• Men's Rights issues
• Real Estate issues
• Pre-Nups

• "What is a QDRO, and who is it prepared by?"
  "A QDRO is a judgment, decree or order for the division of retirement savings plans, pensions, 401(k)s or other retirement accounts. A QDRO would be needed in a divorce proceeding where there is a retirement savings plan, a pension, a 401(k) or any other retirement account …"
• "What are the rules regarding property division in Florida?"
  "Property division is often one of the most highly contested matters in a divorce. Each side wants to receive his or her "fair share" of marital assets, 401(k) retirement plans, stocks and property holdings accumulated during the marriage. Protecting your right to a fair equitable distribution…"
• "How are retirement plans divided in the divorce process?"
  Florida Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA™) Cary B. Stamp, answers: “For many divorcing couples, a retirement plan is the biggest financial asset they hold. And..."
• "How much are the retirement assets really worth in divorce?"
  Florida Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA™) Cary B. Stamp, answers: “Dividing retirement assets in a divorce is a complicated process..."
• "How do I make sure that I get my fair share of my spouse's pension?"
  Florida Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA™) Cary B. Stamp, answers: "Dividing retirement assets in a divorce is a complicated process..."
• "My spouse runs our jointly-owned business. He travels frequently. How can I be sure that he is not hiding assets?"
  This Miami Forensic Accountant, Stanley I. Foodman of Foodman Forensic Consulting answers: Many states are international multi-ethnic communities, and this office consults throughout the U.S..."
• "My spouse inherited a house three months after we got married. Does it qualify as part of our equitable-distribution settlement?"
  Fort Lauderdale CPA and divorce mediator Bruce Berger answers: "Gifts and inheritances are not normally considered marital assets..."
• "I am worried that my spouse will try to hide assets from me. How can I get my fair share of his business and other assets?"
  Fort Lauderdale, FL CPA and divorce mediator Bruce Berger answers: "The presumption is that assets and liabilities acquired during the marriage should be split evenly..."
• "Must a house be sold if the husband and wife bought the house together during the marriage and the minor child or children have been living in the home upon a divorce being granted?"
  Fort Lauderdale divorce attorney Alan Jay Braverman answers: "Under Florida divorce law, the court is to consider the desirability of retaining the marital home..."
• "What is the difference between marital and non-marital property?"
  Sarasota, Florida CFP and CDFA Amy Boohaker answers: "Property includes everything that you have that could be considered an asset..."
• "If the primary residential parent wishes to relocate with the children far from where the other parent is living, what factors does the court consider in determining whether to permit the relocation?"
  Fort Lauderdale, Florida family-law attorney Alan Jay Braverman answers: "In Florida, there is no presumption in favor or against a request to relocate..."

(Top)

Alimony/Spousal Support:

• "Can you explain how alimony works?"
  "Alimony, also known as spousal support, is available in cases where one spouse needs support and the other spouse has the ability to pay it. Overall, this issue is probably the most contested issue in divorce cases. Generally, the court can award alimony in…"

(Top)

Child Custody Issues:

• “Can a child be moved out of Florida by one parent?“
  "Your former spouse drops the bomb: She’s getting remarried and moving out of state. Alternatively, you are the bombardier: You get the dream job you’ve always wanted, but it means relocating to the West Coast. What happens to the custody and visitation arrangements…"
• “What are some common visitation arrangements for children?“
  There are two main types of visitation arrangements: The first type is a “one-size-fits-all” visitation schedule imposed by...
• "My ex-spouse exercises timesharing with our kids, but I want to move with them to another state. Can we go?"
  Florida divorce lawyer Joel H. Feldman, answers: "Florida law evaluates each request to each request to relocate with minor children..."
• "My ex-wife has custody of our children, and she wants to move across the country with them. What can I do about it?"
  Weston, Florida divorce lawyer and mediator Lori Barkus answers: "In order to relocate, your former spouse must obtain your permission or the court's..."
• "Do the courts in Florida have the power to have the children of the marriage live with both of the parties 50% of the time after a divorce?"
  Fort Lauderdale, Florida family lawyer Alan Jay Braverman answers: "Under special circumstances, a court may order rotating child custody..."
• "If I move out of the family home, do I lose my rights?"
  Southern Florida family-law attorney Debra Baer answers: "Your property rights do not depend on where you live..."
• "While the court is determining which parent a child will reside with, does the sex of the party, the sex of the child, or the age of the child factor into the decision?"
  Fort Lauderdale divorce attorney Alan Jay Braverman answers: "Under Florida divorce law, parental responsibility should be shared by both parties..."

(Top)

Child Support Issues:

• "We never discussed who was to pay for our children's schooling during our divorce but now that my son is about to go to university we need an opinion as to who's suppose to pay?"
  When dealing with child support issues in a Florida divorce case, it's important to remember that child support is dictated by state guidelines and will be determined primarily by two factors:..."
• "Who decides how much child support is enough? What if the other parent and I cannot agree on the amount of child support?"
  Miami divorce attorney Jacqueline Valdespino answers: "The court determines   child support based upon the Florida Child Support Guidelines..."
• "What type of life insurance do you need to protect your alimony or child support obligations?"
  Florida insurance agent Joseph Faulk answers: "If you are wondering what type of insurance you should buy to protect your alimony or child support obligations, most experts suggest..."
• "I've been ordered to pay an amount of child and/or spousal support that I can't afford. What are my options?"
  Weston, Florida family lawyer-mediator Lori Barkus answers: "In a change of circumstances, you can file for modification of child support or abatement..."
• "When will my child-support payments end?"
  Fort Lauderdale, Florida CPA and divorce mediator Bruce Berger answers: "In Florida, child support generally stops at the age of majority..."
• "Are alimony and child support taxable? If so, is there any way of structuring support payments to my ex to lower my taxes?"
  Miami CPA Phil Shechter answers: "Where one spouse is to be making support payments to the other upon divorce or separation..."

(Top)

Collaborative Family Law issues:

• "My husband says we'll save a lot of money using the collaborative approach because we will share a divorce lawyer. Is that really how collaborative family law works?"
  Weston, Florida divorce lawyer Lori Barkus answers: "In a collaborative family-law matter, each party is represented by their own divorce attorney..."
• "What role does the financial planner play in the Collaborative Divorce model? Do we need to involve one in our divorce?"
  Weston, Florida divorce attorney Lori Barkus answers: "Rather than hiring 'dueling experts', with each party hiring their own financial advisor, CPA, or financial planner..."
• "What is a divorce coach, and what role does the divorce coach play in a collaborative-divorce proceeding?"
  Weston, Florida family lawyer Lori Barkus answers: "A divorce coach is a mental-health professional specially trained in collaborative family law..."
• "What is collaborative family law?"
  South Florida family lawyers Iris Bass and Arlene Richman answer: "Collaborative family law is a process in which divorce attorneys settle their divorce out of court..."

(Top)

Financial issues:

• "My spouse has a health plan through his work, will I still be covered by the plan after we divorce?"
  "When contemplating divorce, one of the first issues that need to be addressed is how your health insurance needs will be fulfilled after your case is over, particularly if you are a non-working spouse. If…"
• "CAN I MAKE MY SPOUSE SIGN A JOINT TAX RETURN IF WE DIVORCE?"
  "The Federal Government allows married couples to file a joint tax return so long as they are married on December 31st of the tax year. Therefore, whether you are in the process of a divorce proceeding or not……"
• "I need a financial advisor for my divorce. How do I know who to pick?"
  "With more and more couples recognizing the need for financial assistance specifically related to their divorce, it is important to understand what to expect from the various financial professionals available. Listed below are the most common financial professions considered by divorcing couples……"
• "I’m a woman going through a divorce, what steps would you recommend I take to help me take control of my finances?"
  "1. Be good to yourself: It’s my feeling that your health and exercise plays a part in your overall self confidence. When you look better you will feel better 2. Get organized: Know where your assets are and who you owe..…"
• "Is an annuity always worth the value on the statement?"
  Florida Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA™) Cary B. Stamp, answers: "Attorneys are trained to know and understand the law and many have advanced degrees in finance and tax…"
• "What are the different types of financial advisors and who should I hire to help me?"
  Florida Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA™) Cary B. Stamp, answers: "Many family law attorneys and therapists run into situations where their female clients need ongoing financial advice after their divorce ..."
• "What obstacles should I expect during and after my divorce?"
  Florida Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA™) Cary B. Stamp, answers: " To most married people, just thinking about the concept of divorce can create fear of the unknown, apprehension about raising children and ..."
• "Why do I need a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst?"
  Florida Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA™) Cary B. Stamp, answers: "Financial analysis conducted early in the divorce process can save time ..."
• "Why is the Divorce Process so Expensive?"
  Florida CPA, PA Roderick C. Moe, answers: "There are many facets and stages to the divorce process..."
• ""Why do I need life insurance during a divorce?"
  Florida insurance agent Joseph Faulk answers: "In divorce situations, life insurance is often used to secure responsibilities for one of the parties, either for spousal..."
• "How can I ensure my ex-spouse will pay the premiums of the life insurance policy?"
  Florida insurance agent Joseph Faulk answers: "The beneficiary spouse should attempt to monitor the policy to confirm that it remains..."
• "After our divorce becomes final, am I entitled to any of my ex-spouse's retirement or Social Security benefits?"
  Fort Lauderdale, FL CPA and divorce mediator Bruce Berger answers: "If your ex-spouse is currently collecting Social Security, you may qualify for benefits..."
• "My ex spouse always looked after the bills, taxes, and other household expenses. I'm feeling overwhelmed -- where do I start?"
  Lake Worth, Florida CPA and CDFA Roderick Moe answers: "Take a deep breath and tell yourself that you can do this, and you will be fine..."
• "My attorney mentioned that I would be entitled to Social Security benefits via my ex-husband's record. How does this work?"
  Fort Lauderdale, Florida CPA and divorce mediator Bruce Berger answers: "Even if your ex-spouse is currently not collecting Social Security, you may qualify..."
• "I received a large lump sum settlement from my divorce. How should I invest the money?"
  Fort Lauderdale, Florida Accountant and divorce mediator Bruce Berger answers: "Individuals receiving large sums should seek the help of a competent money manager..."
• "After our divorce becomes final, am I entitled to any of my ex-spouse's disability, retirement or social security benefits?"
  Miami, Florida CPA Phil Shechter answers: "You are entitled to a divorced spouse's insurance benefits on the worker's Social Security record if..."
• "How could my income taxes be affected by my divorce?"
  Miami Certified Public Accountant Phil Shechter answers: "The following information can be helpful for individuals facing a divorce or legal separation..."
• "I'm transferring some of my interest in an IRA to my spouse in our divorce agreement. How should I go about doing this?"
  Miami, Florida Accountant Phil Shechter answers: "Spouse's pension benefits are often part of a property settlement..."
• "I've never bought auto insurance before. Could you please give me some basic information to help me understand what I need in the way of coverage?"
  Answer Financial answers: "Auto insurance -- like all insurance -- is about risk. You buy auto insurance hoping an accident doesn't happen..."
• "How do I prevent financial ruin because of my divorce?"
  Boca Raton, Florida CDFA Mac Tamse answers: "Consult trusted advisors such as your divorce lawyer, accountant, tax advisor, or financial advisor..."
• "I'm afraid my legal costs will escalate out of control during my divorce. How can I help keep them at a reasonable level?"
  Southern Florida divorce lawyer Joel Feldman answers: "Legal costs can become exorbitant for any number of reasons..."
• "Can my credit history affect the cost of my auto insurance?"
  Answer Financial answers: "In all states except California and Georgia, an individual's credit rating is a key factor..."
• "What do I need to know about my family's finances before I get divorced?"
  Boca Raton, Florida CDFA Mac Tamse answers: "You should be familiar with all the family's assets and liabilities..."
• "How can I reduce the cost of my auto insurance?"
  Answer Financial answers: "Consumers are countering rising gasoline prices and other.

Legal issues:

• "I heard that pre-nups never hold up in court, is that true?"
  "No. A properly prepared pre-nuptial agreement is an enforceable contract between spouses…"
• "My soon to be ex-spouse and I agree on almost everything regarding our divorce. Wouldn't it be better if we just did it online instead of hiring a family lawyer?"
  "We have seen the dangers of do-it-yourself divorce firsthand. Time and time again, we have had to come in and fix the errors that were made by well-meaning people trying to save money and get through their divorce quicker. Unfortunately, fixing these errors ends up costing more and taking more time…"
• "Can I bring a relative or friend with me when I meet with my lawyer?"
  “The answer is yes, but there are a couple of cautionary matters. Our firm encourages clients to bring supportive friends or family to interviews, particularly the initial interview. When people visit their divorce lawyer for the first time, they are usually distraught, fearful and disoriented…”

(Top)

Mediation Issues:

• "What is mediation/arbitration?"
  " While both mediation and arbitration are alternative dispute resolution processes, mediation and arbitration are not the same thing. Mediation is more commonly used in family law cases than arbitration.… "
• "Do both myself and my spouse need to be in the same room if we go the mediation route for our divorce?"
  "There is no requirement that both parties must sit in the same room during mediation. Most mediators start the mediation process with both parties and their attorneys in the same room…"
• "What happens after we reach an agreement in mediation?"
  "Once an agreement is reached, the attorneys will reduce the agreement to writing. The written agreement is then reviewed by the attorneys and the parties…"

Pre-Nups:

• "What if we leave something out, can a prenup be modified later?"
  "A pre-nuptial agreement can always be modified but it requires the consent of both of you to do so..."
• "Can we do our own prenup?"
  "Yes, you can prepare your own pre-nuptial agreement. It is inadvisable...."
• "Can any attorney do a prenup for us?"
  "Yes, any attorney can prepare a pre-nuptial agreement. However, it is more likely…"
• " Do we need two lawyers to do a prenup or will one do? "
  " You really need two lawyers. A lawyer can only represent one of you; to represent both spouses (or potential spouses) is a conflict of interest. Your interests are not the same …"
• " What should a prenup cover? "
  " A pre-nuptial agreement should cover all the issues that you want it to. The objective of a pre-nuptial agreement is to address what happens… "
• "I'd like to change my prenup because I'm thinking of getting a divorce, can I do that before I tell my spouse I want a divorce? "
  " You can change the pre-nuptial agreement if your spouse agrees, but you risk… "

(Top)

Tuesday, February 14
at 8 pm to 8:30 EST
Preparing for Divorce Mediation - 5 Steps of Negotiation Power to get what you want
Learn More

Listen to podcasts of previous TeleSeminars.