Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce
Considering separation/divorce:
During separation/divorce:
- "I'm worried about how my divorce will affect my financial situation. Should I refinance my home?"
Fayetteville, Georgia mortgage consultant Brad Phillips answers: "The most common reason for refinancing is to save money. This can be achieved in two ways..."
- "Does divorce mediation have any advantages over a traditional litigated divorce?"
New York divorce lawyer and mediator Robert Wayburn answers: "The first step is to assess whether your spouse wants to participate in the process..."
- "What should I look for in a divorce attorney?"
Woodbridge, New Jersey divorce attorney David Wildstein answers: "Choosing the right family-law attorney is one of your most important decisions when ending marriage..."
- "I'm a divorce lawyer representing a client who's having an angry, bitter divorce. I want them to cool it down, but the spouses won't let up with their personal attacks. What's the right course here?"
Jackson, Mississippi family lawyer Mark Chinn answers: "We know that efforts at bridge-building in divorce may be met with rebuffs..."
- "Is it all right to date or have a sexual relationship with my lawyer?"
NY family-law attorney Robert Burg answers: "In family law, there is something called 'the appearance of impropriety'..."
- "What exactly do divorce decrees cover, as far as liabilities for existing debts are concerned?"
Washington Mutual mortgage consultant Conni Murphy answers: "If you are divorcing your spouse, pay special attention to credit accounts held jointly..."
- "What is a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, and how can one help me in my settlement negotiations with my spouse?"
New York CDFA and financial planner Edward Papier answers: "The financial issues inherent to every divorce case are frequently the ones most overlooked..."
- "How does collaborative law differ from mediation or litigation?"
DivorceMagazine.com answers: "Like mediation, collaborative family law is a cooperative, cost-effective, and stress-reducing alternative to litigation..."
- "What happens if the collaborative model doesn't work for us and we're not able to reach a settlement?"
DivorceMagazine.com answers: "In collaborative family law, both parties retain a specially trained collaborative divorce lawyer..."
- "How is a Collaborative Divorce settlement different from a settlement in a traditional case?"
DivorceMagazine.com answers: "Most divorce cases settle out of court, in terms of property division, spousal and child support, and custody and visitation..."
- "What role does the financial advisor play in the Collaborative Divorce model? Do we need to involve one in our divorce?"
DivorceMagazine.com answers: "Unlike in a traditional divorce case, where each spouse may hire his or her own financial advisor to work exclusively with that party..."
- "My wife and I have agreed to divorce via the collaborative process, but she and her lawyer are not cooperating fairly. Is it likely that we'll reach a fair settlement?"
DivorceMagazine.com answers: "The whole philosophy of Collaborative Divorce is about resolving disputes through fair cooperation, whereas..."
- "Does Collaborative Divorce work the same way throughout the United States and Canada?"
DivorceMagazine.com answers: "Collaborative Divorce uses the same basic model throughout North America -- that of two collaborative lawyers who..."
Post-divorce issues:
- "I've heard of people having 'divorce ceremonies'. What's that all about?"
Charlotte Eulette, the North American Director of the Celebrant Foundation, answers: "In a ceremony of this kind, friends and family gather for their honored friend..."
- "Will my spouse be entitled to some of my pension after our divorce? If so, can I prevent this?"
Lee's Summit, Missouri divorce attorney James Young answers: "To begin answering these questions, one must first define terms. Retirement plans can be broken into..."
- "My divorce has ruined me financially, and I'm thinking of filing for bankruptcy. Would there be any negative repercussions?"
Victor Chevalier, with the Debt Free League, answers: "The only good reason you should consider bankruptcy is if you're drowning in debt and..."
- "I am about to receive a large settlement from my divorce. What should I be thinking about and what should my first steps be?"
Boulder, Colorado divorce mediator and financial planner Natalie Nelson answers: "If you don't already have a budget, now is the time to create one..."
- "A spouse has just served me with divorce papers and I am going to see a divorce attorney. I am confused, upset and very nervous about what is going to happen. What should I expect in the initial interview? What can I expect will happen to me in the divorce?"
Troy, Michigan divorce lawyer Ronald Bookholder answers: "The role of the family lawyer in educating you is a multi-faceted process..."
- "Should I withhold visitation from my ex until he starts making child support payments on-time and in-full?"
Millburn, NJ divorce lawyer and mediator Douglas Schoenberg answers: "This problem typically occurs when communication is about to break down or has collapsed..."
- "What can I do to help my kids recover from our divorce?"
Chicago, Illinois child psychiatrist Robert Galatzer-Levy answers: "Explain that you can know something is wrong and that you want to understand it..."
- "I'm starting to dread my stepchildren's weekend visits. What should I do?"
Toronto, Ontario family lawyer and mediator Barbara Landau answers: "Your dilemma is a familiar one: whether to be the awful stepmother or suffer in silence like Cinderella..."
- "My ex-wife told me many times that I have no rhythm and two left feet. What can I do to gain the self-confidence to go dancing?"
Thornhill, Ontario dance instructor Joel Wood answers: "By identifying your challenges, you've taken the first step to achieving your goal..."
- "My husband's ex-wife is ruining our marriage. What should I do?"
Los Angeles, California couples counselor Andrea Brandt answers: "My advice would be to talk to your husband about the situation as soon as possible..."