Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce
- "What are the advantages of Collaborative Divorce?"
Family lawyer Ron Supancic answers: "The advantages of Collaborative Divorce are many. Sessions are held in private, keeping many details out of the public record. The clients, with their lawyers assisting, are in charge and make their own agreements, rather than giving power and control to the court. Such flexibility allows for more creativity with which to fashion settlement terms. Without the need to wait on lengthy periods for hearing or trial dates, the divorce can proceed in a timely fashion, saving huge amounts on attorney fees.
Just as with the death of one partner, as a result of divorce, the family will naturally restructure itself. Yet for this restructuring process to be optimally healthy, professional help is often needed..."
- "I'm worried that this divorce is going to ruin me financially. Do you have any tips to prevent this?"
Certified Public Accountant Ginita Wall answers: "No matter how well you do financially in the divorce, it can be scary. Making the right decisions now can go a long way toward making sure you have a comfortable retirement, providing for your kids' college education, and even leaving a legacy for your grandchildren. Here are five tips for navigating the divorce maze successfully:
- Cancel all joint credit cards, including charge, department store, and gasoline card accounts. Even if a court rules that you aren't responsible for charges made by your spouse after you separate, the credit-card company can hold you responsible while you and your ex sort it out..."
- "How should we deal with our marital debt? We owe more than we own, and I don't want to end up holding the bag because I earn more than my spouse."
CPA and CFP Ginita Wall answers: "Money problems often contribute to marriage problems, and vice-versa, so it's not unusual for people contemplating divorce to have debt problems at the same time.
If you can, pay off the debts with joint funds. For example, if you're selling the house, arrange to have the bank or escrow company pay off the debt before it distributes the proceeds to you. If you have savings, pay it off from those funds.
If you won’t be able to pay off debts with joint funds, one or both of you are going to have to assume the debt and repay it in the future..."