Read the rest of this entry

Article by Robert Barr

Let’s face it, a divorce is not a pleasant topic. How are the kids going to take it? Who is getting the dog? Who is paying the credit card bills? This last question can become very sticky in a divorce. You need to understand, a divorce decree doesn’t change the fact that you are responsible for any credit held jointly.The divorce decree is another binding agreement between two people who consent to leave each other. It doesn’t matter who agreed to pay what in the divorce. And it certainly doesn’t matter to the creditor that you’re getting a divorce. A word to the wise, don’t sign a divorce petition until everything with your jointly held credit is worked out. An irresponsible or vengeful ex-spouse can wreak havoc on your credit rating for years after a divorce. It’s legal harassment for sureBottom line, do not sign a divorce decree until all credit matters are resolved. What I’ve gleaned from divorced couples I’ve talked with is that they believe signing papers at the lawyer’s office resolves everything. If you plan ahead and pay close attention to credit accounts held jointly, you can ensure that your credit reports and FICO credit scores won’t get damaged any worse. This is something that your divorce attorney will never tell you about. When you’re married, it’s often easier to just make all accounts joint accounts. The creditors of jointly held accounts that your spouse filed bankruptcy on will come knocking on your door for payment…and eventually may push you into filing bankruptcy (if you haven’t already) regardless if the debts that the spouse filed on were in the divorce decree.Here are some credit tips to help you through a divorce:

1. Close joint accounts before you separate or divorce to prevent your former spouse from running up charges and leaving you responsible for the balance. Some financial institutions will require the primary account holder to close the account.

Read the rest of this entry

It’s unfortunate but true. Children get the worst end of the divorce. No child enjoys seeing their parents split. The very family they know is falling apart right in front of their eyes, and it’s something that can literally affect them for the rest of their lives.

So what can you do to help your kids during a divorce? What do your kids need from you during your Florida quick divorce?

Read the rest of this entry

Unfortunately, many people who file for divorce in Florida do so without being represented by a lawyer. The average person just can’t afford an attorney. Most attorneys bill by the hour, and by the time they’re done handling the case, the client could end up owing several thousands of dollars.

With that in mind, it should come as no surprise that a growing number of people are going online to buy Florida divorce papers and to get assistance from non-lawyers to prepare the paperwork and file for divorce. It’s far cheaper than hiring a “billable hour” attorney.

Read the rest of this entry

Question by DeNiro’s daughter: Need to get a quick divorce?
I have a friend that wants to get a divorce. Is there a lawyer that can grant him this at a reasonable rate. They have been seperated for 7 yrs and she just had a baby ( not his). How can I help him?

Best answer: Read the rest of this entry

My fiance and I are planning to get married next month in San Diego, CA. He was divorced 09/30/2009 in RI. Would I have to get a copy of the divorce papers or do we not need them since more then 90 days have passed? What i’ve read online seems to make me think you only need to bring them if the divorce was finalized in the last 90 days.

i left my husband for domestic reasons that has been going on the entire 3 years we were together. i had to move to Flordia with my parents and he was put in jail. i was wanting to find out how i could get a divorce cheap, easy and online without having to go back to Georgia to take care of this matter. please only answer if you are serious. thanks for any help given

When we talk about online information promotion, may people assume that they must have a book in print before they can begin talking about their topic online. Nothing can be further from the truth.

Read the rest of this entry

A copy of your divorce records is kept and can be obtained at any time from your county’s Record Office of Licensing Branch of the state or country in which your divorce took place. If you have moved since the divorce you will need to contact the location where the proceedings took place.

Be aware that certain guidelines must be followed when requesting a copy of your divorce papers. Each Records Office has different policies and procedures but these will be outlined for you when you request your copy of the Divorce Certificate. There may be a brief waiting period, again that may vary with each location.

Read the rest of this entry

During divorce, retaining the services of a qualified and compassionate family lawyer can be the best – and most influential — decision you’ll make. Yet in addition to legal advice and support, you might need in-depth financial guidance, too. If so, then consider the services of a financial advisor.
How a Financial Advisor Helps During Divorce
Financial issues during a divorce can be thorny and complex. A financial advisor who focuses on divorce matters will mine through all of your marital financial data, and help you unravel and clarify your financial situation and options. If support payments are involved, be it alimony or child support, you will want to make sure the calculations accurate and optimal because once agreed upon, these support payments will likely stay for many years to come. Ultimately, clear financial data and forecasts will empower you and your family lawyer to obtain an optimal and equitable divorce settlement/resolution, and enjoy the peace of mind of a stable financial picture going forward. Remember, the last thing you want is to do is assume that your post-divorce future is financially secure, and shockingly discover down the road that things aren’t so rosy. A financial advisor can help prevent this disastrous scenario from unfolding.
What if your Assets aren’t Complex?
Many people think that a financial advisor is only necessary when spouses are liquidating or contesting complex assets, such a business, offshore holdings, stocks and investments, and so forth. However, this may not be the case. Even if dividing your marital assets seems straightforward and simple, a financial advisor can be very helpful in preparing valuations and other paperwork, and using tools like cost-benefit analysis and economic forecasting to help you see how today’s decisions impact tomorrow’s finances.
What to Look for in a Financial Advisor
Similar to your family lawyer and other members of your divorce support team (e.g. a mediator, a therapist), one of the key things you want to ensure when searching for a financial dvisor is that she or he has experience dealing with divorce. Indeed, while there are many competent and certified financial advisors serving the general public, not all of them have experience with divorce issues.
Many financial advisors who specialize in divorce issues have earned the CDFA™ designation, which stands for Certified Divorce Financial Analyst™. Governed by the Institute for ivorce Financial Analysts,
Certified Divorce Financial Analysts™ [are] trained to help people through the maze of divorce. They sift through the financial issues including incomes, expenses, assets, tax issues, pensions, division of property, and help you reach an equitable solution that is fair to both parties.  (Source: The Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts)
Additionally, look for a financial advisor who is committed to working efficiently with your family lawyer, and will equip him or her with the quality financial facts needed to present your case.
And of course, it goes without saying (but we’ll say it anyway) that you should choose a financial advisor who exhibits the qualities and characteristics that matter to you on a personal level. This means choosing someone who doesn’t intimidate you, is responsive, is willing to answer your questions clearly (even if you have to ask them again…and again), and demonstrates the concern, focus and compassion that you deserve at this time.
However, with all of this being said, also make sure that your financial advisor has the confidence to tell you the truth – even if that truth may be a bit harsh or not what you want to hear. For example, if holding onto a cherished asset is not in your best financial interest because it will cost you more in the long-term, you want your financial advisor to respectfully explain this to you so you can make the right, objective decision.
Finding a Financial Advisor
DivorceMagazine.com has a full listing of all the Certified Financial Divorce Analysts in each state and province and also features a select group of financial advisors who help people through their divorce by offering services such as business valuation, foresnsic accounting, and financial forecasting. Simply click here to review some profiles and get the contact information of financial advisors in your area.
Or, if you already have a family lawyer, you can ask her or him to refer a financial advisor to you.
Regardless of how you find your financial advisor, just remember, that it’s entirely up to you – not your family lawyer or anyone else – who you choose to work with. Make sure you feel confident and comfortable.