Formula for Alimony

Family Court judges have needed a formula to avoid unfair settlements, because the amounts and payment schedules are usually decided by them. Judges are on their own in deciding how to prioritize the various factors and how to translate them into dollar amounts—resulting in wildly inconsistent alimony awards. The unpredictability of alimony rules imposes unnecessary costs.  […]

Protecting Your Credit

Everyone should be proactive about monitoring their personal financial data.  Credit reports have become consumers’ passport to the financial world.  It is very important that you make sure that the information in your report—that is used to formulate your credit score—is accurate. You are entitled to one free report annually from each of the three credit bureaus—Equifax, […]

Checklist for Selecting a Divorce Attorney

Anyone who is faced with the challenge of going through a divorce is at a stressful time in their life and needs the best assistance that they can get. One of the most essential parts to a successful divorce case is locating and hiring the right divorce attorney for your case. This is critical because […]

Senior Marriage

Romance is wonderful, especially for a “senior”—but marriage has to be thought out carefully. The financial implications are the most important thing to consider.  Living together without getting married may make the most sense. But if marriage is what you want, you have to have serious financial discussions before you take the step. Proof of your income, […]

Marriage and the IRS

After you get married, be sure to notify the IRS if you are changing your name (not everyone does).  Also advise them of a change in your address if you are moving.  You can miss getting your tax refund if they don’t have the correct address. Marriage can result in numerous tax changes.  If you are […]

Divorce On Hold

The recession has encouraged marriages to improvise, because they have no choice.  Since the financial collapse in 2008 many semi-happy, but not totally miserable, couples have stayed together because they can’t afford to get divorced.  Or they can’t sell their homes or would lose too much money if they did.  So they continue to live together, […]

The Future of Marriage

Is there a future in marriage?  A Pew poll in 2010 found that a whopping 50% of young Americans, and 40% of all Americans, believe that marriage is becoming obsolete. There are others who want to revive the “traditional” marriage, get rid of no-fault divorce laws and change the attitudes about marriage. It is interesting that at […]

Married Couples

The Census Bureau has reported that in 2010 only 48 percent of American households were represented by married couples.  This is the first time that figure has dropped below 50 percent.  This is down from 78 percent in 1950—the days of “Ozzie and Harriet” are gone.  Just a fifth of households were traditional families—married couples […]