Collaborative Law Institute Blog – Family Law Attorneys & Professionals
Social Security and Your Retirement – Part 3: Spousal Benefits & Divorce
When contemplating the pros and cons of getting divorced, I doubt anyone ever puts in the pros column “easier to claim Social Security Spousal Benefits”. Some people may not even realize that they can get Social Security spousal benefits based on their ex-spouse’s...
What is the Difference Between Budgeting and Cash Flow?
I teach a cash flow planning course throughout the metro area. One of the ways I begin, is by asking everyone to tell me the first word that comes to mind when they hear the word budget? Often it is a negative type of word like restricting, confining, or boring. When...
Everbody Wins?
If you put two smart, equally powerful people together to solve a problem with no clear right or wrong answer, they will likely come up with at least two possible solutions, and will often disagree on which solution is the best. The conundrum then becomes, which...
Telling Your Family and Friends that You’re Getting a Divorce
Let’s face it, it’s not easy to announce your divorce, it may in fact be what you are dreading the most, but confiding in others will help you gain the support you need to pick up the pieces. There are so many different emotions – sadness, anger, fear, guilt, etc. One...
Social Security and Your Retirement – Part 2: Claiming Benefits Early
At first glance, you might think that beginning social security benefits at age 62 versus waiting until your full retirement age (FRA – currently age 66) sounds like a pretty good deal. You receive four more years of benefits and won’t have to withdraw as much...
International Collaborative Divorce
Collaborative law is a world-wide phenomenon. Although the process originally started in Minnesota, it has now spread throughout the world. Over the past few years, I have had the privilege of getting to know collaborative professionals from Europe, South America,...
“Boyhood” Movie: Profile of Children in Divorce
Every once in awhile a movie comes along that gives us an important glimpse into the world of divorce. Richard Linklater’s movie Boyhood is one of those rare films. It tells the story of a divorced family over a period of twelve years in a way that has moved...
40 Years of Marriage
My husband and I celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary this year. It feels like a big number but I don’t feel old or tired of the marriage. My husband and I have worked hard to keep our marriage fresh and vibrant, and we look forward to the next 20 or 30 years...
Getting Unmarried: Where Do I Begin?
I am often asked to give presentations on the financial issues in divorce. I always cover what I refer to as the two financial pillars of any divorce dividing property including debts and cash flow and support. Without fail someone in attendance always asks where, do...
Becoming the Best Parent I Can Be
In a recent first meeting with new clients, I was obtaining family history to help ground me in both parents’ perspectives on issues related to their divorce. A comment by the dad struck a chord for me. He said, “I believe the way I can become the best...
