Recent Blog Posts

Who Gets to Claim the Kids as Dependents—and Why Is it Important?

Claiming your children as dependents on your taxes can be a significant boon. The parent who has the children more days out of the year is the person eligible to claim the kids; if you have 50/50 custody, parents alternate which years they can claim them as dependents. Here’s why it’s such an attractive option:… Read More »

How to Approach Child Support at Mediation

As a parent, you’re obligated to take care of your children financially, even if they don’t live with you or you were never married to their other parent. When you’re mediating divorce or custody, child support is often a concern. New York child support laws New York courts have specific formulas to determine how much… Read More »

Is Divorce on the Horizon? Here Are Some Common Predictors

Sometimes spouses are surprised when one of them asks for a divorce—but should they be? Maybe they thought the relationship was going well, only to find out that their spouse has simply been polite because they no longer want to be in the marriage and are ready to move on. Here are some of the… Read More »

How to Behave During Mediation

Ending a marriage, even on friendly terms, can be emotionally fraught. Plus, if you’ve never gone through legal proceedings before, you might not know what to expect, even in informal processes like mediation. These tips will help you approach mediation with the right demeanor, and make the experience as productive as possible. Maintain your calm… Read More »

What to Do with Your Mortgage During Divorce

Buying a home is often one of the most exciting milestones a couple can reach together—but when your marriage ends and the mortgage still needs to be paid, it can complicate your divorce. Here are some of the options you have for your mortgage: Sell the house and split the equity: Selling the house is… Read More »

How to Broach Mediation with Your Spouse

Even amicable divorces can be surprisingly emotional and difficult. After all, you’re ending one chapter of your life and beginning another. Even if you both agree it’s the right decision, getting into the details can be tough—and if your spouse is less-than-agreeable, it can be even harder. How should you broach mediation with your spouse?… Read More »

Are You Ever Responsible for Your Spouse’s Separate Debt?

Divorcing your spouse means dividing up your debts as well as your assets. When you choose mediation, both spouses must come to an agreement on the best way to divvy up assets and liabilities. Understanding your legal rights and responsibilities is important: it allows you to go into mediation knowing what’s likely to happen in… Read More »

Are Stock Options Divided During Divorce?

When you and your spouse divorce, one of the main tasks is to separate your marital property in an equitable manner. Stock options can be difficult to divide or value, however. In mediation, the divorcing couple can agree on whatever asset distribution they choose, but it’s always good to know the potential challenges beforehand. Here’s… Read More »

Divorce and Military Benefits

When you build a life together as a or with a service member, the military benefits can make up for the less desirable parts of the job. Both spouses make sacrifices, and upon divorce, non-military exes may be eligible for benefits. Because the military rules regarding benefits for ex-spouses can be complex, it’s wise to… Read More »

How to Find the Right Mediator for Your Divorce

Once you and your ex have jointly decided to pursue divorce mediation, the next step is to find the right mediator for you both. Here’s what to consider when you’re looking for the right fit: Training and education: First, look into your divorce mediator’s training and education. Some people are surprised to learn that not… Read More »