--- title: Our Blog - AMF Divorce | Divorce (6) description: Divorce | From mortgage professionals to therapists to attorneys, the team at A.M. Financial works closely with these types of professionals. (6) --- ## A.M. Financial - [Services](https://amf-divorce.com/divorce-transition-services) - [Service Plan](https://amf-divorce.com/service-plan) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://amf-divorce.com/frequently-asked-questions) - [Our Blog](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog) - [About Amy](https://amf-divorce.com/about-amy) - [Contact Us](https://amf-divorce.com/contact-us) - [Services](https://amf-divorce.com/divorce-transition-services) - [Services](https://amf-divorce.com/divorce-transition-services) - [Service Plan](https://amf-divorce.com/service-plan) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://amf-divorce.com/frequently-asked-questions) - [Our Blog](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog) - [About Amy](https://amf-divorce.com/about-amy) - [Contact Us](https://amf-divorce.com/contact-us) [Book a Meeting](https://calendly.com/amymahlenmelander/consultdivorcefinancialplanning) Posts about # Divorce (6) ## [What is a Divorce Coach?](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/what-is-a-divorce-coach) June 01, 2022 The process of divorce has significantly evolved in the last decade and many parties now include additional resources and professionals, beyond an attorney, throughout the process. Assembling a... [CONTINUE READING](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/what-is-a-divorce-coach) ## [3 Myths About Going to Court in a Divorce](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/3-myths-about-going-to-court-in-a-divorce) June 01, 2022 If you are going through a divorce, or know someone who is, often the greatest fear is the possibility of going to court. There is a perception that divorces that end up in court will have... [CONTINUE READING](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/3-myths-about-going-to-court-in-a-divorce) ## [3 Maintenance Options & What You Should Consider](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/3-maintenance-options-what-you-should-consider) June 01, 2022 As you go through your divorce, it may feel like you are gaining a whole new vocabulary as you learn about the different aspects and components of everything in separation agreements. Maintenance... [CONTINUE READING](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/3-maintenance-options-what-you-should-consider) ## [What Does Child Support Cover?](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/what-does-child-support-cover) June 01, 2022 Child support can be a confusing and complex part of a separation or divorce. It’s state-specific and there are several factors that influence it. From understanding the details of when it’s paid... [CONTINUE READING](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/what-does-child-support-cover) ## [What is a Certified Financial Divorce Analyst?](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/certified-financial-divorce-analyst-a-m-financial) June 01, 2022 Going through a divorce can often feel lonely and confusing. Even if you know others who have been through a divorce, the process has evolved significantly in the last decade, and friends and... [CONTINUE READING](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/certified-financial-divorce-analyst-a-m-financial) ## [Non-Spousal Retirement Beneficiary Planning](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/retirement-beneficiary-planning) June 01, 2022 After your divorce is finalized and the various accounts divided and settled, you will be able to update your beneficiaries. Assuming your partner or spouse was previously your primary beneficiary,... [CONTINUE READING](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/retirement-beneficiary-planning) ## [Finding the Right Divorce Attorney: 6 Questions to Ask](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/finding-the-right-divorce-attorney-6-questions-to-ask) June 01, 2022 Choosing the right attorney in your divorce can make all the difference. From getting the outcomes you want, to reducing unwanted friction with your ex-spouse, there are important questions to ask... [CONTINUE READING](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/finding-the-right-divorce-attorney-6-questions-to-ask) ## [Post-Divorce Financial To-Do List](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/post-divorce-financial-to-do-list) June 01, 2022 Throughout the divorce process, you’ll likely be busy reviewing everything from financial documents to court filings. You may be consumed with tasks like finding a new place to live or going... [CONTINUE READING](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/post-divorce-financial-to-do-list) ## [Legal Separation vs. Divorce: What's Right for Me?](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/legal-separation-vs-divorce) June 01, 2022 While divorce is probably a very familiar topic to you, legal separation may not be something you hear about as often, or fully understand. While these two approaches to cutting ties with your... [CONTINUE READING](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/legal-separation-vs-divorce) - - [2](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/tag/divorce/page/2) - [3](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/tag/divorce/page/3) - [4](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/tag/divorce/page/4) - [5](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/tag/divorce/page/5) - [6](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/tag/divorce/page/6) - ##### About Amy With compassion and patience, Amy focuses on her client’s unique priorities to build a financial road map that provides clarity to make informed decisions today regarding the future. ##### Links - [Home](https://amf-divorce.com) - [Services](https://amf-divorce.com/divorce-transition-services) - [Our Blog](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog) - [About Amy](https://amf-divorce.com/about-amy) - [Contact Us](https://amf-divorce.com/contact-us) - [Schedule a Meeting](https://calendly.com/amymahlenmelander) ©2026 Copyright. All rights reserved. A.M. Financial provides supporting financial information, evaluation and analysis to be utilized by the client and the client’s selected attorney if directed, during the process of their divorce. ervices provided in regards to this agreement are solely fee-only and do not involve investment or security advice or insurance transactions. All information is financial in nature and should not be construed or relied upon as legal or tax advice. A.M. Financial IS NOT AN ATTORNEY AND DOES NOT PROVIDE LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE. Individuals are encouraged to seek competent legal and tax advice from professionals who specialize in divorce and tax laws in their respective state. Amy Melander (CRD #4692263) is an Investment Adviser Representative of OneDigital Investment Advisors, LLC (ODIA). ODIA and A.M. Financial are independent and unaffiliated entities. ODIA does not offer or provide divorce financial planning services and any statements and/or opinions expressed by A.M. Financial do not represent the views and/or opinions of ODIA.   This website is a publication of A.M. Financial. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date, but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. Content should not be viewed as personalized investment advice or as an offer to buy or sell, or a solicitation of any offer to buy or sell the securities mentioned herein. A professional adviser should be consulted before implementing any of the strategies presented. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® (with plaque design) and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements. ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "articleBody" : "The process of divorce has significantly evolved in the last decade and many parties now include additional resources and professionals, beyond an attorney, throughout the process. Assembling a team of specialists to ensure you achieve the outcomes you want in your divorce is becoming the norm. In fact, with so many professionals to help, you might even be overwhelmed trying to decide which divorce professionals you should choose to work with. In this post, we’ll specifically outline the role of a coach in your divorce, how coaches can help accelerate the outcomes you want, and circumstances that might make hiring a coach particularly helpful. Do I need a divorce coach? While some professionals might not be necessary in every divorce, a coach is universally helpful throughout the process and everyone could benefit from this extra layer of support. However, a divorce coach is especially important if you have unique circumstances in your divorce, including: Leaving a difficult relationship, such as one characterized by narcissism or abuse A dramatic life change post-divorce, such as re-entering the workforce, a significant change in lifestyle, or moving into single parenthood Complex issues surrounding the children or finances Hiring a divorce coach can provide you extra support in these challenging situations or simply be a more neutral third party to help solve the top issues you are encountering in the process. What does a divorce coach do? You have likely hired and worked with coaches throughout your life, from little league coaches to personal trainers to career coaches. The role of any coach is to train, inspire and motivate individuals based on their unique goals and needs. The role of a divorce coach is no different. They offer motivational and emotional support, provide resources, and help you see a future vision of your life. They draw upon experiences with other clients like you to help you understand what is possible and how you can achieve your ideal post-divorce life. The role of a coach is also to help you manage and overcome difficult emotions, including fear, anger, and uncertainty. However, sometimes a coach will recommend more support on these topics and refer you to a psychologist who has extensive credentials and training on emotional support. Coaches compliment, but do not replace, professional resources because they do not provide any legal, settlement, or financial support. However, their training and experience may make them a specialist in navigating certain circumstances such as co-parenting, career changes, relocation, and more. A coach can help you see the pros and cons of various options in your divorce and can serve as a sounding board as you make decisions throughout the divorce process. The benefits of a divorce coach Beyond emotional support, divorce coaches can save you time and money during the divorce process. Coaches are less expensive than attorneys and can help you talk through and make decisions (without providing legal advice) for your attorney to action. The alternative would be to discuss these decisions with your attorney at a much higher fee, or with a friend or family member that might be biased toward certain outcomes. As he or she understands what is important to you, your coach will offer a more holistic perspective than other professionals who are specialized in just one area, such as lawyers and financial advisors. Having an unbiased third party can help you separate your emotions from the best next steps. Not to mention, hiring a coach helps relieve friends and family from the burden of supporting you through this difficult time, especially if they disagree with your decision to get a divorce. Overall, a coach will accelerate your healing with the support you need and help you get on with your new life. Choosing a divorce coach Like choosing any professional, it’s important to ask the right questions and select a coach who aligns with your circumstances and values. Typical interview questions might be around preferred communication styles, specific experience, and cost. Make sure your coach likes to communicate in the ways you prefer, whether that is via weekly phone calls or daily emails, or a mix of methods. Coaches with specific experience in the areas you are struggling with will probably provide more realistic guidance to help you overcome these challenges so do inquire about their typical client. Cost will always be a consideration and some coaches may work on a sliding scale to accommodate clients of various income levels. Lastly, ask about professional certifications and training from the coaches you interview to understand their scope of expertise. At A.M. Financial, we work alongside divorce coaches to help you prepare for the best financial future possible. If modeling the pros and cons of various settlement options and what they mean both long and short-term would be helpful in your divorce, we can provide that type of expertise. Or, if understanding the tax consequences of your divorce is important to you, we can help. We start our partnerships with a free consultation, which you can request at any time.", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Amy Mahlen", "sameAs" : "", "url" : "https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/author/amy-mahlen" }, "dateModified" : "01/06/2022", "datePublished" : "01/06/2022", "headline" : "What is a Divorce Coach?", "image" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "height" : 400, "url" : "https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/39875594/Imported_Blog_Media/qtq80-OEmjdJ.jpeg", "width" : 750 }, "mainEntityOfPage" : "https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/what-is-a-divorce-coach", "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "" }, "name" : "A.M. Financial", "url" : "amf-divorce.com" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "articleBody" : "If you are going through a divorce, or know someone who is, often the greatest fear is the possibility of going to court. There is a perception that divorces that end up in court will have dramatic, unfair outcomes by a judge who doesn’t know what’s best for the divorcing parties, likely due to movies and media that portray it this way. The truth is that while most people want to stay far away from court, it’s sometimes to their own detriment. Even parties who may use court as a “threat” during settlement discussions often don’t want things to end that way. While only 5% of divorcing parties end up in court, there are myths about court being a negative and scary experience. In this post, we discuss three common myths about going to court and educate you on the reality of these situations. Myth 1: I must have an attorney to go to court Although navigating the details of court on your own may feel overwhelming, in 85% of cases, one party does not have an attorney. In fact, over 50% of overall divorce cases are settled without involving attorneys. Therefore, it’s not uncommon for judges to hear from parties who are representing themselves. If you plan to navigate court on your own, we highly recommend you prepare yourself by hiring a team of advisors to educate you on the various aspects of your separation agreement, from financial advisors to tax professionals to realtors to attorneys who can guide you on an unbundled basis (hourly) providing expertise when needed. Having professionals help you understand what is reasonable and possible will make your position to the judge stronger. If you do end up feeling like hiring an attorney to fully represent you is the right option at any point along your divorce journey, screen for a settlement-oriented attorney from the start. Hiring an attorney with the expectation that they can help you reach a settlement outside of court can help you feel like you have done everything possible to try and work out a separation agreement and parenting plan (if applicable) prior to moving into the court process. Remember, it’s okay to change your attorney during the process in order to align better with your values and desired outcomes. Myth 2: If I go to court, I no longer have control and my family’s fate will be left up to a judge Unless one party is highly contentious, it’s unlikely that either party wants to go to court to settle a divorce. However, one party might threaten this in order to expedite settlement by saying things like “fine, if you don’t agree with me, we’ll just go to court” or “I’m tired of trying to come to an agreement, let’s just let a judge decide”. These are often just empty statements in a desperate effort to try and reach an agreement. If you are hearing phrases like this from your ex, you might see this attitude changing as the divorce process drags on. Sometimes getting closer and closer to having a court date prompts more reasonable settlement between parties and/or their attorneys. While it might feel like you are leaving your fate up to a judge by going to court, sometimes, the only option is court because the other party is offering settlement options that are so bad and unreasonable. When these dynamics are present, your worst-case scenario of going to court is BETTER than settling for what is being offered. When all options on the table are worse than what would be granted by a judge, a trial can give you the chance to petition for more, such as a greater share of the assets or more time and decision-making authority with the children. If you and your lawyer feel you have a strong case, then you may decide it’s worth going to trial. Court might also feel like an expensive choice as you have to pay your attorney to both prepare your case and represent you in the courtroom. However, sometimes court can save you money if there is continuous back and forth and too much unresolved conflict that is eating away at your lawyer’s time as you try and work toward settlement. Myth 3: An attorney will create more problems in my divorce There is definitely a general myth in society that attorneys want all your money, cause more contention, and create more fights with your former spouse. Once again, this is likely portrayed in the movies and media and we are therefore programmed to believe this based on exposure to these stories. While it can be the case in some more rare situations, most attorneys should be an advocate for you, your goals, and the best interest of any children (when involved). They should greatly reduce the drama, communication, and fighting between you and your ex. While attorneys don’t usually create more problems, this myth is a good reminder to screen and hire a reasonable, settlement-oriented attorney. This type of attorney will prevent the threat of court from the start, if possible. In order to find a settlement-oriented attorney, ask for referrals from friends and family, read online reviews, check references from their past clients, and always interview attorneys before selecting. In the rare case you know you’ll end up at trial anyway based on the difficulty of negotiations, lack of success, and existing issues, it may make sense to plan toward that outcome and choose an attorney who has experience in court. This might be the case if you are working with an extremely uncompromising ex, abuse issue, a spouse who is hiding assets, or a former spouse who is seeking an extreme situation like full custody of the children. At A.M. Financial, we can help you alongside divorce planning and negotiating. We can advise on financial options to include in your separation agreement based on what is happening now and what you may encounter down the road. We can work alongside your attorney or directly with you to collectively create a tangible financial plan to support your present needs and future goals. Contact us to schedule a free consultation today.", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Amy Mahlen", "sameAs" : "", "url" : "https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/author/amy-mahlen" }, "dateModified" : "01/06/2022", "datePublished" : "01/06/2022", "headline" : "3 Myths About Going to Court in a Divorce", "image" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "height" : 400, "url" : "https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/39875594/Imported_Blog_Media/qtq80-4nSyCL.jpeg", "width" : 750 }, "mainEntityOfPage" : "https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/3-myths-about-going-to-court-in-a-divorce", "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "" }, "name" : "A.M. Financial", "url" : "amf-divorce.com" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "articleBody" : "As you go through your divorce, it may feel like you are gaining a whole new vocabulary as you learn about the different aspects and components of everything in separation agreements. Maintenance is one of the topics you are sure to discuss and agree upon, no matter which type of divore you are going through. In this post, we do a deep dive into maintenance, what you can expect, options to consider, and the risks of those approaches. What is Maintenance? Maintenance is payments made by one spouse to the other that assist and support the recipient spouse. Sometimes maintenance is also called “alimony”. The details of how maintenance is structured is very state-specific and situation-specific. Some states, like Texas, rarely grant maintenance while other states more generously order maintenance, so it’s important to know state laws or work with an attorney in your local area. In Colorado, these payments are time-limited and based on the length of your marriage. Maintenance may be awarded because “earning power” is viewed as a shared marital asset. These payments are intended to even out income or earning power, post-divorce. Maintenance is based on the standard of living established in the marriage and paid based on the likelihood that each party can maintain a reasonably comparable standard of living. Court-mandated support from one spouse to the other is ultimately intended to provide for the receiving spouse’s financial needs until he or she can obtain the education or work necessary to provide for his/her own needs. In other words, it helps the lower-income-earning spouse “get back on their feet” and fully provide for him or herself. Some other details that are important to note: Generally, maintenance payments end if the recipient gets remarried unless agreed upon otherwise. Maintenance is paid in addition to child support if there are children. Maintenance payments impact child support amounts because these payments are counted as income for the receiving spouse. Due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), new maintenance agreements entered into starting in 2020 or after are a tax-free transfer. For agreements made prior to 2020, the payor receives a tax deduction and the recipient pays taxes on maintenance. How can Maintenance be structured? Not all maintenance is the same and there are 3 main ways maintenance can be structured: modifiable, contractual, and lump sum. Here are details and considerations of each structure: Modifiable As the name states, this structure of maintenance can be changed throughout the course of the agreement. Either party may file a motion to modify the original court order at any time and the payor is required to pay the court an ordered amount until a change is granted (which can often take months). Usually, a 10% or more deviation in the current maintenance amount is required before a change will be considered. This approach protects future changes in circumstances for either party that might impact their ability to pay an amount determined based on incomes of the past. However, modifiable agreements can be risky because they can cause continual post-decree conflict. Contractual In contractual maintenance structure, maintenance amounts cannot be modified, regardless of any changes in income or circumstances to either party unless otherwise agreed upon (such as disability, cohabitating, etc). This approach provides more stability and predictability for both parties. It can also provide protection to a spouse who is worried about post-decree litigation and conflict, especially if the divorce process has been full of disputes. This approach can be risky for both parties if the future earning power or health of the paying spouse is subject to change. Lump Sum As it states, in this approach, a spouse fulfills his or her entire alimony obligation at once, up front with a single lump-sum payment. This lump sum payment comes from assets, instead of monthly payments. This is only an option if there are sufficient assets available to pay the entire sum at the time of the divorce. The paying spouse might prefer to take care of maintenance immediately to avoid monthly communications with their previous spouse or anticipated ongoing conflict. This approach does keep parties out of court regardless of future financial changes and ensures the total payment is fulfilled without waiting month-to-month. That means no missed payments and court dates in the future. One large lump sum payment could create immediate problems if there is job loss and the paying spouse does not have adequate assets to provide for him or herself if they are left with minimal assets. There are no tax implications on the transfer for the recipient receiving lump sum payments (unless the asset itself has underlying tax implications in which they often do – A.M. Financial can help you with this complex issue). This approach definitely requires better money management skills for the recipient as the investment risk is transferred to the receiving spouse. For divorcees over the age of 59 1/2, a lump sum pre-tax retirement account can recreate favorable tax treatment of maintenance under the old law. In this situation, assets are essentially tax deductible to the payor and taxable to the recipient, creating more overall funds available to the whole family unit. Conclusion As you can see, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to maintenance and there are many factors to consider. Your choices around the way you structure maintenance have implications to your current financial situation and your financial future. A.M. Financial helps answer questions around maintenance approaches and how different choices lead to different financial management and outcomes. Schedule your free consultation by contacting us and learn more about how we can help.", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Amy Mahlen", "sameAs" : "", "url" : "https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/author/amy-mahlen" }, "dateModified" : "01/06/2022", "datePublished" : "01/06/2022", "headline" : "3 Maintenance Options & What You Should Consider", "image" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "height" : 400, "url" : "https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/39875594/Imported_Blog_Media/qtq80-z5YfvY.jpeg", "width" : 750 }, "mainEntityOfPage" : "https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/3-maintenance-options-what-you-should-consider", "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "" }, "name" : "A.M. Financial", "url" : "amf-divorce.com" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "articleBody" : "Child support can be a confusing and complex part of a separation or divorce. It’s state-specific and there are several factors that influence it. From understanding the details of when it’s paid to what is covered to how you calculate it, in this post, we work to help you get a handle on the topic of child support. What exactly is child support? Child support is the culmination of “normal” expenses associated with raising a child. These normal expenses typically include food, shelter, transportation, clothing, health insurance, and certain educational costs. Both parents are obligated to contribute toward child support and the cost of these basic expenses is set in this state by Colorado’s Schedule of Basic Child Support Obligations. Additional examples of what is typically included in child support: Groceries for the children Clothing School lunches School supplies Daycare costs for parents who work (if it has been included on the child support worksheet) Of course there are always exceptions and this list varies ultimately, on what is included on your child support worksheet. How Does Child Support Work? As mentioned above, both parents are expected to provide the children with the above general living expenses during their parenting time. However, the percentage of contribution each parent makes toward child support is based on parents’ incomes, number of overnights with the minor child(ren), and the number of children being supported. Child support paid from one parent can also change overtime. Child support is calculated with a state-specific worksheet. Any expense that is not included in the worksheet may not be easy to enforce. Things like daycare and health insurance are only sometimes included on the worksheet, based on your unique agreements. If there are expenses that aren’t part of worksheet calculations, ensure that they are expressly stated in your Parenting Plan along with an agreement on how to pay or split these expenses. Court ordered child support is usually part of your Parenting Plan agreement and must be paid until the court has made a modification. A modification might happen with a significant job change (income) or major change in overnights. Usually, modifications don’t happen unless there is a 10% change in the amount paid from one parent to the other. How do “extraordinary expenses” relate to child support? Extraordinary expenses add up in the life of the child but are not usually addressed on the child support worksheet. If the annual total aggregate amount of these expenses exceeds $250 per year, they should be specifically addressed in the parenting plan. Examples include: School field trips School or sport uniforms School fees Sport/activity fees and associated costs Summer camp Club or organization membership costs Tuition Car insurance Cell phone Private lessons Medical costs per year per child, for example: Medical co-pays or deductibles Therapy Orthodontia Dental Asthma treatments Allergy shots Physical therapy Surgeries Prescription drugs Vision care including glasses and contacts Out of pocket expense health expenses  In order to ensure both parents understand the expectations of how these costs will be managed, they should be outlined in the Parenting Plan.. Typically agreements split these costs 50/50 or are based on a percentage of the parent’s total income such as 70/30. These are general guidelines and recommendations and it is always best to discuss your specific circumstances with your legal counsel. Beyond payment, some of these extraordinary expenses require joint decision making. For example, both parties will need to agree on medical treatment, extracurricular activities, and/or summer camps because they have not only a financial impact on both parties, but also impact the parents’ parenting time. If there are extraordinary activities or expenses that are not agreed on for financial reasons (such as an expensive overnight camp or competitive sport), parents can make alternative agreements regarding how to share or not share in the expense, but allow the activity or expense to take place. Conclusion Child support can be a confusing topic to wrap your head around. You may wonder how child support will impact your financial situation now and in the future. We can help you understand how child support obligations or payments impact your finances and what you should consider both in your Parenting Plan now and how you should plan for what’s next. Contact us for a free consultation.", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Amy Mahlen", "sameAs" : "", "url" : "https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/author/amy-mahlen" }, "dateModified" : "01/06/2022", "datePublished" : "01/06/2022", "headline" : "What Does Child Support Cover?", "image" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "height" : 400, "url" : "https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/39875594/Imported_Blog_Media/qtq80-9twULk.jpeg", "width" : 750 }, "mainEntityOfPage" : "https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/what-does-child-support-cover", "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "" }, "name" : "A.M. Financial", "url" : "amf-divorce.com" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "articleBody" : "Going through a divorce can often feel lonely and confusing. Even if you know others who have been through a divorce, the process has evolved significantly in the last decade, and friends and family don’t always have the most up-to-date advice and insights to offer. That’s one of the reasons many parties are choosing to work with more specialists and advisors in the process than ever before. Choosing the right partners can make all the difference in achieving the outcomes you want in your divorce. One of the important specialists to consider is a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA), an advisor who holds one of the most desired and respected global divorce certifications. In this post, we’ll explore the role of a CDFA and how they can help you throughout your divorce. Training & Credentials A Certified Divorce Financial Analyst specializes in divorce finances in similar ways to a financial planner. However, while a financial planner is more of a generalist, a CDFA is trained specifically in divorce financial planning. In July 2020, the CDFA eligibility requirements changed to require a bachelor’s degree with three years of on-the-job experience, or five years of relevant experience if a CDFA does not hold a bachelor’s degree. Relevant experience must be in the fields of: Financial planning Family law Or experience in three or more of the following areas: Tax code Investment advisement or management Real estate, mortgage, or mortgage lending Life or disability insurance Financial therapy or coaching Based on these requirements, CDFA’s have deep experience and understanding of general finance along with specialized training around the financial dynamics of a divorce. Complementing other professionals CFDA’s work alongside attorneys and other important divorce professionals. However, attorneys are not financial professionals and are often not aware of specific intricacies surrounding tax, investment, transfer, and account regulations. Not to mention, you would not want them to bill you at their high rate to help with the financial support that is often needed throughout your divorce. Having a CFDA work alongside your attorney gives you access to specialized support and helps you feel comfortable making pressing financial decisions. A CFDA can serve as an expert in topics that may affect your long-term financial picture. He or she will often complete an analysis and provide recommendations on topics such as: Spousal or child support Dividing marital property/assets Proposing the value and division of retirement and pension funds Property limitations or requirements regarding the division of assets The economics of your divorce Setting financial goals and retirement objectives Divorce tax law, tax consequences, and tax liabilities Financial negotiation strategy Current and future cash flow (budgeting), and overall financial planning Specifically, CFDAs are helpful in divorces that are more financially complex, or those that require more education throughout the process (because one party isn’t as financially savvy or hasn’t been as involved in the finances). Choosing a CFDA Like the process of choosing any divorce professional as a partner in achieving the outcomes you desire, look for a CFDA who has related experience with similar types of clients, first and foremost. That way, they will offer relevant input and insights from firsthand experience. Check his or her qualifications to ensure a CDFA designation in addition to any additional certifications such as a CFPⓇ or ChFCⓇ.. Since many of the financial requirements of a divorce are state-specific, geographic experience is critical. Like any professionals you partner with, ensure you are aligned on preferred communication styles, whether that be weekly meetings, emails, phone calls, or a combination of the above. Referrals from friends, family, and your professional networks are always a good place to start. At A.M. Financial, we are a strong choice to partner with your financial needs with several prominent professional designations as well as over 15 years of experience supporting individuals and families with their financial planning needs of which 6 years working in the area of divorce. We know that each divorce is unique, and therefore we begin with a free consultation to understand your divorce specifics so we can best explain how we can support the outcomes you desire. Contact us to schedule that conversation today.", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Amy Mahlen", "sameAs" : "", "url" : "https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/author/amy-mahlen" }, "dateModified" : "01/06/2022", "datePublished" : "01/06/2022", "headline" : "What is a Certified Financial Divorce Analyst?", "image" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "height" : 400, "url" : "https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/39875594/Imported_Blog_Media/qtq80-Onoc1l.jpeg", "width" : 750 }, "mainEntityOfPage" : "https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/certified-financial-divorce-analyst-a-m-financial", "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "" }, "name" : "A.M. Financial", "url" : "amf-divorce.com" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "articleBody" : "After your divorce is finalized and the various accounts divided and settled, you will be able to update your beneficiaries. Assuming your partner or spouse was previously your primary beneficiary, you’ll need to update all retirement plans to properly pass assets to your heirs. While this sounds simple, it involves more complex laws, regulations, and financial infrastructure than you might anticipate. In this post, we detail what to consider when choosing beneficiaries, important legislation that impacts your decision-making process, and how to create a plan that works best for you and your beneficiaries. SECURE Act of 2018 Before we get into factors you might consider when choosing beneficiaries, it’s important to understand a recent law that impacts your planning: the SECURE Act of 2018. Prior to the SECURE Act of 2018, non-spousal beneficiaries had the ability to withdraw funds from their inherited retirement accounts in any way they chose, as long as a required dollar amount was withdrawn each year. This required amount was known as the required minimum distribution (RMD). The RMD was calculated on an annual basis and took the life expectancy of the beneficiary into consideration. Therefore, the beneficiary had the opportunity to ‘stretch’ withdrawals over their lifetime allowing assets to grow over a long period of time from tax-deferred growth. This essentially increased the overall inheritance while minimizing tax consequences. After the SECURE ACT of 2018 went into effect, regulations for non-spousal beneficiaries changed and became more complex. The new rules require all non-spousal beneficiaries to completely liquidate the inherited retirement account(s) within ten years of the original owner’s death. There is no annual required amount that must be withdrawn; however, the balance of the account(s) must be zero dollars within ten years. Any withdrawal made from a pre-tax retirement account (such as a Traditional IRA) is 100% taxable to the beneficiary. Therefore, withdrawals could potentially bump your beneficiary(s) into a higher tax bracket, significantly increasing the overall tax due on the accounts overall and lessening the total amount inherited. There are some exceptions to the new structure where the old ‘stretch’ law method still applies to: Disabled individuals Chronically ill individuals Individuals who are less than ten years younger than the original account owner. This situation might apply if the beneficiary was a sibling, cousin, or friend. Minor children. Minor children will be able to stretch withdrawals over their lifetime until they reach the age of majority, which is 18 in Colorado. After they reach that age, they will be required to withdraw the remaining funds in ten years. Some trusts. If you currently have a trust with a named beneficiary, speak with your estate attorney to determine if it meets the requirements to ‘stretch’ the withdrawals over your beneficiary’s lifetime. Factors that Influence Beneficiary Planning As you can see, following the SECURE ACT of 2018, account holders are putting more thought and strategy into beneficiary planning due to the complexity of the updated law. Many work closely with financial experts who can help them make decisions on beneficiary planning for their unique situation. As you determine who to choose as your new beneficiary(s) post-divorce, it is critical to consider the following factors: Your relationship to the beneficiary Your age (as the account holder) The age of the beneficiary The type of retirement account (pre-tax or post-tax) The amount of money that will transfer to your beneficiary The financial situation of the beneficiary. While there are families and situations where the change in legal landscape won’t significantly affect the beneficiary’s overall outcome. However, other families and individuals may be impacted by these changes. Some of the most impacted beneficiaries are those who receive enough inheritance that they move into a higher tax bracket and receive increased tax bills. Creative Financial Solutions If you believe your beneficiaries will be fairing well financially at the time of the inheritance and therefore would prefer deferring withdrawals to grow the inheritance, there is a possible solution to ‘stretch’ withdrawals over a non-spousal beneficiaries’ life. With the help of an experienced estate attorney, a trust can be drafted that meets the various IRS requirements. The trust itself can be named the primary beneficiary of the retirement account (instead of the beneficiary outright). When this workaround is in place, the stretch laws can be utilized over the beneficiary’s lifetime, as they were before the SECURE ACT of 2018. Designing your beneficiary plan in this way provides your heirs with significant long-term growth potential and gives you peace of mind that their inheritance won’t have unintended tax consequences. At A.M. Financial, we can help you design a post-divorce beneficiary plan that provides the maximum amount of inheritance to your heirs while minimizing the tax consequences. A Certified Financial Divorce Analyst, Amy Mahlen can provide the guidance you need to choose your beneficiaries and design a plan that works for your family’s unique situation. Contact us to learn more.", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Amy Mahlen", "sameAs" : "", "url" : "https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/author/amy-mahlen" }, "dateModified" : "01/06/2022", "datePublished" : "01/06/2022", "headline" : "Non-Spousal Retirement Beneficiary Planning", "image" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "height" : 400, "url" : "https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/39875594/Imported_Blog_Media/qtq80-ptQzyk.jpeg", "width" : 750 }, "mainEntityOfPage" : "https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/retirement-beneficiary-planning", "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "" }, "name" : "A.M. Financial", "url" : "amf-divorce.com" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "articleBody" : "Choosing the right attorney in your divorce can make all the difference. From getting the outcomes you want, to reducing unwanted friction with your ex-spouse, there are important questions to ask as you interview and select an attorney to represent your wants and needs during this important time. When choosing a divorce, it’s not uncommon to interview a half-dozen attorneys through a phone call or consultation. In that initial communication, note how you feel coming out of the conversation and whether you truly feel you could work well with this person to achieve the outcomes you desire. In this post, we outline the six most essential categories of questions you can use to find the right divorce attorney. 1. How long have you worked in family law? Working with an attorney who has experience with your specific challenges is essential. You might have friends recommend an attorney they know or have worked with, and while referrals are great, make sure any attorney recommended is well-versed and experienced with family law and divorce proceedings. In addition to specific experience, ask about the depth and breadth of that experience, including the number of years serving clients going through a divorce, and how much of that time is spent with people similar to you. Because laws can vary significantly by state, it’s also important to understand how much of their experience is in the state where you currently reside. Some additional questions you can ask related to your potential attorney’s experience include: Do you exclusively do family law work? How many years have you worked in family law and law overall? How much experience do you have in this state? 2. Who, specifically, is your typical client? As mentioned above, finding an attorney who is accustomed to working with people similar to you is important. Related experience means this attorney can typically anticipate issues before they even arise and advise you based on past experiences. Beyond just expertise in family law, look for an attorney who has worked with people just like you – whether you are a stay-at-home parent or working professional. Understanding more about their typical client gives you insights into how aligned this person’s experience is with your unique dynamics and needs. Not to mention, you’ll better understand how much this attorney will relate to your situation and desired resolution. 3. What’s your resolution style? Beyond finding an attorney who you can relate to and who understands your unique situation, inquire about their resolution style. This might be the most important question to ask in order to get the outcomes you want in your divorce. Some attorneys will excel at settlement, while others are exceptional at offering mediation support. Some attorneys might work more effectively with opposing parties who aren’t represented by an attorney if that is your current situation, possibly on an unbundled basis which is “help as needed” and not full representation. On the other hand, if you know you’ll have a contentious divorce, you may have to seek an attorney who is highly experienced in litigation, court proceedings, and high conflict situations. And, if you seek unusual or specific outcomes, such as winning full custody of your children or having a highly flexible parenting plan, you may have to interview attorneys for experience with that type of resolution. Clearly defining the outcomes you desire in your divorce will help you navigate this interview question more effectively. For example, you may want to ask the following questions to better understand whether your attorney excels at settlement: What percentage of cases do you settle out of court? What are the steps you take to ensure we have exhausted all options out of court? 4. Do you serve or support unique dynamics? As mentioned above, every divorce is unique. Some situations have more complex dynamics, including everything from abuse, to special needs children, to home school families. Other issues like mental health needs, joint business ownership, or even complex financial situations warrant attorneys that understand the specifics and can advise on these dynamics. In order to agree on a parenting plan, sometimes the parties request or judge orders the involvement of a Child Family Investigator (CFI) or Parental Responsibility Evaluator (PRE) to provide observations and recommendations concerning the allocation of parental responsibilities. An attorney with experience navigating these experts and coaching you through their involvement can also help you achieve the outcomes you desire. A simple question to ask an attorney in the interview process is inquiring about their experience and comfort level with any unique situation you have in your divorce. 5. What is your communication style? You’ll be spending a lot of time with your attorney during the divorce process. Therefore, it’s essential that you are aligned on the best ways to communicate during this time. For example, if you prefer phone calls so that you can ask questions in real-time, but your attorney typically communicates over text or email, you’ll likely end up feeling frustrated. Some questions you can ask attorneys that you interview to get a sense of their communication style include: Do you prefer phone calls to touch base or emails or even texts? How often do you keep me updated? Do you answer calls in the evenings since I work during the day (or vice versa)? Do you schedule meetings on weekends? Will we have ongoing, scheduled meetings or ad hoc calls? 6. How do you structure payments? What are your fees and costs? Lastly, an attorney can be an expensive component of your divorce and cost will likely be a factor in your attorney selection. If cost is a concern, you can hire an attorney in limited scope or partial representation where they only deal with a few agreed-upon issues. You can work with an attorney for consultation only, where they are available to review/prepare documents and provide advice when needed but they wouldn’t represent you in court. While there are ways to keep costs affordable by hiring an attorney for partial representation or as an advisor, most people will want to be fully represented by counsel to ensure they have the outcomes they desire in their divorce. Some questions you can ask to get a sense of payment structure and feeds include: What is your hourly fee? Do you work on a retainer model where I pay lump sums that you work against until they are depleted? Do you work on a sliding scale or pro bono basis based on income? Do you offer junior services alongside yours at a lower rate (for paperwork filing and scheduling, for instance)? Do you offer unbundled services for the specific support I need (representation in mediation/court, paperwork consultation, and more)? It is incredibly important to do your homework and select the right attorney to represent your wants and needs during your divorce. Without spending the time interviewing and asking the right questions, you run the risk of having to find a new attorney that is better aligned with your needs or, worse, end up with outcomes you don’t want. In fact, choosing the right team of professionals in your divorce is essential. That’s where we can help. A.M. Financial specializes in the financial planning you need to successfully navigate the finances of your divorce and beyond. Contact us for a free consultation today.", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Amy Mahlen", "sameAs" : "", "url" : "https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/author/amy-mahlen" }, "dateModified" : "01/06/2022", "datePublished" : "01/06/2022", "headline" : "Finding the Right Divorce Attorney: 6 Questions to Ask", "image" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "height" : 400, "url" : "https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/39875594/Imported_Blog_Media/qtq80-cydSDF.jpeg", "width" : 750 }, "mainEntityOfPage" : "https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/finding-the-right-divorce-attorney-6-questions-to-ask", "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "" }, "name" : "A.M. Financial", "url" : "amf-divorce.com" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "articleBody" : "Throughout the divorce process, you’ll likely be busy reviewing everything from financial documents to court filings. You may be consumed with tasks like finding a new place to live or going through various evaluations. It’s easy to lose track of the financial next steps you must take to protect yourself and your financial future during this time. That’s why we created this post-divorce financial to-do list and we hope it helps you organize the necessary tasks you must complete to start this part of your life off on the right financial foot. Close joint accounts and credit cards For financial protection, it is imperative that all joint accounts are closed. If you attempt just to remove your ex-spouse and leave accounts open, you risk potential future mishaps, whether intended or unintended, from a disgruntled ex-spouse. It’s best to close all accounts and credit cards that have previously been joint, and start over. However, before you do so, check your credit score because closing accounts could impact it. Take note of your current credit score, which should not be affected directly by your spouse’s credit history, and work with a financial professional to make a plan to improve it if needed. Getting professional input to improve your credit score is especially important if you need to qualify for a new home or auto loan on your own. Speaking with a mortgage lender who specializes in divorce is also very important before closing accounts if refinancing or a new home purchase is on the horizon. Open new accounts and credit cards Of course, after your close accounts, it’s time to open new ones. Be sure not to use any previous passwords from any old accounts (including passwords from insurance policies, retirement accounts, cell phone plans, email accounts, etc.) to guarantee that your ex-spouse cannot access your accounts. As you open new accounts, it is a great time to begin saving six months of expenses as an emergency fund since you’ll no longer be part of a dual-income household. For financial protection, it is imperative that all joint accounts are closed. If you attempt just to remove your ex-spouse and leave accounts open, you risk potential future mishaps, whether intended or unintended, from a disgruntled ex-spouse. It’s best to close all accounts and credit cards that have previously been joint, and start over. However, before you do so, check your credit score because closing accounts could impact it. Take note of your current credit score, which should not be affected directly by your spouse’s credit history, and work with a financial professional to make a plan to improve it if needed. Getting professional input to improve your credit score is especially important if you need to qualify for a new home or auto loan on your own. Speaking with a mortgage lender who specializes in divorce is also very important before closing accounts if refinancing or a new home purchase is on the horizon. Update information on insurance policies wills, titles, and trusts Of course, after your close accounts, it’s time to open new ones. Be sure not to use any previous passwords from any old accounts (including passwords from insurance policies, retirement accounts, cell phone plans, email accounts, etc.) to guarantee that your ex-spouse cannot access your accounts. As you open new accounts, it is a great time to begin saving six months of expenses as an emergency fund since you’ll no longer be part of a dual-income household. Just like your credit and bank accounts, be sure to update all insurance policies and remove your spouse. This includes home, life, and auto policies. This change might afford you the opportunity to renegotiate costs as you reduce the liability of two people on these policies to just one. As you agree to new policies, it’s also a great time to update assets on your home insurance policy consistent with the division of property. It’s crucial to update beneficiaries on insurance, retirement accounts, or any ‘payable on death’ instructions. This can also be done earlier in the divorce process as proactive protection. You also must update titles on cars and homes aligned with your property settlement. Auto titles can be changed at the DMV and your home can be retitled at the county recorder’s office. Other critical, related tasks include: Choosing a new financial power of attorney Updating wills, estate plans, trusts, etc. Updating medical directives and living wills As you are reviewing insurance policies, it’s important to consider disability insurance since you no longer have dual incomes. Inquire about options with your life insurance policyholder. As a reminder, protect your account logins with new passwords to ensure your ex-spouse cannot access your accounts. Split and update retirement accounts Based on your settlement agreement, ensure new retirement accounts are set up in your name and take time to meet with a financial advisor to reallocate investments according to your age, risk, and retirement goals. We encourage you to find a different advisor than the one you used with your ex-spouse for privacy reasons and to ensure that your financial team is truly aligned with your interests. Once again, don’t forget to update all account credentials to ensure your ex-spouse cannot access your accounts. Review tax withholdings Your tax obligations will likely change post-divorce and now is a perfect time to review your tax situation with a professional. Often adjustments need to be made to minimize taxes owed. This, more than other post-divorce financial to-dos, can be a headache if not addressed sooner then later. Make sure to reevaluate your tax liability, withholdings, and changes to investments so you don’t end up with a surprise tax bill during tax season. Create a budget Taking control of your new financial reality is empowering. Financial concerns and uncertainty can be alleviated by outlining income and obligations in a budget. Knowing what to expect and putting limits on your spending can help you build confidence in your new financial reality. There are dozens of programs out there that make this easy and your financial planner can share more about budgeting strategies based on your unique financial goals. Establish a new financial team Chances are that your ex-spouse had a say in choosing your financial planner and investment strategy. Now is the best time to start fresh with a new financial team that better aligns with your current needs, goals, and who understands the financial complexities of post-divorce issues. Interview a handful of financial advisors to understand their experience working with clients just like you and choose one you can trust with your future financial success. At A.M. Financial, we can help you build a new financial picture and work alongside you to understand your best financial situation, now and in the future. We specialize in post-divorce financial support. Contact us for a free consultation.", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Amy Mahlen", "sameAs" : "", "url" : "https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/author/amy-mahlen" }, "dateModified" : "01/06/2022", "datePublished" : "01/06/2022", "headline" : "Post-Divorce Financial To-Do List", "image" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "height" : 400, "url" : "https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/39875594/Imported_Blog_Media/qtq80-GDuPIK.jpeg", "width" : 750 }, "mainEntityOfPage" : "https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/post-divorce-financial-to-do-list", "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "" }, "name" : "A.M. Financial", "url" : "amf-divorce.com" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "articleBody" : "While divorce is probably a very familiar topic to you, legal separation may not be something you hear about as often, or fully understand. While these two approaches to cutting ties with your spouse are more alike than different, one may better serve your needs depending on the unique dynamics of your marriage. If you are considering a divorce but aren’t completely confident in that decision, there may be reasons to choose a legal separation. In this post, we help you understand the differences so you can make the right decision for your future. What is a legal separation? A legal separation is essentially putting your marriage “on hold” or it could be thought of as a “trial divorce”. Typically, the process is very similar to that of a divorce, as is the cost. Both parties move to different homes and start living separate lives under a legal separation agreement. That agreement also splits finances and assets, including dividing property and/or debt. Any applicable maintenance or child support is agreed upon and you work with attorneys or advisors to create a parenting plan where you agree on an arrangement for raising your children (if applicable). In summary, a legal separation agreement redefines the financial connection you have to your spouse. However, you are still legally married despite having determined your rights and obligations (just like you would in a divorce settlement). Due to this, you cannot remarry and you may still have some financial ties to your spouse, as defined in your separation agreement. Additionally, a legal separation could have an emotional impact on your spouse, providing false hope for reconciliation and dragging out an already painful process. Reasons to consider separation instead of divorce Filing for divorce is not a decision that should be taken lightly for a variety of reasons. Despite a legal separation being so similar to a divorce, you may choose it for important reasons, including: Desire to reconcile the marriage, with financial protection Despite wanting to work things out, if there is a big discrepancy in income or a financially irresponsible spouse (due to factors like excess spending, gambling, refusal to work,, or possible addictions), you can get financial protection during this time through a legal separation. This might slow things down and give you more time to solve some of the issues in your marriage instead of rushing into a divorce for financial reasons. Is a Divorce in Your Future? Get Prepared with These Essential Tips. Uncertainty about your decision to end your marriage Perhaps there has been a lot of back and forth about divorce and uncertainty about the path forward. For one reason or another, you aren’t 100% confident that divorce is the right choice now. Legal separation gives you some flexibility, time, and space to think through your decision more fully with some structure and protection in place around finances, parenting time, and assets. Religious reasons You may have a strong moral belief in marriage and hesitancy to divorce. Your family may disapprove for religious reasons and a legal separation may be a stepping stone you feel is morally more acceptable. Health insurance needs More logistically, you may need to stay married for health insurance coverage. This could be for everyday coverage, or due to a chronic illness or disability that is expensive without good coverage. Sometimes this applies to families with a stay-at-home parent, who might choose separation over divorce due to expensive individual health insurance or an inability to obtain insurance through a work plan. A legal separation could give that non-working parent time to get back on their feet and find work with health insurance coverage. Tax advantages There are undoubtedly financial benefits to filing taxes jointly, although filing “married filing separately” is also an option. Depending on the time of year and the tax implications of your divorce, legal separation may be advantageous to the overall family for one or more years. Various situations, such as a large disparity of taxable income or student loan debts, can also create dynamics in which it is more advantageous to file separately and should be reviewed with your tax advisor. When financial trust issues are present, filing separate returns can offer significant financial protections and should be discussed with your various financial and legal professionals. Timing is bad Maybe the holidays are just around the corner, or the kids are almost grown up and off to college. Perhaps you plan to sell a joint business in the near future, or the housing market is down and you wouldn’t get a fair price for your house. Or, perhaps you need time to rebuild credit scores to qualify for a home on your own or you are one year shy of meeting the ten year requirement to qualify for spousal social security benefits. Timing is everything and sometimes a legal separation buys you time to sort through significant financial (or emotional) events in your life before deciding on or moving forward with an official divorce. Making a future divorce easier Lastly, because a legal separation defines three areas of divorce; financial support, division of assets and a parenting plan (if children are involved), you can finalize your divorce based on a separation agreement without additional litigation or mediation. In Colorado, there is one form to file to convert a legal separation to a divorce after a couple has been legally separated for six months. Understanding the way legal separation varies from divorce empowers you to choose the path that is right for you and your family. We can help with the financial considerations of this decision based on your unique situation. Not only can we advise you on the financial impact of divorce and legal separation now, we can help you plan for the future. Contact us for a free consultation today.", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Amy Mahlen", "sameAs" : "", "url" : "https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/author/amy-mahlen" }, "dateModified" : "01/06/2022", "datePublished" : "01/06/2022", "headline" : "Legal Separation vs. Divorce: What's Right for Me?", "image" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "height" : 400, "url" : "https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/39875594/Imported_Blog_Media/qtq80-TKNLfr.jpeg", "width" : 750 }, "mainEntityOfPage" : "https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/legal-separation-vs-divorce", "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "" }, "name" : "A.M. Financial", "url" : "amf-divorce.com" } } ```