Family lawyers often see a rise in business by about one-third at the beginning of the year. Many unhappy couples in Ohio and across the nation want a fresh start on their lives, especially after going through a stressful holiday season.
How women can face financial challenges after a divorce
Women in Ohio and across the country often experience stress that comes from finances after a divorce. While men definitely face challenges after a divorce, it is more likely that women will experience serious financial problems. Reports have shown that a woman's income is likely to decrease and that women are more likely to live below the poverty line than men after a divorce. Additionally, women are more likely to be awarded child custody than men.
Weighing the decision to get a strategic divorce
Some Ohio couples are talking about using a strategic divorce in order to help them save money on taxes. This is something that could be helpful to couples who are high earners, considering the way the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that went into effect in 2018 subjects them to higher taxes when they file together.
How divorce may impact a person's credit score
Ending a marriage doesn't have any direct impact on a person's credit score. However, Ohio residents and others who have recently gotten divorced may see their credit score go down after doing so. This could occur because an individual has closed joint credit accounts or has removed his or her name from those accounts. A person may also experience a reduced credit score if a former spouse fails to pay down a joint debt as ordered in a divorce settlement.
Tricks spouses use to conceal marital assets during divorce
Ohio residents who are going through a divorce or who have gone through a divorce may realize that a spouse trying to hide assets. The idea of the spouse trying to hide the assets being the husband is an antiquated one; in many marriages, the wife makes as much, if not more, money than the husband. In a good portion of marriages, the wife is the one who is responsible for financial decisions, including monitoring accounts and investments.
Navigating social media during a divorce
Social media is an everyday part of life for many people. Ohio residents might not give their behavior a second thought when sharing a status on Facebook, linking to a funny video or posting pictures of a vacation on Instagram. However, taking a little extra time to be mindful about what gets shared online can be helpful when going through a divorce.
Considerations for dividing a business in divorce
Ohio business owners who get a divorce may face a number of complicated issues related to the business. Depending on the size of the business and how it is run, it can be difficult sometimes to separate business finances from personal finances. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 has potentially provided some additional guidance in this area because it has identified two different classifications of income. However, this is still a complex area, and business owners may want to work with a financial professional on these and other issues.
Don't overlook insurance issues during a divorce
As many Ohio residents know, preparing for and going through the process of divorce can be a complicated and often overwhelming endeavor. Because there are so many details to take care of, insurance can be easily ignored. However, forgetting to plan for and prepare for the changes related to health care or life policies can have major consequences later on.
Why use an expert witness in a divorce?
When people in Ohio decide to divorce, it can quickly become apparent that the end of every marriage is unique. Some people, regardless of assets, may be swiftly able to reach a negotiated settlement and move on amicably. However, when a divorce is more contentious and involves extensive assets or children, the process can become lengthy and challenging. When both parties cannot reach an agreement over the distribution of property or custody of the children, it could lead to ongoing court hearings on these key issues. As a result, each spouse may find it useful to rely on expert witnesses in order to bolster their claims.
Stopping financial deception in a divorce
Some spouses going through divorce in Ohio may attempt to hide their wealth in an attempt to shield it from property division. High-conflict divorces are sometimes notable for efforts on the part of one spouse to funnel away income, hide investment funds or otherwise deprive the other spouse of their stake in marital property. However, while these people are willing to deceive their spouses, they may be less prepared to file a fraudulent tax return. Divorcing spouses may learn a good deal of important information by examining tax documents.
