50% of What?

Despite what others may say, the law says that in the separation of marital assets, you are entitled to 50% of the net value, with some exceptions. But 50% of what? And what else needs to be considered? And what are those exceptions?

The financial details to be sorted out during a separation are varied and complex. Decisions around the division of assets, spousal support, and child support need to be carefully considered for their tax implications, both now and down the road. Other important non-financial issues also come into play in developing a balanced settlement solution.

Since 2020, I have been helping individuals and couples, along with their legal teams, navigate the financial and tax elements of separation. Lawyers and their staff are trained in the law. They are excellent in representing and defending your legal rights, and navigating you through the separation process. As a divorce financial specialist and professional accountant, I am trained in the financial and tax issues at hand. I work with your lawyer to reduce your risks and ensure that you fully understand the options and the implications of the financial choices you are making in your settlement process. In Collaborative Practice teams, I remain neutral to both spouses and work together with your respective lawyers and a family professional to develop workable and fair options that fit your situations, family, and needs. You make the final decisions based on best fitting your needs and interests.

Quantifying “half of the family assets” is only the starting point for discussion about the division of assets. Then there is support and other issues. Using the collaborative approach, we help you find a unique complete solution that best addresses each of your most important goals. This may include more or less than 50% of the assets, balanced off with adjustments to other financial issues or non-financial matters. Fairness truly is in the eye of the beholder. It is not just about the numbers.

Let me help ensure you develop and agree to a fair settlement of division of assets, support arrangements and other factors that best reflects your needs, wants, and interests; a FairFifty financial settlement.

Use the contact page to arrange a free, no-obligation 20-minute consultation to explore your options, how to move forward, and, I trust, to begin to work together to ensure your financial settlement is fair, workable, and sustainable. Alternatively, you and your spouse can arrange with me for an Initial Joint Neutral Consultation so you both get the same information and more thorough discussion of your process options. This session is best if done prior to selecting a lawyer. See our Services tab for more details.