Should You Get a Divorce Now or Later?

Should You Get a Divorce Now or Later?

Lawyers and accountants often push their clients to plan for unpleasant events. Better to be prepared now than to pay the consequences later. But the Republican tax law that took effect in January has added a new urgency for wealthy Americans contemplating divorce. Several key changes in the law may determine whether it is better...

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Division of artists’ creative works as a joint marital asset

Artists in Missouri who are divorcing may think about how to divide the house and the bank accounts without realizing that their art may be considered a marital asset as well. Any artwork that is created after a couple is married and prior to separation or filing for divorce is jointly owned. However, there may...

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Understanding how divorce affects inheritances

Some Missouri residents may benefit from learning more about what happens to inheritances when a couple files for divorce. Whether or not an inheritance is subject to property division depends on whom the asset was given to and how the asset was utilized upon receipt. By law, inheritances are not generally considered to be marital...

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How is property divided in Missouri?

Missouri is not a community property state, so courts will follow the principles of equitable distribution when determining property division during divorce proceedings. When making this determination, a judge will consider several different factors including the value of the property, how much each spouse contributed to the purchase of the property and each spouse's economic...

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Property division in a Missouri divorce

In determining the division of property in a divorce, Missouri follows the legal principle of equitable distribution, meaning that marital assets are divided in a way that the judge deems fair. Equitable distribution does not necessarily entail an equal division of assets. Couples may avoid having a court be the one to determine the division...

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How forensic accountants can help with a Missouri divorce

Divorce proceedings can be very complicated, and that can be especially true if the parties own businesses, artwork, or multiple properties. Many times it can be difficult to determine whether it is a marital asset, separate property, or some combination of both. This requires expertise in order to get a proper determination, and in most...

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Financial matters often overlooked during divorce negotiations

On behalf of Law Office of Barbara Graham, LLC posted in Property Division on Thursday, August 21, 2014. Missouri residents may be aware that divorce can be a difficult and challenging experience for the parties involved. The process often places a divorcing spouse under considerable emotional pressure, which may sometimes lead to important issues being...

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The importance of refinancing a home after a divorce

As couples work through a divorce and the division of property, they might need to look at how the mortgage is handled while determining ownership of the family home. While the courts may declare that the house legally belongs to one spouse or the other, the lender that is entitled to payments because of a...

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Pets becoming sticking point in divorce proceedings

Missouri couples may have heard that pet custody is becoming an increasingly important matter for many who are going through the process of divorce. This may be due to several factors. Firstly, many couples are refraining from having children until later in life and opting for pets instead. Additionally, some pet parents are spending more...

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Simplifying the property division phase of divorce

Divorce rates are climbing in Missouri and around the nation, and for many couples this means that preparation for the financial aspects of the process is essential. A clear and reasonable path to a settlement and separation may be the best way to avoid conflict and give both partners resolution. The usual divorce settlement is...

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