Are Millennials lowering the national divorce rate? A new study out of the University of Maryland has determined that the national divorce rate dropped by 18% from 2008 to 2016. Have the values with which Millennials approach a marriage fundamentally changed the success rates of today’s marriages? The study noted women in new marriages today are much more likely to…
Divorce
Is it a Race to the Courthouse to File for a Divorce
We are often asked “is it a race to the courthouse to file for a divorce in North County San Diego?” Who files first in a divorce action is actually often of little consequence except and unless the matter actually goes to trial. Even then the advantage for the party who filed for divorce is often slight. As experienced divorce…
Navigating the holidays after a divorce
California readers know that the holidays can be very stressful. However, navigating the holidays after a divorce can be especially daunting for families who have recently experienced the separation or divorce. The prospect of dealing with former spouses and divvying up holiday time with the kids can seem positively overwhelming. Luckily, experts say it is possible for divorced families to…
Nesting and other strategies to help children adjust to divorce
It might be helpful to have information on nesting and other strategies to help children adjust to divorce. Parents in California who are getting a divorce might try an arrangement called “nesting” or “birdnesting” in which their children stay in the family home. Parents take turns living there, and children have some time to adjust to the divorce. Since they…
How post-divorce taxes are changed by the TCJA
Some California couples who are getting a divorce may ultimately face higher costs as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed at the end of 2017. Among other changes, the act changed how exemptions for children are claimed on taxes and how alimony is treated. Divorced parents in the past may have used IRS form 8332 to…
Rebuilding retirement savings after divorce
Like real estate and bank accounts, retirement plans need to be split during a divorce in California. This news sometimes shocks people when they learn that half of their 401(k) savings will no longer be available for their retirement. Such a financial blow requires people to create an aggressive savings plan and prepare for taxes. Divorcing late in life makes…
How the home may help with retirement after a divorce
Some California women who are divorced might be in better shape financially in retirement if they kept the home as part of a property settlement. However, financial advisers often tell women to get rid of the family home for a number of good reasons. It is not unusual for people to suffer financially after a divorce. A study by the…
How will Spousal Support Change Under the New Tax Law
The tax recent tax reform signed into law late last year produced significant changes which will impact many divorce cases in Carlsbad. The new law changed the nature of income and how deductions and tax credits will be handled in a divorce case, especially as it relates to spousal support. Most Carlsbad parents will be able to deduct $2,000 in…
Domestic Violence Accusations Around the Holidays
Domestic violence accusations around the holidays may carry a lot more consequences than they appear on the surface. In some cases when one of the spouses is planning to file for divorce after the holidays, a false accusation may be levied against the other spouse for domestic violence or child abuse. We wish to make one point vividly clear: Burke…
Rejecting divorce because of children
Concern about the welfare of their children may be the only reason why some parents in California have not yet filed for divorce. People who are uncertain about whether getting a divorce is the right move for themselves and their children should take some time and carefully consider these important issues. Some parents may be inclined to stay in the…