Mistakes made during separation and divorce can cause lifelong financial problems. Learn how to avoid them in the 3rd edition of this popular book.
Demonstrates how everyone can overcome the financial challenges of divorce
Written by a financial planner
At least 40 percent of all new marriages today will end in divorce. The financial consequences of divorce can be traumatic. Many people who get divorced are left with little money, no income, and no credit rating. In some cases, if one partner looked after all the family's finances, the other partner is left unprepared and overwhelmed by the financial consequences of divorce. Divorce Dollars is a complete guide to financial planning, demonstrating in a step-by-step manner how to overcome the financial challenges of divorce and lead a financially healthy life. The book addresses everything from dividing the assets to retirement planning. By using examples of real people, Akeela Davis demonstrates how everyone can handle the financial challenges of divorce using careful planning and money smarts.
NOTICE ixINTRODUCTION xiii1 MARRIAGE, FINANCE, AND DIVORCE 1Spending Profiles 2Savers 2Spenders 2Savers, spenders, and conflict 3Risk Profiles 3Risk profiles and conflict 5Spending Profiles, Risk Profiles, and Divorce 5Professional Help 6The right professional in eight easy steps 72 THE LANGUAGE OF SEPARATION ANDDIVORCE 15Custody 18Support 19ContentsiiiChild support 20Spousal support (alimony) 213 FROM SEPARATION TO DIVORCE:AN OVERVIEW OF THE PROCESS 23Separation 24The Anatomy of the Divorce Process 27Filing for Divorce 29Settlement Negotiations 30Settlement 32Divorce Decree 324 DIVORCE: THE FIVE MODELS, THEIRADVANTAGES, AND THEIR CONSEQUENCES 35Traditional Divorce 35Mediated Divorce 37Arbitrated Divorce 39Collaborative Divorce 40Do-It-Yourself Divorce 42Considerations for Selecting a Divorce Model 43Abuse-motivated separation 43Trial separation 44Forced separation 45Mutually agreed separation 455 YOUR MONEY ISSUES 49Net Worth Statement 50Your assets, or what you own 52Your liabilities, or what you owe 57Cash Flow Statement 58Income categories 59Expenses 62iv Divorce Dollars: Get Your Fair ShareInto the Future 66Future expenses 66Future income 72Go with the flow 72To Keep the House or Not to Keep the House:That is the Question 74Don't Forget Your Other Assets 76Pensions 77Registered retirement investments 79Dividing liabilities 79Emergency Funds 80Protecting Yourself and Your Loved Ones 80Powers of attorney 80Wills 81Beneficiary designations 82The Value of a Career 83Insurance 83Home (or property) insurance 83Life insurance 84Disability insurance 85Critical illness insurance 85Long-term care insurance 866 SEPARATION AGREEMENT CONSIDERATIONSAND SEPARATION PREPAREDNESS 89Protection for Children 91Special Expenses 92Children's Education 94Parenting Plans 94Spousal Protection 95Contents v7 STARTING OVER: YOUR NEWFINANCIAL WORLD 97Financial Planning Considerations 98Debt reduction 100Savings 100Investments 101Risk management 102Beneficiary designations 103Power of attorney 103Will 103Marriage or cohabitation agreement 104Children and your cash flow 1048 REMARRIAGE PREPAREDNESS 105Marriage Contracts/Prenuptial Agreements/Cohabitation Agreements 106Frequently Asked Questions 107What If There Is No Agreement? 112Incoming assets 112Matrimonial home 113Gifts, inheritances, and insurance settlements 114Joint assets 116CPP income splitting 117Banking issues and money handling 117Financial Management Considerationsin (Re)Marriages 117AWord of Caution 118AFTERWORD 119vi Divorce Dollars: Get Your Fair ShareContents viiAPPENDIXES1 Worksheets 1212 Tips on Preparing for Separation andSettlement Checklist 1283 Child Support and Enforcement Resources 134SAMPLES1 Net Worth 532 Historical Cash Flow: Income 623 Historical Cash Flow: Expenses 674 Post-Divorce Expense Estimator 695 Post-Divorce Expense Estimator withChild Expenses Separated 716 Post-Divorce Income Estimator 73
