No Pension? Why an Annuity Might Be Right for You
In my last post, I discussed the concern I have for someone who trades his or her interest in a pension for, most commonly, the house. Despite the fact that I almost always suggest to [...]
Grandparents and Divorce
As the grandfather of four, I could not imagine my life without my grandchildren. And I believe the feeling is mutual. That is why I am saddened whenever I read a court case about a [...]
The Three Legged Stool of Divorce
I have often thought that there are three components that need to be addressed when a couple is ending their marriage: Legal Financial Emotional All three need to be managed during a divorce or a [...]
Coming to a Computer Near You…
The Affordable Care Act in New York Beginning in October 2013, consumers will be able to purchase health insurance in New York by shopping online at an insurance exchange. Currently, there are 17 insurers that [...]
The “Best Possible Outcome Under the Circumstances”
When I meet with prospective clients for the first time, I almost always hear them say that all they want is a “fair” agreement. Nobody ever wants to take advantage of their spouse or achieve [...]
Why I Require Disclosure of Separate Property
Under the Equitable Distribution Law in New York, only “marital property” is distributed between spouses in the event of a divorce. Marital property is defined as any property acquired from the date of the marriage [...]
Who is the “Custodial” Parent? Part 2
Tony and Mara never married. However, they lived together for a while and had a son in 2007. When they separated, their son, Alix, went to live with Mara. Tony was very successful, financially. By [...]
Who is the “Custodial” Parent?
Nowadays most couples I work with want some type of shared parenting so that each parent spends a significant amount of time with the children each week. I often see couples who divide time with [...]
What’s Your BATNA? The Legal vs. the Emotional Divorce – Part 2
In divorce mediation, when someone examines his or her BATNA (Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement) they are looking at both the best and worst outcomes if their dispute were to be decided by a [...]
The Limits of “Self-Determination”
I recently worked with a couple who wanted a divorce as soon as possible. Unfortunately, the wife was not working, had no means of supporting herself, was attempting to obtain disability benefits and the husband [...]