When you should get some advice
In some situations, you can probably get a lot of good from a little advice. In any case, you can get real peace of mind from knowing that you are doing things right. Good help is not free, but a few hundred dollars may not seem unreasonable when weighed against the value of your property, debts, possible tax savings, all future support payments, and the importance of a good parenting plan. You can end up saving far more than you spend.
If you have any one of the situations listed below in your case, you have good reason to get some expert advice; two or more and going without advice begins to get foolish.
Property
The division of marital assets and debts is unequal.
Home or real estate being kept to sell later.
Major asset being divided or sold: avoiding capital gains problems.
You aren’t sure how to value some assets.
Separate and community property were invested (mixed together) in a major asset (terms vary from state to state).
Pension from employment during marriage; how to value; how to divide without penalty.
One or both spouses are self-employed owners of a business or professional practice.
Debts
Lots of debts; how to make sure they get paid; how to protect yourself from debts of your spouse.
Either spouse may decide to declare bankruptcy.
Joint credit card or other accounts not closed.
Your spouse
You can’t agree about important issues.
You can’t get information from your spouse about assets or income.
You suspect your spouse may be hiding assets.
Your spouse is threatening you, the children or the property.
Children
Disagreement over parenting arrangements.
One parent doesn’t want the other to move far away.
Either spouse earns over $30,000: consider saving on taxes by arranging for family support instead of child support.
Special needs or health problems.
Spousal support (wide variations between states)
Marriage of five years or more (especially in California).
More than 20% difference in incomes.
One spouse is not self-supporting.
One spouse put the other through school or training.
Special needs or health problems.
Personal
You don’t understand your situation or what to do about it.
You want help and suggestions for how to negotiate with your spouse.
You have a good income and a busy schedule, so you would be better off if someone else did the paperwork.
You want to be sure you’re doing the right thing and have the confidence of knowing it’s being done right.
Go on to the next section:
If you have any one of the situations listed below in your case, you have good reason to get some expert advice; two or more and going without advice begins to get foolish.
Property
The division of marital assets and debts is unequal.Home or real estate being kept to sell later.Major asset being divided or sold: avoiding capital gains problems.You aren’t sure how to value some assets. Separate and community property were invested (mixed together) in a major asset (terms vary from state to state).Pension from employment during marriage; how to value; how to divide without penalty.One or both spouses are self-employed owners of a business or professional practice.Debts
Lots of debts; how to make sure they get paid; how to protect yourself from debts of your spouse.Either spouse may decide to declare bankruptcy.Joint credit card or other accounts not closed.Your spouse
You can’t agree about important issues.You can’t get information from your spouse about assets or income.You suspect your spouse may be hiding assets.Your spouse is threatening you, the children or the property.Children
Disagreement over parenting arrangements.One parent doesn’t want the other to move far away.Either spouse earns over $30,000: consider saving on taxes by arranging for family support instead of child support.Special needs or health problems.Spousal support (wide variations between states)
Marriage of five years or more (especially in California).
More than 20% difference in incomes.
One spouse is not self-supporting.
One spouse put the other through school or training.
Special needs or health problems.Personal
You don’t understand your situation or what to do about it.
You want help and suggestions for how to negotiate with your spouse.
You have a good income and a busy schedule, so you would be better off if someone else did the paperwork.
You want to be sure you’re doing the right thing and have the confidence of knowing it’s being done right.Go on to the next section:
How to start off in a way that will minimize and reduce conflict.
Back to the Short Divorce Course table of contents
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