When was it, and why does it matter?When?  The date on which one or both parties clearly communicate to the other their intent to end the marriage.There are many details which may be helpful in determining the date of separation, including:-          Are the spouses still living together?-          Are they sharing finances?-          Are they still “working on the marriage?”-          Have they told anyone they are separating/divorcing?-          Are they still acting like a married couple in public?-          Are they still having sexual relations?-          Has either spouse changed his/her mailing address?Spouses may not agree on their date of separation.  They may each perceive […]

–          Sometimes it seems as though when someone in your neighborhood, family, or social circle gets a divorce, others tend to head down the same path.  Is the grass really greener on the other side?  If divorce is sounding like a tempting option, here are some things you may wish to consider:o   No two divorces are the same – just as no two couples and no two families are the same.  In a divorce, the differences matter a lot. o   “My friend receives/pays $7,500/month in spousal support!”  Maybe so, but that is no indication of what will happen in your case.  […]

Now what do you do? The documents are signed, the Judgment is filed with the court, you are officially “divorced.”  Now what?-          Don’t throw away the Judgment – ever!  Years later, you may need to provide proof of your divorce (including a copy of the Judgment and Notice of Entry of Judgment) for any number of reasons, including remarriage, adoption, home loans, and Social Security benefits.  It is also wise to hold on to copies of the “Disclosure” documents you exchanged with your former spouse, particularly the Schedule of Assets and Debts, and Income and Expense Declaration.  Don’t throw away […]