<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>Cary Stamp</title>
	<atom:link href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com</link>
	<description></description>
	<lastBuildDate>Wed, 15 May 2013 11:14:03 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en-US</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
	<generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1</generator>
		<item>
		<title>Alimony Reform … the Bill That Was Vetoed by Governor Rick Scott</title>
		<link>http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2013/05/10/alimony-reform-the-bill-that-was-vetoed-by-governor-rick-scott/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=alimony-reform-the-bill-that-was-vetoed-by-governor-rick-scott</link>
		<comments>http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2013/05/10/alimony-reform-the-bill-that-was-vetoed-by-governor-rick-scott/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 10 May 2013 14:10:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>webmanna</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Alimony]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Alimony Reform]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Florida’s alimony reform bill]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Governor Rick Scott]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/?p=1021</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p><p>Florida’s alimony reform bill (Senate Bill 718/House Bill 231) was set to turn existing laws upside down. Permanent alimony would have become a thing of the past, and child custody would see significant changes. The measure also set limits for what people pay in alimony for short, medium, and long-term marriages.</p><BR>
<p>But on Wednesday, May 1, 2013, Governor Rick Scott vetoed the bill. He wrote,</p><BR>
<p>“I have concluded that I cannot support this legislation because it applies retroactively and thus tampers with the settled economic expectations of many Floridians who have experienced ...<div class="crp_related"><h3>Related Posts:</h3><ul><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/10/09/will-we-see-alimony-reform-in-florida/"     class="crp_title">Will We See Alimony Reform in Florida?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2010/06/30/alimony-and-child-support-what-does-house-bill-907-mean-for-a-non-working-spouse/"     class="crp_title">Alimony and Child Support: What Does House Bill 907 mean for</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/04/05/settling-your-divorce-how-do-you-know-if-you-are-getting-a-good-deal/"     class="crp_title">Settling Your Divorce: How do you know if you are getting a&hellip;</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/05/07/quinones-marital-lifestyle-a-superfactor-for-alimony/"     class="crp_title">Quinones: Marital Lifestyle a Superfactor for Alimony?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/12/06/can-i-qualify-for-a-mortgage-based-on-my-alimony/"     class="crp_title">Can I Qualify for a Mortgage based on my Alimony?</a></li></ul></div></p><p>The post <a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2013/05/10/alimony-reform-the-bill-that-was-vetoed-by-governor-rick-scott/">Alimony Reform … the Bill That Was Vetoed by Governor Rick Scott</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com">Cary Stamp</a>.</p>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Florida’s alimony reform bill (Senate Bill 718/House Bill 231) was set to turn existing laws upside down. Permanent alimony would have become a thing of the past, and child custody would see significant changes. The measure also set limits for what people pay in alimony for short, medium, and long-term marriages.</p>
<p>But on Wednesday, May 1, 2013, Governor Rick Scott vetoed the bill. He wrote,</p>
<p>“I have concluded that I cannot support this legislation because it applies retroactively and thus tampers with the settled economic expectations of many Floridians who have experienced divorce. The retroactive adjustment of alimony could result in unfair, unanticipated results.”<br />
Here is what the proposed law was meant to do:</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>Do away with permanent alimony.</li>
<li>Generally prevent alimony payments from lasting longer than one-half the length of the marriage.</li>
<li>Eliminate alimony for people married less than 11 years.</li>
<li>Set a formula for alimony payments based on the income of the payer and the length of the marriage.</li>
<li>Allow ex-spouses who retire to end or reduce alimony.</li>
<li>Give judges the discretion for determining the amount of alimony <i>only</i> in special circumstances.</li>
<li>Change custody rules for children in divorced families.</li>
</ul>
<p>Many supporters believed the laws needed to be updated — be gender-neutral and better for children of divorced couples. They hoped the revamp would have put Florida’s divorce laws more in line with modern society.</p>
<p>But it might not have worked out that way. And here’s why …</p>
<p><b><br />
Women Could Have been Severely Affected  </b></p>
<p>Although there are indeed cases where alimony payers are treated unfairly, the recipients — especially older ones who are generally women — would have realized the greater amount of risk and uncertainty in their future.</p>
<p>Divorced spouses — often middle-aged, mostly women with limited job prospects — could have been left with no income, no retirement benefits, and no Social Security benefits.</p>
<p>Consider, for example, a woman who has been in a long-term marriage and has been out of the workforce for decades or has an income that is well below her husband’s.</p>
<p>Under this new legislation would she have been able to live a post-divorce lifestyle even close to how she lived while married? Most likely … no.</p>
<p>As you can see in the Census Department’s chart below, women out on their own on average already earn much less than men. A loss of alimony would have only widened the gap.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Stamp.png"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1022" alt="Stamp" src="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Stamp-300x185.png" width="300" height="185" /></a></p>
<p>Florida Department of Health data for the last five years show that marriages ending in divorce lasted on average of about 10 years. That means if the bill had become law, the average divorced spouse in Florida would no longer be eligible for alimony.</p>
<p>And for divorces that were finalized years ago?</p>
<p>The new legislation allowed for reductions in alimony for cases already settled and could end permanent alimony in marriages that lasted less than 15 years. The woman may have negotiated in good faith years ago, and might have given up valuable marital assets, such as the house, in order to receive alimony payments. That deal would no longer be valid. But she’d be out of luck since she couldn’t go back and negotiate for more assets.</p>
<p>That could push an older spouse who never worked outside the home and relies on alimony to cover mortgage payments or other monthly obligations into financial ruin. She might have been forced to reinvent herself to get back into the workforce, or upgrade her skills to make up for the lost income. In this economy that could be challenging at best, and out of desperation she might have had to settle for a low paying or part time job.</p>
<p>If not able to find a decent paying job, she could’ve easily ended up needing government services, such as public assistance, housing assistance, and food stamps. Thus putting more strain on tapped-out taxpayers. Or worse yet she could’ve found herself in one of the counties’ homeless shelters, which already have a large number of divorced women in their 50s.</p>
<p>How about a married woman who had chosen to sacrifice her career to support her family through raising children, caring for the home, and performing the duties of a traditional marriage? Under the vetoed bill could she have had second thoughts about that decision and jumped into the work force leaving the children to the care of a stranger?</p>
<p>One argument is that stay-at-home Mom would find herself in the same position if her husband died. Yes, the breadwinner would be gone. But in the eyes of Social Security, widows with minor children deserve an immediate guaranteed income. Plus she might be the beneficiary of life insurance and retirement plans. Not so for a divorcee.</p>
<p><b>Children Would Have Felt the Pain, Too</b></p>
<p>Judges would have been required to give divorced parents equal custody of their children, unless one parent made a convincing case otherwise. This could’ve further penalized stay-at-home moms since child support is based on the amount of time the children spend with each parent.</p>
<p>For example, suppose stay-at-home Mom has two children who spend 70 percent of their time with her. And Dad pays $1,500 each month to care for the children. Under the new legislation Mom would only have the children 50 percent of the time; this would chop the monthly child support to $900 … a serious reduction in funds.</p>
<p>Spouses who had already negotiated time-sharing based upon the best interests of the children may have found themselves dragged back to court as the person paying alimony decided that 50-50 time-sharing, and the accompanying reduction in child support obligation, was a great idea, even if they were not the best one to help with homework, attend parent-teacher conferences, or take care of medical needs.</p>
<p>And children could’ve become pawns for support dollars.</p>
<p>Furthermore, parents sharing equal custody would have caused children to be shuffled back and forth between the parents’ homes more frequently. That could’ve upset grades, upset activities, and even upset children’s mental stability and health.</p>
<p>Sum it up and it is easy to see how stay-at-home moms and older women who get divorced would have been hit hard by the changes. However, the most serious and immediate harm would’ve been to children living with a parent whose income was affected most by the latest legislation.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div class="crp_related"><h3>Related Posts:</h3><ul><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/10/09/will-we-see-alimony-reform-in-florida/"     class="crp_title">Will We See Alimony Reform in Florida?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2010/06/30/alimony-and-child-support-what-does-house-bill-907-mean-for-a-non-working-spouse/"     class="crp_title">Alimony and Child Support: What Does House Bill 907 mean for</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/04/05/settling-your-divorce-how-do-you-know-if-you-are-getting-a-good-deal/"     class="crp_title">Settling Your Divorce: How do you know if you are getting a&hellip;</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/05/07/quinones-marital-lifestyle-a-superfactor-for-alimony/"     class="crp_title">Quinones: Marital Lifestyle a Superfactor for Alimony?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/12/06/can-i-qualify-for-a-mortgage-based-on-my-alimony/"     class="crp_title">Can I Qualify for a Mortgage based on my Alimony?</a></li></ul></div><p>The post <a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2013/05/10/alimony-reform-the-bill-that-was-vetoed-by-governor-rick-scott/">Alimony Reform … the Bill That Was Vetoed by Governor Rick Scott</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com">Cary Stamp</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2013/05/10/alimony-reform-the-bill-that-was-vetoed-by-governor-rick-scott/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Cary Stamp Recognized as a Leading Financial Advisor by Commonwealth Financial Network</title>
		<link>http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2013/04/15/cary-stamp-recognized-as-a-leading-financial-advisor-by-commonwealth-financial-network/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=cary-stamp-recognized-as-a-leading-financial-advisor-by-commonwealth-financial-network</link>
		<comments>http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2013/04/15/cary-stamp-recognized-as-a-leading-financial-advisor-by-commonwealth-financial-network/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 15 Apr 2013 21:03:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>cstamp</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Press Release]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cary Stamp]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financial planner tequesta]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wealth management jupiter]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/?p=1007</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p><p><strong>Tequesta, FL (April 5, 2013)</strong> — Cary Stamp, an independent financial advisor affiliated with Commonwealth Financial Network® and Principal of Cary Stamp &#38; Company in Tequesta, FL, has achieved Commonwealth Leaders status. This distinction recognizes the most successful financial advisors, based on a ranking of annual production among Commonwealth’s network of 1,450 financial advisors. Commonwealth is the nation’s largest privately held independent broker/dealer–RIA and the broker/dealer of choice for Cary Stamp.</p><BR>
<p>“We are pleased to award Cary Stamp with this impressive recognition,” said Wayne Bloom, CEO of Commonwealth. “Cary is among ...<div class="crp_related"><h3>Related Posts:</h3><ul><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/07/05/cary-stamp-company-announces-carl-watkins-achieves-certified-financial-planner-certification/"     class="crp_title">Cary Stamp &#038; Company Announces Carl Watkins Achieves&hellip;</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/09/12/cary-stamp-company-attends-10th-annual-adfp-conference/"     class="crp_title">Cary Stamp &#038; Company Attends 10th Annual ADFP&hellip;</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/about-cary-stamp-certified-divorce-financial-analyst/our-team/"     class="crp_title">Our Team</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2011/10/05/cary-stamp-company-team-members-attend-9th-annual-adfp-conference/"     class="crp_title">Cary Stamp &#038; Company Team Members Attend 9th Annual&hellip;</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2010/08/23/402/"     class="crp_title">How Does Health Care Reform Impact You?</a></li></ul></div></p><p>The post <a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2013/04/15/cary-stamp-recognized-as-a-leading-financial-advisor-by-commonwealth-financial-network/">Cary Stamp Recognized as a Leading Financial Advisor by Commonwealth Financial Network</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com">Cary Stamp</a>.</p>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Tequesta, FL (April 5, 2013)</strong> — Cary Stamp, an independent financial advisor affiliated with Commonwealth Financial Network® and Principal of Cary Stamp &amp; Company in Tequesta, FL, has achieved Commonwealth Leaders status. This distinction recognizes the most successful financial advisors, based on a ranking of annual production among Commonwealth’s network of 1,450 financial advisors. Commonwealth is the nation’s largest privately held independent broker/dealer–RIA and the broker/dealer of choice for Cary Stamp.</p>
<p>“We are pleased to award Cary Stamp with this impressive recognition,” said Wayne Bloom, CEO of Commonwealth. “Cary is among the most esteemed financial advisors in our industry and a valued member of the Commonwealth community. Achieving Leaders status speaks to Cary’s commitment to outstanding customer service and relentless work ethic that is paramount to his success.”</p>
<p>In honor of this distinction, Cary Stamp has been invited to join his peers at the Commonwealth Leaders Conference, April 21–26, 2013, at the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico. The conference will offer attendees a wide range of networking and educational opportunities focused on helping them provide the highest level of service and value to their client base, as well as offer fresh perspectives applicable to their practices.</p>
<p>Upon learning of the award, Cary Stamp shared this comment. “I am honored to have a great partner in Commonwealth Financial Network and a great team with Jennie and Adam. It is a privilege to come to work every day and help our clients accomplish their goals and live their dreams.”</p>
<p><strong>About Cary Stamp &amp; Company</strong><br />
Cary Stamp &amp; Company has been providing individuals and organizations in Florida with financial guidance since 2006. Located at 110 Bridge Road, Tequesta, FL 33469, the advisors of Cary Stamp &amp; Company pride themselves on crafting unique strategies for each client. For more information, please visit <a title="Cary Stamp" href="http://carystamp.com/" target="_blank">www.CaryStamp.com</a>.</p>
<p>Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser.<br />
Divorce planning services offered by Cary Stamp &amp; Company are separate and unrelated to Commonwealth.</p>
<p><strong>About Commonwealth Financial Network</strong><br />
Founded in 1979, Commonwealth Financial Network, member FINRA/SIPC, is the nation’s largest privately held independent broker/dealer–RIA, with headquarters in Waltham, Massachusetts, and San Diego, California. The firm supports more than 1,450 independent advisors nationwide and makes available a comprehensive array of financial products and services. For more information, please visit <a title="Commonwealth" href="http://www.commonwealth.com/" target="_blank">www.commonwealth.com</a>.</p>
<p>For additional information, contact:<br />
Carl A. Watkins<br />
Cary Stamp &amp; Company<br />
(561)471-7700<br />
carl@carystamp.com<br />
<a title="CaryStamp.com" href="http://www.carystamp.com/" target="_blank">www.CaryStamp.com</a></p>
<div class="crp_related"><h3>Related Posts:</h3><ul><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/07/05/cary-stamp-company-announces-carl-watkins-achieves-certified-financial-planner-certification/"     class="crp_title">Cary Stamp &#038; Company Announces Carl Watkins Achieves&hellip;</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/09/12/cary-stamp-company-attends-10th-annual-adfp-conference/"     class="crp_title">Cary Stamp &#038; Company Attends 10th Annual ADFP&hellip;</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/about-cary-stamp-certified-divorce-financial-analyst/our-team/"     class="crp_title">Our Team</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2011/10/05/cary-stamp-company-team-members-attend-9th-annual-adfp-conference/"     class="crp_title">Cary Stamp &#038; Company Team Members Attend 9th Annual&hellip;</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2010/08/23/402/"     class="crp_title">How Does Health Care Reform Impact You?</a></li></ul></div><p>The post <a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2013/04/15/cary-stamp-recognized-as-a-leading-financial-advisor-by-commonwealth-financial-network/">Cary Stamp Recognized as a Leading Financial Advisor by Commonwealth Financial Network</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com">Cary Stamp</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2013/04/15/cary-stamp-recognized-as-a-leading-financial-advisor-by-commonwealth-financial-network/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>In a Divorce, Who Gets the Home Sale Exclusion?</title>
		<link>http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2013/03/15/in-a-divorce-who-gets-the-home-sale-exclusion/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=in-a-divorce-who-gets-the-home-sale-exclusion</link>
		<comments>http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2013/03/15/in-a-divorce-who-gets-the-home-sale-exclusion/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 15 Mar 2013 17:27:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>cstamp</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Divorce Financial Planning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Divorce Financial Strategies]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/?p=1015</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p><div><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/shutterstock_84812236.jpg"><img class="alignright  wp-image-1018" alt="jupiter divorce financial analyst" src="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/shutterstock_84812236.jpg" width="350" height="234" /></a>If homeowners sell their primary residence, they can exclude up to $250,000 ($500,000 on a joint return) of the gain from their income.</div>
<div></div>
<div>To claim the exclusion they must meet three requirements:</div>
<div></div>
<div><strong>Requirement #1</strong></div>
<div>Ownership test —They must have owned the home for at least 2 years during the 5-year period ending on the date of sale.</div>
<div></div>
<div><strong>Requirement #2</strong></div>
<div>Use test — They must have lived in it as their main home for at least 2 years during the 5-year period ending on the date of sale.</div>
<div></div>
<div><strong>Requirement ...<div class="crp_related"><h3>Related Posts:</h3><ul><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2013/02/21/divorce-and-taxes-who-gets-the-exemption-for-the-children/"     class="crp_title">Divorce and taxes: Who gets the exemption for the children?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/06/11/planning-for-the-health-care-reform-surtax/"     class="crp_title">Planning for the Health Care Reform Surtax</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2011/04/14/divorce-and-charitable-remainder-trusts-convert-a-crt-interest-to-cash-now/"     class="crp_title">Divorce and Charitable Remainder Trusts: Convert a CRT&hellip;</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/12/02/establishing-credit-before-you-get-divorced/"     class="crp_title">Establishing Credit Before you Get Divorced</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2011/09/06/retirement-assets-and-income-in-alimony-cases%e2%80%94are-72t-distributions-the-answer/"     class="crp_title">Retirement Assets and Income in Alimony Cases—Are 72(t)&hellip;</a></li></ul></div></p><p>The post <a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2013/03/15/in-a-divorce-who-gets-the-home-sale-exclusion/">In a Divorce, Who Gets the Home Sale Exclusion?</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com">Cary Stamp</a>.</p>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/shutterstock_84812236.jpg"><img class="alignright  wp-image-1018" alt="jupiter divorce financial analyst" src="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/shutterstock_84812236.jpg" width="350" height="234" /></a>If homeowners sell their primary residence, they can exclude up to $250,000 ($500,000 on a joint return) of the gain from their income.</div>
<div></div>
<div>To claim the exclusion they must meet three requirements:</div>
<div></div>
<div><strong>Requirement #1</strong></div>
<div>Ownership test —They must have owned the home for at least 2 years during the 5-year period ending on the date of sale.</div>
<div></div>
<div><strong>Requirement #2</strong></div>
<div>Use test — They must have lived in it as their main home for at least 2 years during the 5-year period ending on the date of sale.</div>
<div></div>
<div><strong>Requirement #2</strong></div>
<div>No prior exclusion test — During the 2-year period ending on the date of the sale, they did not exclude gain from the sale of another home.</div>
<div></div>
<div>Considering that the primary residence is often a couple’s most valuable asset, this tax break could result in a significant saving when selling a home. <strong>But what happens when couples divorce … who get the exclusion?</strong></div>
<div></div>
<div>The answer depends on when the home is sold.</div>
<div></div>
<div><strong>Selling before the Divorce</strong></div>
<div></div>
<div>This is often the best time to get the maximum tax-free benefit. Here’s why:</div>
<div></div>
<div>As noted above, filing jointly will let a couple exclude as much as $500,000 in profit they might have on the home. And as long as the divorce is not final as of December 31, the IRS considers the couple married for that year. Therefore, they can file a joint return even if they are not living under the same roof.</div>
<div></div>
<div>What’s more, if the home is titled in only one spouse’s name, they can still get the joint exclusion as long both spouses meet the 2-out-of-5 years use test.</div>
<div></div>
<div><strong>Selling after the Divorce</strong></div>
<div></div>
<div>Suppose for example they can’t sell the jointly-owned home due to a lousy market, and it isn’t sold until after the divorce is finalized. In that case, each person can exclude up to $250,000 when filing as a single taxpayer.</div>
<div></div>
<div>Also understand that if the home is sold because of the divorce, the IRS considers it an unforeseen circumstance. That will let each taxpayer prorate the exclusion for the time they lived in the home. For instance if they owned and lived in the</div>
<div>home for one year, each could prorate the $250,000 exclusion and exclude up to $125,000 in gains on the home sale since they satisfied one half of the 2-year ownership and use tests.</div>
<div></div>
<div><strong>Selling in the Future</strong></div>
<div></div>
<div>As often happens when minor children are involved, one spouse stays in the home and the other moves out. This can lead to two scenarios:</div>
<div></div>
<div><strong>Scenario #1</strong></div>
<div>The couple could continue to own the home jointly, although one has actual possession. The home might be sold in the future, such as when the children are finished school. Each owner can qualify for the full home sale exclusion. And the spouse who moved out can include time that the former spouse used the home in his or her use test.</div>
<div></div>
<div><strong>Scenario #2 </strong></div>
<div> The title to the home could be transferred incident to the divorce to the spouse who remains in the home. The single homeowner can then add time the home was owned by the former spouse to his or her ownership-test period.</div>
<div></div>
<div><em>Commonwealth Financial Network®, Cary Stamp &amp; Company, and Lincoln Park Financial Group, LLC do not provide legal or tax advice. You should consult a legal or tax professional regarding your individual situation.</em></div>
<div></div>
<div>IRS CIRCULAR 230 DISCLOSURE:</div>
<div><em>To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the IRS, we inform you that any U.S. tax advice contained in this communication (including any attachments) is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code; or (ii) promoting, marketing, or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein.</em></div>
<div class="crp_related"><h3>Related Posts:</h3><ul><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2013/02/21/divorce-and-taxes-who-gets-the-exemption-for-the-children/"     class="crp_title">Divorce and taxes: Who gets the exemption for the children?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/06/11/planning-for-the-health-care-reform-surtax/"     class="crp_title">Planning for the Health Care Reform Surtax</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2011/04/14/divorce-and-charitable-remainder-trusts-convert-a-crt-interest-to-cash-now/"     class="crp_title">Divorce and Charitable Remainder Trusts: Convert a CRT&hellip;</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/12/02/establishing-credit-before-you-get-divorced/"     class="crp_title">Establishing Credit Before you Get Divorced</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2011/09/06/retirement-assets-and-income-in-alimony-cases%e2%80%94are-72t-distributions-the-answer/"     class="crp_title">Retirement Assets and Income in Alimony Cases—Are 72(t)&hellip;</a></li></ul></div><p>The post <a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2013/03/15/in-a-divorce-who-gets-the-home-sale-exclusion/">In a Divorce, Who Gets the Home Sale Exclusion?</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com">Cary Stamp</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2013/03/15/in-a-divorce-who-gets-the-home-sale-exclusion/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Divorce and taxes: Who gets the exemption for the children?</title>
		<link>http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2013/02/21/divorce-and-taxes-who-gets-the-exemption-for-the-children/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=divorce-and-taxes-who-gets-the-exemption-for-the-children</link>
		<comments>http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2013/02/21/divorce-and-taxes-who-gets-the-exemption-for-the-children/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 21 Feb 2013 15:17:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>cstamp</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Divorce Financial Planning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Divorce Financial Strategies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[divorce and taxes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jupiter divorce support]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tequesta financial planner]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/?p=1002</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p><p><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1003" style="margin: 5px;" alt="palm beach divorce and taxes litigation support" src="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/shutterstock_28917-300x200.jpg" width="300" height="200" />Divorce has obvious tax consequences. Therefore, it’s an important part of <a title="divorce financial planning jupiter tequesta" href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/about-cary-stamp-certified-divorce-financial-analyst/my-services/">divorce financial planning</a>. For example each former spouse will file their returns as single taxpayers or heads of households rather than jointly. That can mean higher marginal tax rates, a change in standard deductions, and a loss of tax breaks.<br />
When it comes to the tax exemption for children, it generally goes to the custodial parent whose ...<div class="crp_related"><h3>Related Posts:</h3><ul><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2013/03/15/in-a-divorce-who-gets-the-home-sale-exclusion/"     class="crp_title">In a Divorce, Who Gets the Home Sale Exclusion?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2011/03/01/divorcing-couples-and-the-special-needs-child/"     class="crp_title">Divorcing Couples and the Special Needs Child</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2011/09/06/retirement-assets-and-income-in-alimony-cases%e2%80%94are-72t-distributions-the-answer/"     class="crp_title">Retirement Assets and Income in Alimony Cases—Are 72(t)&hellip;</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2013/05/10/alimony-reform-the-bill-that-was-vetoed-by-governor-rick-scott/"     class="crp_title">Alimony Reform … the Bill That Was Vetoed by Governor Rick</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2010/06/30/alimony-and-child-support-what-does-house-bill-907-mean-for-a-non-working-spouse/"     class="crp_title">Alimony and Child Support: What Does House Bill 907 mean for</a></li></ul></div></p><p>The post <a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2013/02/21/divorce-and-taxes-who-gets-the-exemption-for-the-children/">Divorce and taxes: Who gets the exemption for the children?</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com">Cary Stamp</a>.</p>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1003" style="margin: 5px;" alt="palm beach divorce and taxes litigation support" src="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/shutterstock_28917-300x200.jpg" width="300" height="200" />Divorce has obvious tax consequences. Therefore, it’s an important part of <a title="divorce financial planning jupiter tequesta" href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/about-cary-stamp-certified-divorce-financial-analyst/my-services/">divorce financial planning</a>. For example each former spouse will file their returns as single taxpayers or heads of households rather than jointly. That can mean higher marginal tax rates, a change in standard deductions, and a loss of tax breaks.<br />
When it comes to the tax exemption for children, it generally goes to the custodial parent whose home the children live in for the greater number of nights during the year.</p>
<h2>So how much is the exemption for a dependent child worth?</h2>
<p>Exemptions reduce your taxable income. You can deduct $3,800 for each exemption you claim in 2012. So if you are in the 25% tax bracket, an additional exemption could cut your federal tax bill by $950 … two more exemptions could mean $1,900 less you’d have to send to the IRS.</p>
<p>But suppose you are the noncustodial parent. Can you claim your child as a dependent? Yes, as long the IRS’ “special rule for children” applies.</p>
<p>This rule applies if:</p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">The child received over half of his or her support for the year from one or both of the parents.</li>
<li dir="ltr">The child was in the custody of one or both of the parents for more than half of the year.</li>
</ul>
<h2>But you just can’t go for the exemption on your own.</h2>
<p>Your former spouse must release his or claim to your child’s exemption. And Form 8332, Release of Claim to Exemption for Child of Divorced or Separated Parents, must be completed each year and attached to your tax return in order for you to claim the exemption.</p>
<p>There is the option to release the claim for future tax years as well. Again, the custodial parent must sign off on this, and you must include it with your tax return each year.<br />
This release will also allow the noncustodial parent to claim the child tax credit and the additional child tax credit if applicable.</p>
<p><em> To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the IRS, we inform you that any U.S. tax advice contained in this communication (including any attachments) is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code; or (ii) promoting, marketing, or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein. Commonwealth Financial Network® does not provide legal or tax advice. You should consult a legal or tax professional regarding your individual situation. </em></p>
<div class="crp_related"><h3>Related Posts:</h3><ul><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2013/03/15/in-a-divorce-who-gets-the-home-sale-exclusion/"     class="crp_title">In a Divorce, Who Gets the Home Sale Exclusion?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2011/03/01/divorcing-couples-and-the-special-needs-child/"     class="crp_title">Divorcing Couples and the Special Needs Child</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2011/09/06/retirement-assets-and-income-in-alimony-cases%e2%80%94are-72t-distributions-the-answer/"     class="crp_title">Retirement Assets and Income in Alimony Cases—Are 72(t)&hellip;</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2013/05/10/alimony-reform-the-bill-that-was-vetoed-by-governor-rick-scott/"     class="crp_title">Alimony Reform … the Bill That Was Vetoed by Governor Rick</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2010/06/30/alimony-and-child-support-what-does-house-bill-907-mean-for-a-non-working-spouse/"     class="crp_title">Alimony and Child Support: What Does House Bill 907 mean for</a></li></ul></div><p>The post <a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2013/02/21/divorce-and-taxes-who-gets-the-exemption-for-the-children/">Divorce and taxes: Who gets the exemption for the children?</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com">Cary Stamp</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2013/02/21/divorce-and-taxes-who-gets-the-exemption-for-the-children/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Fiscal Cliff Deal Reached</title>
		<link>http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2013/01/04/fiscal-cliff-deal-reached/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=fiscal-cliff-deal-reached</link>
		<comments>http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2013/01/04/fiscal-cliff-deal-reached/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 04 Jan 2013 16:29:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>cstamp</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Financial Planning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Headline]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financial analyst]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fiscal cliff]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[palm beach divorce planning]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/?p=985</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/shutterstock_90684175.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-990 alignnone" style="margin: 7px;" alt="Financail Planning after the Fiscal Cliff" src="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/shutterstock_90684175.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a></p><BR>
<p style="text-align: left;">As you may know, late Tuesday night, our government leaders approved a bill to avert the dreaded fiscal cliff, avoiding widespread tax increases and deep spending cuts.</p><BR>
<p>Here are some of the specifics of the plan:<span id="more-985"></span></p><BR>
<ul>
<li>
<h4>The tax rate for individuals making more than $400,000 and couples making more than $450,000 will rise from the current 35 percent to 39.6 percent.</h4>
</li>
<li>
<h4>Itemized deductions will be capped for individuals making $250,000 and for ...<div class="crp_related"><h3>Related Posts:</h3><ul><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/12/20/the-end-of-the-world-the-fiscal-cliff-and-other-fairy-tales/"     class="crp_title">The End of the World, the Fiscal Cliff and other Fairy Tales</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2010/08/23/402/"     class="crp_title">How Does Health Care Reform Impact You?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/06/11/planning-for-the-health-care-reform-surtax/"     class="crp_title">Planning for the Health Care Reform Surtax</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2011/03/01/divorcing-couples-and-the-special-needs-child/"     class="crp_title">Divorcing Couples and the Special Needs Child</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/09/25/avoid-these-financial-mistakes-when-planning-your-divorce/"     class="crp_title">Avoid These Financial Mistakes When Planning Your Divorce</a></li></ul></div></p><p>The post <a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2013/01/04/fiscal-cliff-deal-reached/">Fiscal Cliff Deal Reached</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com">Cary Stamp</a>.</p>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/shutterstock_90684175.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-990 alignnone" style="margin: 7px;" alt="Financail Planning after the Fiscal Cliff" src="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/shutterstock_90684175.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">As you may know, late Tuesday night, our government leaders approved a bill to avert the dreaded fiscal cliff, avoiding widespread tax increases and deep spending cuts.</p>
<p>Here are some of the specifics of the plan:<span id="more-985"></span></p>
<ul>
<li>
<h4>The tax rate for individuals making more than $400,000 and couples making more than $450,000 will rise from the current 35 percent to 39.6 percent.</h4>
</li>
<li>
<h4>Itemized deductions will be capped for individuals making $250,000 and for married couples making $300,000.</h4>
</li>
<li>
<h4>Taxes on inherited estates will go up to 40 percent from 35 percent.</h4>
</li>
<li>
<h4>Unemployment insurance will be extended for one year for two million people.</h4>
</li>
<li>
<h4>The alternative minimum tax will be permanently adjusted for inflation.</h4>
</li>
<li>
<h4>Child care, tuition, and research and development tax credits will be renewed.</h4>
</li>
<li>
<h4>Reimbursements for doctors who take Medicare patients will continue, but it will not be paid out of the Obama administration&#8217;s health care law.</h4>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Though a deal was reached, there are two issues that will need to be addressed come late February: the $16.4 trillion debt ceiling and cuts in federal spending for most government agencies and programs.</p>
<p>As always, we plan to keep you up to date on the latest financial news, what affects it may have, and the strategies we recommend for your financial plan in light of these developments.</p>
<p>Please feel free to contact us to discuss this or any other questions you may have.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Sincerely,</p>
<p><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-978" alt="Cary Signature" src="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Cary-Signature.png" width="225" height="144" /></p>
<div class="crp_related"><h3>Related Posts:</h3><ul><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/12/20/the-end-of-the-world-the-fiscal-cliff-and-other-fairy-tales/"     class="crp_title">The End of the World, the Fiscal Cliff and other Fairy Tales</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2010/08/23/402/"     class="crp_title">How Does Health Care Reform Impact You?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/06/11/planning-for-the-health-care-reform-surtax/"     class="crp_title">Planning for the Health Care Reform Surtax</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2011/03/01/divorcing-couples-and-the-special-needs-child/"     class="crp_title">Divorcing Couples and the Special Needs Child</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/09/25/avoid-these-financial-mistakes-when-planning-your-divorce/"     class="crp_title">Avoid These Financial Mistakes When Planning Your Divorce</a></li></ul></div><p>The post <a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2013/01/04/fiscal-cliff-deal-reached/">Fiscal Cliff Deal Reached</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com">Cary Stamp</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2013/01/04/fiscal-cliff-deal-reached/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>The End of the World, the Fiscal Cliff and other Fairy Tales</title>
		<link>http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/12/20/the-end-of-the-world-the-fiscal-cliff-and-other-fairy-tales/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=the-end-of-the-world-the-fiscal-cliff-and-other-fairy-tales</link>
		<comments>http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/12/20/the-end-of-the-world-the-fiscal-cliff-and-other-fairy-tales/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 20 Dec 2012 18:36:27 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>cstamp</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Financial Planning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Headline]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/?p=973</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p><h2>A Good Year</h2>
<p>We have just wrapped up what was a very good year in the investment markets despite some considerable stopping and starting. There was plenty of short term volatility driven by political events, elections, international incidents and electronic trading. At the end of the year, we seem to be on fairly solid footing, with the exception of the issue that is on everybody&#8217;s lips&#8230;&#8230;.</p><BR>
<p><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-974" alt="Tequesta financial planner fiscal cliff" src="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/72-300x214.jpeg" width="300" height="214" /></p><BR>
<p>Although many Americans, especially those still looking for work, are not experiencing a feeling ...<div class="crp_related"><h3>Related Posts:</h3><ul><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2013/01/04/fiscal-cliff-deal-reached/"     class="crp_title">Fiscal Cliff Deal Reached</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/10/02/completing-a-financial-affidavit-in-your-divorce-critical-mistakes-to-avoid/"     class="crp_title">Completing a Financial Affidavit in your Divorce: Critical&hellip;</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/12/11/what-divorcing-baby-boomers-should-know-about-social-security/"     class="crp_title">What Divorcing Baby Boomers Should Know about Social&hellip;</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/10/08/cary-stamp-to-speak-to-south-palm-beach-county-bar/"     class="crp_title">Cary Stamp to Speak to South Palm Beach County Bar</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/11/26/why-do-i-need-a-cdfa-if-i-have-a-forensic-cpa/"     class="crp_title">Why do I need a CDFA™ if I have a forensic CPA?</a></li></ul></div></p><p>The post <a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/12/20/the-end-of-the-world-the-fiscal-cliff-and-other-fairy-tales/">The End of the World, the Fiscal Cliff and other Fairy Tales</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com">Cary Stamp</a>.</p>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>A Good Year</h2>
<p>We have just wrapped up what was a very good year in the investment markets despite some considerable stopping and starting. There was plenty of short term volatility driven by political events, elections, international incidents and electronic trading. At the end of the year, we seem to be on fairly solid footing, with the exception of the issue that is on everybody&#8217;s lips&#8230;&#8230;.</p>
<p><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-974" alt="Tequesta financial planner fiscal cliff" src="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/72-300x214.jpeg" width="300" height="214" /></p>
<p>Although many Americans, especially those still looking for work, are not experiencing a feeling of prosperity, most of our business owner clients are telling me that things are getting better. In fact, a number of them have told me that they have just finished their most profitable year ever. It seems that we may have a &#8220;stealth recovery&#8221; going on and we face the risk that the twin threats of the world ending on December 21 and the country going over the fiscal cliff on December 31 might derail our recovery.</p>
<h2><span id="more-973"></span>The Fiscal Cliff</h2>
<p>While I recognize the depth of our economic and political challenges, the media firestorm on the &#8220;fiscal cliff&#8221; reminds me of so many other non-events. I&#8217;m going out on a limb and I recognize that there could be a pullback in the markets if congress fails to act or comes out with only a band-aid approach to a major long-term problem. However, events such as Y2K, government shut-downs, and even Obama&#8217;s re-election were supposed to result in massive economic and market turmoil. There was a brief interlude where we had some volatility but very little happened.</p>
<p>I view the current troubles in the same light and we are not taking any action (or reaction) to make changes to portfolios based on the media rumblings. If you are concerned, please call us and we can do whatever is needed to alleviate your fears. If we believe some action needs to be taken, we will be in touch&#8230;.but I do not believe it will have anything to do with the threat from a &#8220;fiscal cliff.&#8221;</p>
<h3> Have a safe and Happy Holidays!</h3>
<p><img class="alignleft  wp-image-978" alt="Cary Signature" src="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Cary-Signature.png" width="135" height="86" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div class="crp_related"><h3>Related Posts:</h3><ul><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2013/01/04/fiscal-cliff-deal-reached/"     class="crp_title">Fiscal Cliff Deal Reached</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/10/02/completing-a-financial-affidavit-in-your-divorce-critical-mistakes-to-avoid/"     class="crp_title">Completing a Financial Affidavit in your Divorce: Critical&hellip;</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/12/11/what-divorcing-baby-boomers-should-know-about-social-security/"     class="crp_title">What Divorcing Baby Boomers Should Know about Social&hellip;</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/10/08/cary-stamp-to-speak-to-south-palm-beach-county-bar/"     class="crp_title">Cary Stamp to Speak to South Palm Beach County Bar</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/11/26/why-do-i-need-a-cdfa-if-i-have-a-forensic-cpa/"     class="crp_title">Why do I need a CDFA™ if I have a forensic CPA?</a></li></ul></div><p>The post <a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/12/20/the-end-of-the-world-the-fiscal-cliff-and-other-fairy-tales/">The End of the World, the Fiscal Cliff and other Fairy Tales</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com">Cary Stamp</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/12/20/the-end-of-the-world-the-fiscal-cliff-and-other-fairy-tales/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>What Divorcing Baby Boomers Should Know about Social Security</title>
		<link>http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/12/11/what-divorcing-baby-boomers-should-know-about-social-security/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=what-divorcing-baby-boomers-should-know-about-social-security</link>
		<comments>http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/12/11/what-divorcing-baby-boomers-should-know-about-social-security/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 11 Dec 2012 16:47:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>cstamp</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Divorce Financial Planning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Divorce Financial Strategies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[certified divorce financial analyst]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[palm beach divorce support]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[social security benefits and divorce]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/?p=933</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p><h2>How Divorce affects Social Security Benefits</h2>
<p><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/shutterstock_9908191.jpg"><img class="alignright  wp-image-934" style="margin: 7px;" title="Divorcing Baby Boomers" src="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/shutterstock_9908191.jpg" alt="how divorce affects social security benefits" width="277" height="300" /></a>The number of <a title="bay boomers divorce social security" href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/category/blog/divorce-financial-strategies/">baby boomers divorcing</a> is rising. In fact, according to a study by Bowling Green State University, in 1990 fewer than one in 10 people who divorced were 50 or older. By 2009, that number had leaped to one in four. Meanwhile, divorce rates for the general population stabilized.</p><BR>
<p>With this upward tread in older Americans divorcing, a wife ...<div class="crp_related"><h3>Related Posts:</h3><ul><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2010/06/02/navigating-retirement-plan-settlements-in-divorce/"     class="crp_title">Navigating Retirement Plan Settlements in Divorce</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/03/20/how-and-when-to-use-qdros/"     class="crp_title">How and When to Use QDROs</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/09/11/what-happens-to-drop-accounts-upon-divorce/"     class="crp_title">What Happens to DROP Accounts Upon Divorce?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2013/05/10/alimony-reform-the-bill-that-was-vetoed-by-governor-rick-scott/"     class="crp_title">Alimony Reform … the Bill That Was Vetoed by Governor Rick</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/11/04/health-insurance-what-is-the-best-option-after-my-divorce/"     class="crp_title">Health Insurance—what is the best option after my divorce?</a></li></ul></div></p><p>The post <a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/12/11/what-divorcing-baby-boomers-should-know-about-social-security/">What Divorcing Baby Boomers Should Know about Social Security</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com">Cary Stamp</a>.</p>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>How Divorce affects Social Security Benefits</h2>
<p><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/shutterstock_9908191.jpg"><img class="alignright  wp-image-934" style="margin: 7px;" title="Divorcing Baby Boomers" src="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/shutterstock_9908191.jpg" alt="how divorce affects social security benefits" width="277" height="300" /></a>The number of <a title="bay boomers divorce social security" href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/category/blog/divorce-financial-strategies/">baby boomers divorcing</a> is rising. In fact, according to a study by Bowling Green State University, in 1990 fewer than one in 10 people who divorced were 50 or older. By 2009, that number had leaped to one in four. Meanwhile, divorce rates for the general population stabilized.</p>
<p>With this upward tread in older Americans divorcing, a wife (and her advisors) should consider how a divorce will affect her Social Security retirement benefits. The first step is to check what her benefits are based on her earnings record. She can get this directly from Social Security or on the statement that goes out each year.</p>
<p>The next step is to see if she can receive benefits based on her former husband’s Social Security record. Here are the general requirements:</p>
<ul>
<li>She must have been married to her former spouse for at least 10 years up to the date the divorce decree is issued;</li>
<li>She must be at least 62 years old;</li>
<li>She must be single; and</li>
<li>Her Social Security benefit cannot exceed his.</li>
</ul>
<p>Furthermore, her former husband must be entitled to receive his Social Security benefit. And even if he hasn’t applied for it, she can still receive a benefit based on his earnings as long as she meets the above requirements and has been divorced from him for at least two years.</p>
<p>Assuming she meets those requirements, she can file an application for divorced spouse’s benefits and receive up to one-half of his benefit amount unless her own primary amount exceeds it. Suppose for example, she meets the requirements and her ex is receiving $1,600 each month from Social Security. And based on her work record she is entitled to a $600 monthly benefit. One-half of $1,600 equals $800. So as a divorced spouse, she can collect an additional $200 from the benefit record of her ex for a total of one-half of his benefit. If she was entitled to at $800 based on her own earnings, she wouldn’t be entitled to any benefit based on her ex’s record.</p>
<h2>Other Post-Divorce Events to Keep in Mind</h2>
<p>If the former wife remarries someone other that her former husband, the Social Security benefits stop. And if her marriage to the new spouse ends, she can apply for divorced-spouse’s benefits again. But if he remarries, it will not affect the former spouse’s benefits.</p>
<p>In case her former husband dies, she can receive benefits as a surviving divorced spouse based on his Social Security record if she:</p>
<ul>
<li>Is at least age 60, or age 50 and disabled;</li>
<li> Was married to him for at least 10 years; and</li>
<li>Is not entitled to a higher Social Security benefit on her own record.</li>
</ul>
<p>If she then remarries, the benefits will continue.</p>
<p><em><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Cary-with-magazine.jpg"><img class="alignleft  wp-image-764" style="margin: 5px;" title="Cary B. Stamp, CFP®, CDFA™" src="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Cary-with-magazine-150x150.jpg" alt="certified divorce financial analyst" width="105" height="105" /></a>As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst™, <a title="Cary Stamp Financial Planner" href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/about-cary-stamp-certified-divorce-financial-analyst/our-team/">Cary Stamp</a> specializes in helping women going through transitional phases. Cary has a broad depth of experience in divorce litigation support, investment management, tax strategies, estate planning and helping women make empowering financial choices before, during and after a divorce.</em></p>
<div class="crp_related"><h3>Related Posts:</h3><ul><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2010/06/02/navigating-retirement-plan-settlements-in-divorce/"     class="crp_title">Navigating Retirement Plan Settlements in Divorce</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/03/20/how-and-when-to-use-qdros/"     class="crp_title">How and When to Use QDROs</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/09/11/what-happens-to-drop-accounts-upon-divorce/"     class="crp_title">What Happens to DROP Accounts Upon Divorce?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2013/05/10/alimony-reform-the-bill-that-was-vetoed-by-governor-rick-scott/"     class="crp_title">Alimony Reform … the Bill That Was Vetoed by Governor Rick</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/11/04/health-insurance-what-is-the-best-option-after-my-divorce/"     class="crp_title">Health Insurance—what is the best option after my divorce?</a></li></ul></div><p>The post <a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/12/11/what-divorcing-baby-boomers-should-know-about-social-security/">What Divorcing Baby Boomers Should Know about Social Security</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com">Cary Stamp</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/12/11/what-divorcing-baby-boomers-should-know-about-social-security/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Can I Qualify for a Mortgage based on my Alimony?</title>
		<link>http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/12/06/can-i-qualify-for-a-mortgage-based-on-my-alimony/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=can-i-qualify-for-a-mortgage-based-on-my-alimony</link>
		<comments>http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/12/06/can-i-qualify-for-a-mortgage-based-on-my-alimony/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 06 Dec 2012 21:06:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>cstamp</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Alimony]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Divorce Financial Planning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[alimony and divorce]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[divorce and mortgage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jupiter divorce specialist]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/?p=947</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p><p><img class="alignleft  wp-image-949" style="margin: 5px;" title="divorced woman applying for mortgage" alt="Mortgage divorce alimony" src="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/shutterstock_113983747-200x300.jpg" width="120" height="180" />A divorce can often leave one or even both former spouses without a home. Generally speaking though, the man will be more financially secure with a steady income that he can use to help obtain a mortgage for buying a new home. Or perhaps he received the home since he was better able to afford the upkeep.</p><BR>
<p>But the former wife might not be so fortunate. In many cases she has spent most of ...<div class="crp_related"><h3>Related Posts:</h3><ul><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/12/02/establishing-credit-before-you-get-divorced/"     class="crp_title">Establishing Credit Before you Get Divorced</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/05/07/quinones-marital-lifestyle-a-superfactor-for-alimony/"     class="crp_title">Quinones: Marital Lifestyle a Superfactor for Alimony?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2013/05/10/alimony-reform-the-bill-that-was-vetoed-by-governor-rick-scott/"     class="crp_title">Alimony Reform … the Bill That Was Vetoed by Governor Rick</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/04/05/settling-your-divorce-how-do-you-know-if-you-are-getting-a-good-deal/"     class="crp_title">Settling Your Divorce: How do you know if you are getting a&hellip;</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2010/06/30/alimony-and-child-support-what-does-house-bill-907-mean-for-a-non-working-spouse/"     class="crp_title">Alimony and Child Support: What Does House Bill 907 mean for</a></li></ul></div></p><p>The post <a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/12/06/can-i-qualify-for-a-mortgage-based-on-my-alimony/">Can I Qualify for a Mortgage based on my Alimony?</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com">Cary Stamp</a>.</p>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft  wp-image-949" style="margin: 5px;" title="divorced woman applying for mortgage" alt="Mortgage divorce alimony" src="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/shutterstock_113983747-200x300.jpg" width="120" height="180" />A divorce can often leave one or even both former spouses without a home. Generally speaking though, the man will be more financially secure with a steady income that he can use to help obtain a mortgage for buying a new home. Or perhaps he received the home since he was better able to afford the upkeep.</p>
<p>But the former wife might not be so fortunate. In many cases she has spent most of her married life taking care of the household responsibilities, including raising children. Therefore, she may not have had time to pursue a career or start a business. And alimony is an important source of income.</p>
<p>Fortunately, many lenders will consider alimony when reviewing mortgage applications. However, most will require basic criteria be met before approving a loan. And taking a few important steps during and after the divorce could improve her odds of getting the mortgage.</p>
<h2>Before the Divorce Is Final</h2>
<p>Many couples simply have an informal agreement regarding alimony, child support, or maintenance payments. Lenders are not obligated to recognize these arrangements as viable income sources. Some have guidelines requiring the borrower submit a court order or other legal documentation stating that the former spouse is legally required to make such payments.</p>
<p>And in the event of a contentious divorce, this might be difficult to get after the fact. Therefore, she should request such arrangements be documented by the Court. And it should identify the details, including:</p>
<blockquote><p>The amount, when the payments are due, and how long they will continue.</p></blockquote>
<p>The exact requirements will vary by lender. Some may not approve the mortgage unless the alimony continues for at least three years after the loan has closed. They want to make sure the borrower has enough time to obtain the education or training she needs to find a job, or for her to obtain a higher-paying job.</p>
<h2><strong>After the Divorce Is Final</strong></h2>
<p>Each month she should deposit her alimony check into her bank account. This will create a paper trail proving reliable payments, and it gives the lender some assurance the payments will continue.</p>
<p>The lender will consider the ratio of alimony to other income. How they&#8217;ll use that number varies by lender. For example, if it is 30% or less, they might require the payer have paid for at least six months before the loan application is filed. And if it is more than 30%, their guidelines could require a payment history of 12 months.</p>
<p>The point here is that financial institutions have specific guidelines on these issues. So she shouldn&#8217;t assume terms are identical from one bank to another. Talk to several lenders. It&#8217;s best to ask up front how they treat alimony as a source of income. This will help avoid wasting time and getting frustrated.</p>
<p>Then when applying, she should include the following with the application:</p>
<blockquote><p>The divorce decree detailing the alimony payments, copies of monthly bank statements, and copies of the checks deposited.</p></blockquote>
<p>And finally, before she signs on the dotted line, she should meet with a qualified financial advisor who can help her budget to make sure she can afford the home after the alimony payments stop.</p>
<div class="crp_related"><h3>Related Posts:</h3><ul><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/12/02/establishing-credit-before-you-get-divorced/"     class="crp_title">Establishing Credit Before you Get Divorced</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/05/07/quinones-marital-lifestyle-a-superfactor-for-alimony/"     class="crp_title">Quinones: Marital Lifestyle a Superfactor for Alimony?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2013/05/10/alimony-reform-the-bill-that-was-vetoed-by-governor-rick-scott/"     class="crp_title">Alimony Reform … the Bill That Was Vetoed by Governor Rick</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/04/05/settling-your-divorce-how-do-you-know-if-you-are-getting-a-good-deal/"     class="crp_title">Settling Your Divorce: How do you know if you are getting a&hellip;</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2010/06/30/alimony-and-child-support-what-does-house-bill-907-mean-for-a-non-working-spouse/"     class="crp_title">Alimony and Child Support: What Does House Bill 907 mean for</a></li></ul></div><p>The post <a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/12/06/can-i-qualify-for-a-mortgage-based-on-my-alimony/">Can I Qualify for a Mortgage based on my Alimony?</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com">Cary Stamp</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/12/06/can-i-qualify-for-a-mortgage-based-on-my-alimony/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Establishing Credit Before you Get Divorced</title>
		<link>http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/12/02/establishing-credit-before-you-get-divorced/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=establishing-credit-before-you-get-divorced</link>
		<comments>http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/12/02/establishing-credit-before-you-get-divorced/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 02 Dec 2012 20:39:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>cstamp</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Divorce Financial Planning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[credit and divorce]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jupiter divorce litigation support]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/?p=942</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p><p><img class="alignright  wp-image-944" style="margin: 5px;" alt="establishing credit before divorce" src="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/shutterstock_73304182-200x300.jpg" width="140" height="210" />Divorce is one of the leading causes of bankruptcy in the United States. That&#8217;s because many people do not take the right precautions prior to the divorce. And women are often the more vulnerable since they may believe that after years of sharing a good credit history with their spouse, that credit history will carry with them after the divorce.</p><BR>
<p>Unfortunately, this isn&#8217;t always the case. Once they become single, all that good credit history of keeping up ...<div class="crp_related"><h3>Related Posts:</h3><ul><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/12/06/can-i-qualify-for-a-mortgage-based-on-my-alimony/"     class="crp_title">Can I Qualify for a Mortgage based on my Alimony?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2011/06/30/cash-as-a-problem/"     class="crp_title">Cash as a Problem</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2013/02/21/divorce-and-taxes-who-gets-the-exemption-for-the-children/"     class="crp_title">Divorce and taxes: Who gets the exemption for the children?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2011/02/17/estate-planning-checklist/"     class="crp_title">Estate Planning Checklist</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/10/02/completing-a-financial-affidavit-in-your-divorce-critical-mistakes-to-avoid/"     class="crp_title">Completing a Financial Affidavit in your Divorce: Critical&hellip;</a></li></ul></div></p><p>The post <a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/12/02/establishing-credit-before-you-get-divorced/">Establishing Credit Before you Get Divorced</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com">Cary Stamp</a>.</p>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignright  wp-image-944" style="margin: 5px;" alt="establishing credit before divorce" src="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/shutterstock_73304182-200x300.jpg" width="140" height="210" />Divorce is one of the leading causes of bankruptcy in the United States. That&#8217;s because many people do not take the right precautions prior to the divorce. And women are often the more vulnerable since they may believe that after years of sharing a good credit history with their spouse, that credit history will carry with them after the divorce.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, this isn&#8217;t always the case. Once they become single, all that good credit history of keeping up those payments could stay with their spouse. Then the woman finds she has difficulty buying a home or a car, or even getting a job.</p>
<p>The Court may order the spouse to pay off any joint credit cards or accounts. However, the creditors can still come after the wife. And her credit rating will suffer as a result.</p>
<h3>Here are some tips:</h3>
<p>She should <strong>make a list of all</strong> bank <strong>accounts</strong>, credit cards, and loans in her and her husband&#8217;s names. She might have to dig through past bank and billing statements, and canceled checks to find them all. There could even be old accounts that she thought had been closed but are still open.</p>
<p>Then <strong>request a credit report</strong>. This could reveal all accounts with her name on them including some she might have missed. At the same time, if there is any inaccurate or incomplete information in her file, she should write to the credit bureau and ask them to correct it. The credit bureau must confirm the data within a reasonable time period, and let her know when they have corrected the mistake.</p>
<p>After a list of all the accounts is compiled, she should <strong>remove her spouse as an authorized user on any of her individual accounts</strong>.</p>
<p><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-943" style="margin: 5px;" alt="establish credit before divorce" src="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/shutterstock_95096935-200x300.jpg" width="200" height="300" />Next, the wife should <strong>establish her own credit</strong>. She can start by opening her own bank account in her name, not her husband&#8217;s. In other words: Mary Smith, not Mrs. John Smith. She should also have her paycheck directly deposited into this account.</p>
<p>As soon as the individual bank account is opened, she should <strong>close all joint accounts</strong> as soon as possible to prevent her husband from running up a big bill before the divorce is final, and closely monitor account activity.</p>
<p>However, she won&#8217;t be able to close joint accounts without paying off the balance. So for any joint accounts she can&#8217;t close, she should <strong>notify creditors in writing</strong> that she is breaking up with her spouse and is not responsible for any charges he makes after the date on the letter. At the same time, reduce the credit limit as much as possible to prevent future charges.</p>
<p><strong>Send the letter via e-mail, fax, and registered U.S. mail</strong>. This proves to the Court that she acted in a responsible manner and could weigh heavily in the Court&#8217;s decision as to who is ultimately responsible for that debt.</p>
<p>Getting <strong>a credit card in her name only</strong>, without her spouse as an authorized user, is another important step. This is much easier to do before the divorce because the card company will consider both spouses&#8217; income. That could be particularly important if she doesn&#8217;t have a job outside the home or has a low-paying job.</p>
<p>However, if she and her husband have a poor credit history, she <strong>might need to apply for a secured credit card</strong>. It&#8217;s generally a fairly quick and easy way to get a major credit card. Secured credit cards look and are used like a regular Visa or MasterCard. But they require a savings or money market deposit of several hundred dollars that the lender holds in case she defaults. In most cases, the creditor will report her payment record on these accounts just like a regular bankcard, allowing her to build a good credit record if she pays her bills promptly.</p>
<p>Once she has it, she should use it sparingly and make sure she can pay it off each month. Her goal should be to establish a good credit score and not run up a pile of debt. Plus she might need the credit card for an emergency. And the best way to do that is only charging what she can pay off monthly.</p>
<div class="crp_related"><h3>Related Posts:</h3><ul><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/12/06/can-i-qualify-for-a-mortgage-based-on-my-alimony/"     class="crp_title">Can I Qualify for a Mortgage based on my Alimony?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2011/06/30/cash-as-a-problem/"     class="crp_title">Cash as a Problem</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2013/02/21/divorce-and-taxes-who-gets-the-exemption-for-the-children/"     class="crp_title">Divorce and taxes: Who gets the exemption for the children?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2011/02/17/estate-planning-checklist/"     class="crp_title">Estate Planning Checklist</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/10/02/completing-a-financial-affidavit-in-your-divorce-critical-mistakes-to-avoid/"     class="crp_title">Completing a Financial Affidavit in your Divorce: Critical&hellip;</a></li></ul></div><p>The post <a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/12/02/establishing-credit-before-you-get-divorced/">Establishing Credit Before you Get Divorced</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com">Cary Stamp</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/12/02/establishing-credit-before-you-get-divorced/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Why do I need a CDFA™ if I have a forensic CPA?</title>
		<link>http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/11/26/why-do-i-need-a-cdfa-if-i-have-a-forensic-cpa/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=why-do-i-need-a-cdfa-if-i-have-a-forensic-cpa</link>
		<comments>http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/11/26/why-do-i-need-a-cdfa-if-i-have-a-forensic-cpa/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 26 Nov 2012 22:49:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>cstamp</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CDFA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Headline]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[divorce financial planning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[divorce support palm beach]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/?p=929</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p><p><a title="planning for divorce in jupiter florida" href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/09/25/avoid-these-financial-mistakes-when-planning-your-divorce/">The path through divorce can be fraught with pitfalls</a>. And one of the most common is allowing emotions to overcome financial limits.</p><BR>
<p><img class="wp-image-930 alignleft" style="margin: 7px;" title="Dealing with divorce" alt="CDFA for divorce in palm beach" src="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/shutterstock_64608505.jpg" width="162" height="240" /></p><BR>
<p>For instance, suppose a couple is getting divorced and want to keep things as simple as possible. So they agree to split their assets 50/50. She wants the house, the mountain cabin, and half of the money market account. The family home is where she ...<div class="crp_related"><h3>Related Posts:</h3><ul><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/10/02/completing-a-financial-affidavit-in-your-divorce-critical-mistakes-to-avoid/"     class="crp_title">Completing a Financial Affidavit in your Divorce: Critical&hellip;</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2010/06/02/navigating-retirement-plan-settlements-in-divorce/"     class="crp_title">Navigating Retirement Plan Settlements in Divorce</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/09/18/financial-planning-for-women-the-female-financial-paradox/"     class="crp_title">Financial Planning for Women: The Female Financial Paradox</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/09/25/avoid-these-financial-mistakes-when-planning-your-divorce/"     class="crp_title">Avoid These Financial Mistakes When Planning Your Divorce</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/11/04/health-insurance-what-is-the-best-option-after-my-divorce/"     class="crp_title">Health Insurance—what is the best option after my divorce?</a></li></ul></div></p><p>The post <a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/11/26/why-do-i-need-a-cdfa-if-i-have-a-forensic-cpa/">Why do I need a CDFA™ if I have a forensic CPA?</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com">Cary Stamp</a>.</p>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a title="planning for divorce in jupiter florida" href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/09/25/avoid-these-financial-mistakes-when-planning-your-divorce/">The path through divorce can be fraught with pitfalls</a>. And one of the most common is allowing emotions to overcome financial limits.</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-930 alignleft" style="margin: 7px;" title="Dealing with divorce" alt="CDFA for divorce in palm beach" src="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/shutterstock_64608505.jpg" width="162" height="240" /></p>
<p>For instance, suppose a couple is getting divorced and want to keep things as simple as possible. So they agree to split their assets 50/50. She wants the house, the mountain cabin, and half of the money market account. The family home is where she raised the children, and is filled with many happy memories. Her father had built the cabin with his own hands when she was a child.</p>
<p>And to avoid confrontation, the husband settles for his 401(k) plan and profit-sharing plan.</p>
<p>They go to their respective lawyers who have retained forensic CPAs to evaluate the assets. And everyone agrees that it is indeed a fair division. The Court reviews the agreement and signs off on it.</p>
<p>Six months later the former wife phones her attorney, in a panic. It seems she has run out of cash. The air-conditioning in the house needs replacing, and a property tax bill for the cabin just came in the mail.</p>
<p>Her ex refuses to give her any money, and she is hoping her attorney can do something for her.</p>
<p>“Sorry,” he tells her. “You wanted the house and cabin. And you got them. There’s really nothing we can do at this point. You should probably try to sell one of them or take out a second mortgage to raise some cash.”</p>
<p>In theory, that is a solution. But the practicality of it is questionable, especially during a down real estate market.</p>
<h2>There is a Good Chance this Situation Could have been Avoided</h2>
<p>A Certified Financial Divorce Analyst (CDFA™) can help clients avoid long-term financial pitfalls related to divorce agreements. He or she can assist their clients with developing detailed household budgets to keep them out post-divorce financial struggles, like the one in the above example.</p>
<p>A <a title="CDFA palm beach" href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/about-cary-stamp-certified-divorce-financial-analyst/my-approach/">CDFA</a>™ can help clients think through what the divorce will really cost in the long run and develop a realistic monthly budget during the financial analysis process. Expenses such as life insurance, health insurance, and potential emergencies must be taken into consideration when agreeing on a final financial settlement.</p>
<p>Working with a client and their attorney, a CDFA™ can forecast the long-term effects of the divorce settlement. This includes details of all tax liabilities and benefits. Developing a long-term forecast for their financial situation is far better than a short-term snapshot. Financial decisions must be made that not only take care of immediate family needs, but retirement needs as well.</p>
<p>CDFA™s have the expertise to help budget for this process and allocate funds to pay for the divorce, in addition to educating clients and professionals about complex financial issues, analyzing less expensive choices, and producing precise analysis for desired outcomes. This can help keep costs from piling up. They may also provide financial counseling to clients post divorce.</p>
<p>The bottom line here is that you only have one chance at a settlement which will affect you for the rest of your life. You want to be sure to get it right.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div class="crp_related"><h3>Related Posts:</h3><ul><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/10/02/completing-a-financial-affidavit-in-your-divorce-critical-mistakes-to-avoid/"     class="crp_title">Completing a Financial Affidavit in your Divorce: Critical&hellip;</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2010/06/02/navigating-retirement-plan-settlements-in-divorce/"     class="crp_title">Navigating Retirement Plan Settlements in Divorce</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/09/18/financial-planning-for-women-the-female-financial-paradox/"     class="crp_title">Financial Planning for Women: The Female Financial Paradox</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/09/25/avoid-these-financial-mistakes-when-planning-your-divorce/"     class="crp_title">Avoid These Financial Mistakes When Planning Your Divorce</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/11/04/health-insurance-what-is-the-best-option-after-my-divorce/"     class="crp_title">Health Insurance—what is the best option after my divorce?</a></li></ul></div><p>The post <a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/11/26/why-do-i-need-a-cdfa-if-i-have-a-forensic-cpa/">Why do I need a CDFA™ if I have a forensic CPA?</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com">Cary Stamp</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.mypalmbeachdivorce.com/2012/11/26/why-do-i-need-a-cdfa-if-i-have-a-forensic-cpa/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
	</channel>
</rss>
