Divorce Property Division: Community Property States vs. Equitable Distribution States
It’s no surprise that things get split in a divorce, but how? What does the law say? Most states in the U.S. use the “equitable distribution” system to determine each spouse’s property share in a divorce. However, nine U.S. states use the “community property asset-allocation” principle. These are community property states. In order to understand…
Read More6 Ways to Be Debt-Free After Divorce
Going through a divorce can feel incredibly draining: emotionally, psychologically, and—of course—financially. While emotional healing can be a long, winding road, one objective way to start fresh is to work towards eliminating your financial debts as soon as possible. Clearing your debts can serve as a powerful method of beginning a new chapter of your…
Read MoreHow Long Does It Take to Get Divorced?
When you want a divorce, it can’t happen fast enough. But, when you don’t want it or aren’t prepared, it can pull the rug out from under your life. The time it takes to get a divorce depends on a lot of factors — some within your control and some not. One thing that is…
Read MoreGender Nuances for the Top Reasons for Divorce in The U.S.
For all the statistical data that makes it seem textbook and predictable, divorce really is an organic reflection of many factors. Everything that influences social norms, economy, and current events, for example, ultimately influences marriage and divorce. That means both the rate and top reasons for divorce have contextual relevance. Add in individual factors like…
Read MoreThe Holidays After Divorce: Their Surprising Gifts
“Have myself a merry little Christmas … “ ‘Tis the season for Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa celebrations: those festive holidays of light strategically devised to arrive in the middle of the dark season to give us all hope for brighter days ahead. The sparkle, the decorations, the songs, the festive food, and not to mention,…
Read MoreWhat’s the Difference Between a Divorce Decree and a Divorce Certificate?
Legal terms and documentation concerning divorce can often be confusing, especially for people going through the emotional charges of a divorce and its trying legal process. Understanding the difference between a divorce decree and divorce certificate is just one of the many important details you may find yourself sorting through. In 2019, there were more…
Read MoreA Pre-Divorce Checklist? Consider Composing One During the Holidays
“He’s making a list and checking it twice. Gonna find out who’s naughty and nice.” Should you be making your own (pre-divorce) checklist … and checking it twice? As an experienced divorce attorney in Utah, I find the second phrase to the jingle, “gonna find out who’s naughty and nice” an inspired idea, and one…
Read MoreThe Truth About Starting Over After Divorce at 45
Starting over after divorce at 45 is something I never planned for. Like many women, I dreamt of being married to a loving partner and raising our children, and then playing with our grandchildren. When I thought about divorce in my 30’s, I still didn’t want to be divorced. The plan then was to remarry…
Read MoreWhat Does It Take to File for Divorce?
Perhaps you want it, but he doesn’t. Perhaps he wants it, but you don’t. Perhaps you both want it. No matter who comes to the conclusion that divorce is the unfortunate destiny for your marriage, one of you has to file for divorce. It’s understandable that the process of initiating the legal end to your…
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