Cohabitation Effects of Spousal Maintenance in Minnesota
Minnesota law, under Minn. Stat. § 518.522, Subd. 6, allows a spousal maintenance award to be modified if the party receiving maintenance or alimony (also known as the obligee), moves in with a significant other. Typically, spousal maintenance terminates upon the remarriage or death of the obligee, but now it [...]
Financial Issues – Qualified Plans Subject to Division
In a Minnesota divorce proceeding, a qualified plan may include any marital portion of a retirement or investment account (IRA), pension plan, or deferred compensation plan that either party has an interest in. However, it is difficult to determine the value of these plans because of their after-tax value – [...]
Navigating FAFSA While Going Through the Divorce Process
Going through a divorce isn’t easy on a family, but when you pair that with one of the kids getting ready to go off to college, it can get a lot more difficult and confusing. Most issues concerning divorce and college are financial. Who is paying for which expenses? What [...]
Minnesota Divorce Issues – Depletion and Dissipation of Assets
Although Depletion and Dissipation of property carry different meanings, in Minnesota divorce cases the terms are sometimes used synonymously by the Court. Dissipation is defined by Minnesota case law as "wasting or expending funds foolishly." Volesky v. Volesky, 412 N.W.2d 750 (Minn. Ct. App. 1987). Spouses have a fiduciary duty [...]
Planning Your Blended Family’s Spring Break Vacation
When the winter chill just won’t let up, planning your blended family’s spring break vacation is a great excuse to let your mind wander to warmer thoughts. As exciting as a family vacation is, there are a few considerations to keep in mind when planning for a blended family. Striving [...]
Divorce: Handling your Financial Settlement
After a divorce, there are many “new normals” to adjust to, including a change in your financial status. When a financial settlement comes your way, you will need to know how to manage your funds to pay for your lifestyle in the short term and prepare for the future 10, [...]
How to Make Shared Holidays Fun for Kids
Let’s face it, the holidays are stressful. If you are a divorced parent, you may have the added pressure of trying to figure out how to share your children for the holidays, while making it fun and memorable for everyone. But know it can be done with a little planning [...]
Divorce and Investing
There are many changes that occur with divorce, especially in the realm of finances. The assets and income that was once available to a single household is now split, yet the total expenses are typically greater. For those who receive a financial settlement in their divorce, making wise choices on [...]
The 2018 Celebrity Breakup List is In
Every day, it seems there is a new A-list couple splitting up. But regardless of how rich and famous you are, no breakup is easy. Here is a list of 12 unlucky-in-love couples who know all too well how difficult a separation between the stars can be. […]
Calming the Storm: Tips for an Amicable Divorce
The media is abundant with horror stories about couples ending their marriages and dragging each other through the mud in the process. Fights over property, finances, kids, and pets are common; common and yet, unnecessary when a couple makes the rational decision to have an amicable divorce. […]