Blog Posts in December, 2018

New 2019 Spousal Support Tax Reform

Last December, a new federal tax law pertaining to spousal support was passed by Congress, in turn negating the existing tax-deduction law that has pertained to alimony payments for the last 75 years. In the past, the husband or wife who was responsible for paying spousal support was able to deduct their alimony payments from their annual taxes. Alternatively, the spouse receiving the monetary ...

5 Tips for Successful Step-Parenting

All relationships take work and dedication, whether that be a romantic relationship, a working relationship, or even a parent-child relationship. If you’re dating someone with children of their own, it can be challenging understanding how to integrate yourself into their children’s lives in a manner that is considerate and respectful of their needs. It’s not uncommon for kids to feel unsure of a ...

Positive and Negative Aspects of Divorce During the Holidays

Divorce is stressful. It can be messy, complicated, expensive, and with so much emotional turmoil, it can leave you feeling defeated during a time of year when joy is supposed to be “in the air”. Whether you’re the one who initiated the divorce or not, it will likely take a toll on you to some degree. While the there is never a “good time” for divorce, the holidays can make it feel that much ...

Creating New Holiday Traditions After a Divorce

After a divorce, it’s not uncommon for the holidays to feel overwhelming, especially as you’re trying to learn the ropes of shared parenting time. The holidays can unfortunately serve as a reminder that with divorce comes a shifted family unit dynamic, and in turn those holiday traditions you shared as a family may no longer bring the same sense of joy that they once did. If you’re in the midst of ...

What is a Postnuptial Agreement?

So, you got married without getting a prenup, and now you’re learning about the advantages of this form of document, much to your belated dismay. Wishing you had gone for the prenup after-all? If so, there is still an option that can accomplish many of the same things as a prenup: a postnuptial agreement. A postnuptial, or postmarital, agreement is a legal document that is similar in nature to a ...

Is a Prenuptial Agreement Right for You?

When most people hear or think of a prenuptial agreement, the picture of a celebrity or a wealthy CEO often comes to mind—people with buckets of money to protect from the financial repercussions of what seems like an impending divorce. While these people certainly do have good reason for signing a prenuptial agreement, it’s not only for the rich and famous. In fact, prenuptial agreements are ...

How to Get Along with Your Ex After Divorce- Part 2

Redefining your relationship with your ex post divorce can be challenging, and is a process that takes time and patience. If you have children together, the ability to respectfully co-parent is important for personal well-being, as well as your children’s sense of security. Parents who are separating understand better than most that a divorce with children does not disassemble a family—rather, it ...

How to Get Along with Your Ex After Divorce- Part 1

Following a divorce, it can be difficult redefining your relationship with your ex as divorcees. If you don’t have any kids together, the finality of the marriage may be the last time you communicate with your ex, due to you having little to no ties requiring your paths to cross in the future. If you do have kids, however, or additional reasons that require you to stay in touch, the quality of ...

Holiday Family Fun in Portland

For some families, the cold winter months can keep them cooped up inside until spring. In these situations, it comes as no surprise that by the time it starts to warm up, everyone has cabin fever! Regardless of weather and season, there are always options for fun outside of the house, especially in states such as Oregon and Washington that value the great outdoors so much, and understand that if a ...

How to Financially Prepare for Divorce

Divorce is difficult in so many ways. Between divvying assets and establishing alimony or custody, it can be emotionally taxing for everyone involved. Unfortunately, the financial aspect of divorce can be daunting if you’re unprepared, and it’s important to be educated and aware of what is coming. There are a few tips you can follow to help ease the stress and help keep you organized. Forget ...

Pros and Cons of Unlimited Separation

As discussed in our previous blog, an unlimited separation is a binding agreement between two spouses that establishes custody arrangements, child and spousal support and division of property without actually terminating the marriage. There are a multitude of reasons why people opt for an unlimited separation over a divorce, so if this is something you’re considering, here are a few pros and cons ...

What is Unlimited Separation?

If you’re in the midst of significant marital hardships, you may be feeling that space and time apart, rather than a divorce, is more along the lines of what you and your spouse need. It’s not uncommon for couples to feel this way, which is why Oregon recognizes unlimited separation as an alternative option. So, what is unlimited separation, and what are the benefits? What is Unlimited Separation? ...