DIVORCE BASICS: Planning When the Unplanned Happens.

No one likes to think about divorce. That it happens means that a very important part of one's life did not go as planned. When it does happen, however, there is absolute and immediate need for a plan--divorce financial planning. While divorce is never an easy process, effective divorce planning can mitigate some of the pain and confusion involved that may affect you for the long term.

Divorce proceedings and Marital Settlement Agreements (MSAs) are often complicated. Drafting your MSA--the document that will identify and divide affected property and outline provisions for custody and child support--is a key step in any divorce, one that many couples execute poorly. The repercussions from doing so can affect you for the rest of your life. There are basic steps, terms, and intermediaries that can help make your divorce planning less stressful:

1. Self-help guides Some financial situations render legal help unaffordable. There is plenty of literature available devoted to divorce planning. Remember though, an MSA is probably the largest financial transaction of your life--consulting someone with education and expertise is advisable. 2. Paralegals While they can file your divorce papers with a court, they CANNOT give legal advice. 3. Mediators Attorneys, judges, or other qualified professionals that work with couples seeking an out-of-court settlement. Mediators do not go to court or handle litigated matters. Check with your local Bar Association for a list of Family Law Specialists and Mediators: a majority offers free consultations (usually lasting 30 minutes). 4. Litigation Attorneys Litigation attorneys help couples that can't reach an amicable settlement by preparing their case for a hearing before a judge. 5. Certified Family Law Specialist An attorney who has specialized education and expertise in family law--in many cases such specialists are best when taking your case to trial. 6. Certified Divorce Planners CDPs mediate the financial aspects of an equitable divorce settlement, generally working in conjunction with a Family Law Attorney. 7. Collaborative Law Involves a team approach where two attorneys (one for each party), two mental health coaches, and one financial advisor assist in determining a settlement. All members of the team sign a statement agreeing to work together in keeping proceedings out of court and preparing an MSA that is fair for all involved.

MEDIATING * Mediated cases generally cost 10% that of litigated cases * Mediated divorces are settled as quickly as an agreement is established * In many states, divorces are final after a six month separation period

vs.

LITIGATING * Litigated divorces usually require a starting retainer of $10,000 * Eventual fees drive costs up by tens of thousands of dollars * In-court divorce proceedings can carry on for more than two years

Dividing assets is tricky territory as regulations vary from state to state. Some states treat income earned during a marriage as community property--regardless of who earned it. Anything purchased with community property funds is owned by the parties equally. In the event of a marriage dissolution, assets are divided between the parties. The division that you should seek should be the best one for both spouses--you may decide on something other than a strict 50-50 distribution if it is better for the family as a whole.

Retirement accounts can be kept by whomever's name appears on the account. If a couple prefers to divide a pension, a court order called a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is required to do so. Banks can transfer IRA account funds without a QDRO.

The final, most stressful divorce issue involves the determination of child support. Remember these primary considerations:

* Spouse income * Percentage of time spent with children * State and Federal taxes for each child * Health insurance costs for each child

Child support is not tax deductible to the payer or taxable to the recipient. California has a child support guideline that can be determined by using any certified support calculation software program. Computer calculations do not provide a ready answer for spousal support or alimony. Alimony is based on the needs of the supported party and the other party's ability to pay. Alimony is tax deductible to the payer and must be included as taxable income on the recipient's tax return. A combined payment known as family support is treated the same as spousal support. Obtaining a life insurance policy for both spouses (to insure continuing support should a parent die prior to completion of his or her support obligation) is also an advisable step.

Never underestimate the decisions made while planning and proceeding with your divorce--they will affect all aspects of your life for years to come. Do what you can to make those ramifications positive. There is so much to divorce than signing papers and dividing assets. If "happily ever after" is not your ending, a comprehensive understanding of your rights and obligations can at least make it "happy after the fact." Education and awareness is key to making the most out a divorce's unfortunate circumstances.
About the Author

Ms. Elaine Kiernan, a Certified Financial Planner, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, and Certified Divorce Specialist, is the president of Financial Resource Associates, in Santa Cruz, California (www.FRAssociates.com). Elaine specializes in all aspects of financial planning, divorce services, small business services, same-sex issues, insurance, and retirement. She also operates her own blog, Elaine's Blog (www.elainesblog.com).