Episode 8 | Breaking Up Is Hard To Do: Navigating the Domestic Relations Arena
Divorce is never easy, but the stress escalates when marital money suddenly goes missing. If your spouse suddenly drains a joint account, buys luxury items, or spends large amounts of money without your knowledge, you...more
It’s very common in a marriage for one spouse to earn most of the income or handle all the financial decisions. But when divorce happens, the spouse who hasn’t managed the money often feels anxious or powerless. The good news...more
In a recent vlog, Xena A. Balcazar, an associate in the Elder, Matrimonial and Family Law Practice Groups at Mandelbaum Barrett PC, discusses a longstanding legal ambiguity in matrimonial law: what occurs when a spouse passes...more
The BC Court of Appeal decision in Dignard v Dignard, 2025 BCCA 43, gave clarity as to what considerations are needed when deciding whether an equal division of property would result in significant unfairness. The Court...more
Q: Why should I consider a prenuptial agreement? A: You should consider a prenuptial agreement to protect your assets, fix your financial obligations and protect your rights in the event of divorce or death. A prenuptial...more
Cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, is a growing part of many couples’ financial portfolios. However, unlike more traditional, tangible assets, cryptocurrency poses a unique challenge in divorce proceedings....more
Gray divorce rates are rising. If you’re considering it, you’ll want to consider your maintenance obligations, especially if you’re simultaneously thinking about retirement. What do Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos have in common? A...more
As people await the much anticipated white smoke to appear for the selection of the new Pope, another anticipated event comes around this time of year. Wedding season is upon us, and although most couples feel a conclave of...more
Divorce is challenging for any business owner, but for restaurant owners, it presents unique complexities—especially when determining the value of the business. A restaurant’s worth isn’t just about profits; it also includes...more
For restaurant owners, divorce can pose unique challenges—especially when it comes to dividing business assets and profits. Unlike other marital assets, a restaurant is often a personal passion and a critical source of...more
Dividing retirement accounts during a divorce is already complex, but the process becomes even more complicated when you factor in market volatility.. Stock market fluctuations can dramatically change the value of retirement...more
Dividing assets in a divorce is one of the most complex aspects of an already emotionally, physically, and financially challenging process. Without a prenuptial agreement or a postnuptial agreement, determining who gets what...more
Meeting with a divorce attorney for the first time can feel overwhelming, no matter the circumstances. ...more
You’ve done all the hard work in your divorce or dissolution action. You’ve exchanged any requisite documents and other discovery, made a full and complete disclosure of all your assets, liabilities and income, and completed...more
Under Virginia law, separation occurs when at least one spouse forms the intent to permanently separate. Consider these practical steps to protect your property interests. Originally published in the February 2025 issue of...more
Before we dive into ways to prepare for your post-separation support and alimony case, it's important to understand what these terms mean and your general eligibility for spousal support. There are two types of spousal...more
Before we dive into ways to prepare for your post-separation support and alimony case, it's important to understand what each of these terms mean and your general eligibility for spousal support. There are two types of...more
On December 30, 2024, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit reversed and remanded a ruling from the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi that concerned the denial of Appellant’s motion to...more
You're going through a divorce. Your spouse says something that cuts deep—maybe they call you an unfit parent or threaten that you'll walk away with nothing. These brief yet hurtful comments can trigger impulsive actions. But...more
On January 31, 2025, the Chief Administrative Judge of the State of New York announced an inventive pilot program designed to change how the court system processes divorces, introducing the concept of "uncontested joint...more
I recently talked with family law attorney Robert Salzer on the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s “Law in the Family” podcast about “gray divorce” and the considerations related to parties divorcing later in life. There’s no...more
Dividing assets in a divorce is often a complicated and emotional process, and when inheritance is involved, the stakes can be even higher. In South Carolina, inherited property is generally considered separate from marital...more
There have always been those couples who decide, for whatever reason, not to get married. They continue to live together and build a life together without the formality of marriage. So, what happens when a relationship like...more
In November of 2023, I did a post on this blog titled The Intersection of Family Law, Estate Law and Federal Law, regarding the reported Appellate Division case In the Matter of Michael D. Jones, Deceased. That case dealt...more
In early July 2024, Florida enacted a significant amendment to its equitable distribution statute, particularly concerning the treatment of personal goodwill in divorce proceedings. These changes, coupled with the pivotal...more