The House Divided; When Couples Divorce, Household Furnishings Can Become Symbols of HeartacheNancy L. Ross
Thelawsthat govern married couples who divorce don’t typically apply to unmarried couples. One exception is if the partners live in a state that recognizes common-law marriage. In these cases, the property is divided under the state’s rules as if the couple were formally married.15 Four Th...
Most states hold that community property estate is terminated upon final decree ofdivorce or legal separation. Even if the individuals live separately from another (within a community property state) or have filed a petition for divorce, the individuals have not yet formally dissolved the marriage. ...
In the 41 equitable distribution states, the courts decide what is a fair, reasonable, and equitable division of assets. A court may decide to award a spouse anywhere from none to all of the property value. The courts focus on factors such as how long the marriage lasted, what property ea...
Though most home-sale profit is now tax-free, there are still steps you can take to maximize the tax benefits of selling your home. Learn how to figure your gain, factoring in your cost basis, home improvements and more.
What is a prenup? A prenup is a legal document you sign before you marry. It details how financial assets and responsibilities—real estate, investments, retirement benefits, and the like—will be divided in the event the marriage ends in divorce or death. It is not an indication that you...
investments and real estate aresold or divided among heirs— the process prioritizes creditors. Though unlike secured debt — like a mortgage that’s secured by property or a car that’s secured by a vehicle — credit card debt is unsecured. For that reason, it’s likely a credit card com...
In the event of a divorce, jointly held loans can become a particularly complex issue. Depending on the circumstances, you may need to negotiate how the loan will be divided or who will take responsibility for the debt. It’s essential to seek legal advice and understand your rights and obl...
If you get married and your spouse has children from a previous relationship, you will need to make updates to your estate plan. Any decisions or preferences you have for how your estate will be divided up among heirs, and for identifying who those heirs will be, must be addressed. It i...
How you propose your community property be divided, according to the interests of equity; Details regarding appropriateness and payment of post-divorce spousal support; and, Custody, visitation, and support for minor children. 2. Keep in mind the court’s deadlines.The first date that is importan...