Frequently Asked Questions
On The Financial Issues of Divorce

by Pam Weintraub and Terry Hillman
with Elayne Kesselman, Esq.

  • I'm so angry that my first impulse is to take all the money --and all our possessions-- and run. I know I can't do this, but do you have any general advice about an appropriate approach to dividing assets?

  • When it comes to dividing assets, are there any specific guidelines I should keep in mind?

  • How can I ensure that the assets will be divided fairly?

  • How can we divide our assets without a legal tribunal?

  • What is the best way to deal with the family home?

  • What if I must sell my house to make ends meet?

  • What do I need to be on the lookout for when dividing the family business?

  • I have a tentative settlement, but am I missing anything in the fine print?

  • What is maintenance and when is it appropriate?

  • How will I know how much maintenance I should expect to pay or collect?

  • I have become accustomed to living in a certain style during my marriage. Can I assume that the divorce settlement will enable me to continue living just that way?

  • How can I negotiate the maintenance settlement to my advantage?

  • How will changes in life circumstances impact what I can expect to pay or receive for support?

  • What is child support?

  • Why can't I pay child support directly to my child --or at least set up an account so I know the money is being used for the kids? After all, isn't my spouse really the one benefiting from the child support?

  • When children spend equal amounts of time with each parent, how is child support affected?

  • Is there a formula for child support?

  • Due to my personal circumstances, I cannot afford to pay the amount of child support stipulated by the formula. Is there any recourse?

  • Is it in my best interest to settle child support payments out of court or to depend upon the decree of a judge?

  • How can I determine child support without relying on my state's formula?

  • How will child support affect my taxes?

  • Is there anything I should be on the lookout for when negotiating child support?

  • My ex is in default with his or her child support payments. What is my recourse?

  • My ex-spouse has married into wealth. Does this mean my child support payments can be reduced?

  • The child support I am receiving no longer pays for my child's food, let alone clothing, shelter, and after-school activities? Do we have any recourse?

  • How can I accommodate my child's health and insurance needs in a child support settlement?

  • I have never been financially independent. Now that I must go it alone, how can I prepare?

  • Can you tell me something about techniques for holding onto money that should really be forked over in divorce?




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