A House Divided

A House Divided- How A Divorce Can Affect Your Finances

Some experts say 50% of marriages in the U.S. end in divorce, but the odds could be much worse for celebrities. One study of Golden Globe winners suggests that famous couples have only a 35% chance at success.1

Getting a divorce is a painful, emotional process. Don’t be in such a hurry to reach a settlement that you make poor decisions that can have life-long consequences. If divorce is a possibility, here are a few financial ideas that may help you prepare.

The most important task you can do is getting your finances organized. Identify all your assets and make copies of important financial papers, such as deeds, tax returns, and investment records. When it comes to dividing up your assets, consider mediation as a low-cost alternative to litigation. Most states have equitable-distribution laws that require shared assets to be divided 50/50 anyway. When a divorce becomes contentious, attorney’s fees can accumulate.

From a financial perspective, divorce means taking all the income previously used to run one household and stretching it out over two residences, two utility bills, two grocery lists, etc. There are other hidden costs as well, such as counseling for you or your children. Divorces also may require incurring one-time fees, such as a security deposit on a rental property, moving costs, or increased child-care.

Finally, dividing assets may sound simple but it can be quite complex. The forced sale of a home or investment portfolio may have tax consequences. Potential tax liability also can make two seemingly equal assets have varying net values. Additionally, when pulling apart a portfolio, it makes sense to consider how each asset will suit the prospective recipient in terms of risk tolerance and liquidity.

Remember, the information in this article is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation.

During a divorce, many factors are competing for attention. By understanding a few key concepts, you may be able to avoid making costly financial mistakes.

Give It a Few Years

One study found that men and women who get married between the ages of 20 to 24 years old have the highest divorce rate in the U.S.

Age                                     Women                       Men

Under 20 years old             27.6%                          11.7%

20 to 24 years old               36.6%                          38.8%

25 to 29 years old               16.4%                          22.3%

30 to 34 years old               8.5%                            11.6%

35 to 39 years old               5.1%                            6.5%               

Chart Source: Divorcerate.org, 2012

1. International Business Times, October 29, 2010

 
 

Bradley Bofford currently resides in Mahwah with his wife, Lauren, and their two daughters.  Bradley can be contacted at BHBofford@FinancialPrinciples.com or at 973-582-1002.

 

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