Don't Be a Financial Victim of Your Divorce

More often than not women become financial victims in the aftermath of divorce cases. This article offers a different perspective on how women should prepare and protect themselves financially. According to this article, the real issue begins with the mindset of divorce and alimony.

If women are to emerge from divorce in a financial situation that works for them in the long run, many need to begin thinking in a new way. Just thinking straight is difficult when undergoing this emotionally wrenching process. Thinking about money in a new way is especially difficult. Critical to this new mindset is the importance of looking out for yourself – not just regarding the division of marital assets, but also regarding your long-term financial security. 

— Laura Mattia

The Basics of Estate Planning

Exactly what is estate planning and why is it important? The process of analyzing and disposing of one's assets upon their death is the process of estate planning. At the law offices of Rhode Island Estate Planning Attorney Jeremy Howe, our experienced attorneys are committed to assisting clients through the arduous procedure by drafting wills and trusts for planning purposes. They analyze and solidify powers of attorney, tax implications real estate deeds and long term care options with the genuine concern for the well-being of each client. If you or a loved one is in need of an Rhode Island Estate Planning Attorney contact our Rhode Island legal office at 401-841-5700.

Understanding Property Distribution In Rhode Island

 Someone who doesn't have a lot of experience in legal battles may have certain assumptions about how the divorce process works. A common assumption about divorce is that all marital property is divided in half. This is not the case for each state.
 Because Rhode Island is an equitable state, the division of assets is not based on who has their name on each asset. The judge considers the following when distributing property:
- Duration of marriage
- The conduct of each spouse during the marriage and divorce proceedings
- The contribution of the spouse considered to be the homemaker, if applicable
- Age and health of each spouse
- Ability to obtain gainful employment
- Amount of money invested by one spouse for the other spouse's training and education

In order to file for divorce in Rhode Island you must prove residency for at least one year. You can file for no-fault or fault based grounds in Rhode Island because it is a mixed state. No-fault divorce will be granted for irreconcilable differences, or if you have been separated and living apart for at least three years. Fault based grounds are as follows:

- adultery
- impotence
- drug abuse
- extreme cruelty
- continued drunkenness
- any other lewd or cruel behavior

Going through this process can be scary if you attempt to do it alone. Make sure to do your research and contact an experienced Rhode Island divorce lawyer.

How Does Facebook Affect Divorce Rates?

Since the advent of Facebook, many people have reconnected in a way that was impossible before. When do the reconnections get in the way of a marriage? How does the use of Facebook affect your marriage? Read the article below to find out.

“If the preliminary findings in this study are sustained, it would represent an important step forward in the study of SNS and human behavior,” the researchers noted in the study’s conclusion. “It would also raise profound questions about the role of social media in daily lives. Finally, it would spur new lines of research in understanding the role of Facebook in divorce and marital satisfaction, prompting a host of policy-oriented research endeavors by social scientist.”

— Read More At Sacramento CBS local

What You Need To Ask Before Fighting Over Your Children?

The number one thing that people argue the most over is the custody of children during a divorce process. If the arguing becomes too public and hostile, your children will only damage them long-term. How can you avoid inflicting too much conflict on your children? Here are ten questions to ask yourself before continuing a child custody battle.

Do you want your children to endure months of anxiety and uncertainty as to where they will be living and whether they will have the relationship they want with each of their parents and their siblings?

— Read More At Huffington Post

Update Your Will Before Your Next Big Trip

After a long,cold winter the first thing on everyone's mind is where they are going for vacation. This time of year is also the best time to tune-up your current estate plan. Reviewing your estate plan prior to a big trip is a common practice, and the article below helps you determine what to focus on.

In general, we suggest that you review your estate planning documents every three to five years to ensure that everything is according to your wishes. However, preparing for a big trip is the perfect time to pull out your existing estate planning documents and make sure that your executors, trustees and guardians are all still who you wish for them to be. In addition, make sure that the provisions for your family still comply with your wishes. If it has been many years since you completed your documents, there have likely been changes in both your life and the tax law since that time. Your Dinsmore attorney can work with you to make any necessary changes so that all of your documents are up to date before you set off on your next excursion.

— Kristin M.Lenhart

How Does A Prenup Factor Into Estate Planning?

How does a prenup play into your estate plan? If there is a major age difference between spouses there may be a conflict if the elder spouse passes away and has children. Read this informative article for advice on prenups and estate planning.

For example, suppose a moderately wealthy woman with four adult children marries a somewhat younger man with few assets. The woman dies and upon her death her property goes to her new husband. A couple of years later the husband dies leaving what was the woman’s property to his own kids.

— Read More At The Spectrum