Alimony payment representing financial support after divorce. When couples divorce, questions about alimony — also known as spousal support or spousal maintenance — often cause confusion and anxiety. Who pays? How much? For how long? And why do the rules seem so different from state to state? If you’re going through a divorce in New Hampshire, Southern Maine, or elsewhere, understanding alimony is key to navigating financial expectations fairly and realistically. This blog wi

Key Takeaways Financial literacy is critical for making informed decisions during divorce. Understanding concepts like alimony, child support, and asset division helps protect your financial future. Proper financial education can empower you to negotiate better terms in your divorce settlement. Knowing your financial rights and obligations ensures clarity and reduces post-divorce disputes. Financial literacy provides peace of mind and confidence as you navigate the divorce pr

Discover how working with a multi-certified divorce professional—CDFA®, Mediator, Coach, and CDRE®—delivers unmatched clarity, strategy, and results.

Divorcing couple reviewing bills and debt statements together. Divorce is never just about emotions—it's also about untangling a life built together. And one of the most misunderstood and stressful parts of that process is figuring out who is responsible for what when it comes to debt division. Whether you’re facing credit card balances, a joint mortgage, business loans, or tax debt, understanding your rights and obligations is crucial to securing your financial future. At Op

Reviewing financial documents with precision is key to protecting your credit during divorce. Divorce is hard enough without adding a wrecked credit score to the mix. Yet, many people going through a divorce unknowingly make decisions (or fail to act) that lead to lasting credit damage. As a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®), Divorce Coach, and Mediator, I’ve seen firsthand how easily financial entanglements during divorce can affect your creditworthiness for years

Understanding how prenuptial agreements influence property division after divorce. Dividing property during a divorce is already complex—but when a prenuptial agreement is involved, it adds another layer of challenge and confusion. If you’re navigating a divorce with a prenup in place—or wondering if yours is enforceable—you’re not alone. At Optimal Divorce Solutions, I guide high-net-worth clients, including those going through gray divorce, through these issues with clarity

Divorce doesn't have to destroy your finances—learn how to navigate money matters with clarity and confidence. Divorce is not just a legal and emotional process—it’s also one of the most significant financial turning points in a person’s life. The decisions you make during divorce can impact your finances for years to come. At Optimal Divorce Solutions, I work with clients across the U.S.—especially those in high-net-worth and gray divorce cases—to avoid common financial mis

Hidden assets can significantly impact your divorce settlement—knowing how to uncover them is critical to ensuring a fair outcome. Divorce can bring out the best in people—but it can also bring out the worst. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for one spouse to hide assets in an attempt to keep more than their fair share. Whether it’s a secret bank account, underreported income, or suspicious transfers, hidden assets can significantly impact your settlement. At Optimal Divorce

A Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) helps you make smart, informed financial decisions before, during, and after divorce. Divorce is one of the most emotionally challenging and financially complex experiences you’ll ever face. And while most people think to hire an attorney, very few realize they may also need a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®)  to protect their long-term financial future. At Optimal Divorce Solutions, I serve as a CDFA for individuals and

Understanding how equity is calculated—and divided—is key to protecting your financial future during divorce. When you’re going through a divorce, the home you shared isn’t just four walls and a roof—it’s one of your biggest financial assets. And within that asset lies something many people don’t fully understand: equity . Equity plays a central role in property division during divorce, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood concepts. At Optimal Divorce Solutions, I help

Divorce and taxes are closely connected—avoiding these costly mistakes can save thousands and reduce post-divorce stress. Divorce is already overwhelming emotionally—but it also has serious financial consequences that can last for years, especially when it comes to taxes. Many people make critical tax mistakes during or after their divorce that result in unexpected bills, IRS audits, or lost savings. At Optimal Divorce Solutions, I work with clients to anticipate and avoid th

When you’re facing divorce, emotions often run high—but the financial decisions you make now will affect you for years to come. Property division, alimony, retirement accounts, tax implications, debt responsibilities—every choice has a consequence. That’s why working with a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®)  is one of the smartest decisions you can make. At Optimal Divorce Solutions, I bring decades of financial insight, divorce-specific training, and strategic fore

Key Takeaways Home equity is a significant marital asset and must be carefully assessed during divorce proceedings. Options for dividing home equity include selling the home, one spouse buying out the other, or co-owning temporarily. Determining the home’s value through an appraisal or market analysis is a critical first step. Refinancing may be necessary if one spouse decides to keep the home. Consulting a divorce mediator or real estate expert can simplify the process and e

Divorce is never easy, but when significant wealth is involved, the stakes — and the stress — are much higher. As someone who works with high-net-worth individuals every day through Optimal Divorce Solutions, I know how overwhelming this process can feel. The legal, financial, and emotional complexities multiply when you're dividing businesses, investments, real estate, or retirement portfolios built over decades. In this post, I’ll walk you through what makes a high-net-wort

Key Takeaways: Divorce courts strongly prefer licensed appraisals over CMAs in contested cases. A Licensed Real Estate Appraisal is objective, court-admissible, and follows professional standards (USPAP). A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) is a helpful tool for estimating value but lacks legal standing in court. CMAs may work in amicable or mediated divorces when both parties agree on property value. If property value will affect alimony, equity splits, or buyouts, an apprai

Key Takeaways A quitclaim deed can be one way to transfer property ownership during a divorce, but it’s important to understand its purpose and limitations. This type of deed is often used when one spouse keeps the marital home and the other agrees to relinquish ownership. While it can simplify the transfer of ownership, a quitclaim deed does not remove financial responsibility for the mortgage. Understanding the pros and cons can help you have informed discussions with your

Tax season is here, and your tax refund can be a valuable tool for financial planning post-divorce. Whether you’re looking to pay down debt, save for a new home, or invest in your future, smart strategies can make a big difference. Ways to Use Your Tax Refund Wisely Pay Down Debt:  Reduce high-interest credit card debt to improve your financial stability. Invest in Housing:  Use your refund for a down payment on a new home or to cover moving expenses. Create an Emergency Fund

Key Takeaways Why is protecting your credit during divorce important?  It safeguards your financial future and ensures you maintain financial independence. What steps can you take to protect your credit?  Monitor your credit score, separate joint accounts, and ensure timely bill payments. How does divorce impact your credit?  Joint accounts, shared debts, and missed payments can negatively affect your credit history. What tools can help manage your credit?  Credit monitoring

Tax season is here, and for those going through a divorce, your tax refund can play a crucial role in your financial planning. Whether you’re considering mediation, saving for a fresh start, or investing in a new home, making smart decisions about your refund is key. How Your Tax Refund Can Support Your Divorce Journey Cover Mediation Costs:  Mediation is a cost-effective way to resolve disputes amicably. Your tax refund can help you afford professional mediation services. Sa

Key Takeaways Why is documentation important during divorce?  Detailed records protect your interests and provide critical evidence in disputes. What should you document?  Interactions with your spouse, financial transactions, and parenting-related agreements or issues. How can documentation influence your divorce outcome?  It ensures accuracy, supports your claims, and strengthens your case in court. What tools can you use for effective documentation?  Journals, apps, spread