Posted by: kstewart in Untagged on
Apr 27, 2009
What are some of the other options for dealing with our home in our divorce/separation when selling it is not an option because it either will not sell or we would have to sell at such a loss that it simply would be financially unwise?
What to do with your house during divorce/separation?
Do we have to hold off on our divorce agreement until we can figure out what to do with the house?
The problem may couples are faced with is what to do with their home. For most North American families, their matrimonial home is the largest asset they have and so at the time of divorce, it needs to be dealt with. Given the current economy we are required to think out of the box with regards to different options. Consider just a few:
- Sell it
Certainly there is no harm in getting a real estate agent to list it and see what happens. It is wise to work with your financial advisor to consider what the outcome would be at different prices so that when and if you are made an offer you know whether it is acceptable or not. When working out the details of your “agreement” and assuming that your house has not yet sold you can incorporate a number of “what ifs” in your agreement. What if it does not sell then…….. What will be the lowest price you will sell it for……………….. What if you cannot sell it then ………..
You do not need to hold off on your divorce just because you do not know the exact outcome of your home. Just simply address all the “what ifs”.
Posted by: kstewart in Untagged on
Apr 6, 2009
Life after divorce/separation
The answer is YES! When you are facing life’s challenges, divorce being one of them, we can either play the victim or take 100% responsibility and be accountable. It is in your power to choose.
Playing the victim and laying the foundation for a disempowering future sounds like:
• It is their fault
• They did this to our family/life
• We would not be here if it was not for what they did
• He/she had an affair so what does that have to do with me – they did it to me
• I will never have enough money
• The kids are now going to have to suffer and all because of him/he
• I had no choice but to hire a tough attorney because I had to make sure my rights were taken care of
• My friends and family warn me to get the best attorney I can or else….
• He/she is going to try and destroy me
• All my friends agree that he/she is a jerk and I am better off without them
• My children are going to suffer big time – they will have less and therefore will not be as happy
Posted by: kstewart in Untagged on
Feb 23, 2009
1. Avoid at all costs hiring lawyers that claim they are going to fight for a “win” for you. There is no such thing as divorce in the traditional system is a zero sum game. There are no winners.
2. Never file affidavits about your spouse in the courts that claim to be “fact” but are filled with “perception.” This will destroy relationships forever and cause huge unnecessary pain and suffering. Consider some of the famous cases that learned the hard way; the Baldwins, Paul McCartney, the Trumps, Brittany Spears and many more. I am sure you can certainly add to the list.
3. Avoid allowing the courts to decide who will get the children. That destroys everyone and is the most disempowering experience possible.
4. Never think that hiring a lawyer is taking control. It is the opposite as you give up control of your money, time and outcomes.
5. Do not create chaos by being over reactive. Be proactive with a strategy that works. Work with financial experts and negotiators.
Posted by: kstewart in Untagged on
Feb 23, 2009
We know that “money” can be one of the biggest stressors for a couple. So given the current state of the economy, are we going to see more divorces?
It is an interesting question and I believe the answer is going to be “yes.” Those who have decided to get a divorce are going to and should do everything they can to do it in a way that does not further destroy their net worth.
So here are a few tips:
Posted by: kstewart in Untagged on
Feb 23, 2009
The very nature of the traditional system's adversarial approach allows children and money to be used as bargaining chips. Parents do not intentionally use their children as pawns but regardless of intention, that is exactly what happens. There is usually a tug-of-war, known as position bargaining, over money and/or children.
When spouses feel cornered, they come out fighting - and will use whatever ammunition is available. The more threatened they feel, the more powerful the ammunition they use. The two areas where power is exercised in a divorce surround money and children. The person who has more control over money will use money, and the person who has more control over the children will use the children. It's commonplace and even expected in a traditional divorce; parties engage in this tug-of-war to achieve what they call ‘victory'.
Posted by: kstewart in Untagged on
Feb 6, 2009
Less than a year following Fairway Divorce Solutions’ rapid Canadian expansion, I am excited to announce that as of tomorrow, we begin franchising our divorce solutions in the U.S.!
People from across North America, who are affected by divorce, have been calling us seeking our “#1 alternative way to divorce”, and now we will offer our business model and services to a location near you.
Helping us bring Fairway Divorce Solutions® to major centers across the country is Franchise Foundry, a strategic investment partner of franchise concepts based out of Salt Lake City, Utah. Through this partnership, we will be delivering 70 new Fairway Divorce Solutions franchises throughout the U.S. over the next three years.
Posted by: kstewart in Untagged on
Jan 21, 2009
Empowering You Through Divorce
There are only two important matters in divorce: money and children. So what is all the talk about “my legal rights”? Do they matter? Of course they do. But it makes sense to focus on sound financial decisions that ensure a positive and financially secure future, and to develop a cooperative co-parenting plan.
You are concerned with being treated fairly. Being treated fairly is about empowered decision-making – not a battle for your legal rights. In divorce, being empowered means that you understand the law and your rights under the law, and you understand the financial implications of various options. Being empowered also means that you are in a position to develop the best possible parenting plan for yourself and your children.
Most people simply want to work out the divorce details and move on. They need a process that keeps emotions from playing havoc with their decision-making ability, a process that ensures the outcomes will be fair.
Posted by: kstewart in Untagged on
Dec 17, 2008
Now more than ever, divorce and extended families have become the norm. While common, planning for the holidays between separated families can be a major undertaking.
For adults whose parents are divorced, this means scheduling celebrations with each parent - separately. And if by happenstance your situation is just like Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon in their new comedy Four Christmases, then that means that you have to plan for four holiday celebrations - two between your divorced parents and two between your significant other's divorced parents.
Posted by: kstewart in Untagged on
Dec 3, 2008
The high number of divorces today has created a fertile feeding ground for the legal profession, and while lawyers are certainly eating well, there are more losers than winners among the embattled participants.
Divorce has become lucrative for the legal community. Spurred on by ambitious legal beagles, they challenge each client's grant for child care and custody, division of property and assets, and ongoing financial support. By the time divorce is settled, the process is extremely adversarial. For most couples, court is a blunt instrument unable to deal elegantly with resolving the intricate, personal and emotional issues surrounding the dissolution of a relationship. Emotions run high and trust is low - a perfect combination for a fiery battle.
Posted by: kstewart in Untagged on
Nov 3, 2008
Crisis. To describe divorce and all its outcomes, there really is no better word.
The process of traditional divorce as we know it is brutal-nothing less. And like hungry wolves amid startled herds of caribou, many of the professionals within the system feed on weakened prey.
My experience through the traditional system was nothing short of a crisis. For all my pragmatism and business acumen, I made some profoundly poor decisions-decisions endorsed and encouraged by people with no accountability for the outcomes.
We now, however, live in a time where there are divorce alternatives for couples. It is through these options, such as The Fairway ProcessTM, that divorce can be achieved fairly and with your assets and children protected.
