Recent Posts in Divorce Negotiation Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 19-Mar-2020 8 Things to Include in Your Separation Agreement Are you and your spouse thinking of divorce? Are you familiar with a separation agreement? The first step in the process of divorce after the couple has negotiated their “deal” is the drafting of a separation agreement. This is a legal ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 16-Mar-2020 I Want a Divorce. Should I Move Out? The answer is, “No!” I tell clients never to leave their home (or hardly ever). Making this move can work against you when divorcing if not properly strategized. I often hear from clients that once divorce is in the air it is extremely ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 11-Mar-2020 You Don't Need an Attorney to Get a Divorce! It’s true! If you are unhappy in your marriage and you have tried everything, the clock is ticking and it’s time to harness the power to manage your own divorce with my groundbreaking psychologically-infused divorce mediation method that ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 9-Mar-2020 Do You Have a Right to a Family Business in Divorce? Divorce is no doubt an emotional nightmare, but it is also a financial and legal separation of a couple, and their family. When considering divorce, spouses have a lot to consider financially like budgets, assets, property and retirement accounts. ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 26-Feb-2020 My Best 2020 Divorce Advice! Divorce is traditionally a painful and dreaded process, but it doesn’t have to be as awful as you expect! To help you with your 2020 divorce goals, I’m sharing my suggestions for protecting yourself, your family and your finances. As a ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 3-Feb-2020 Tips to Avoid Divorce Disasters When people decide to divorce it is usually in the whirlwind of heightened emotion. People are not always thinking rationally in this mindset. I often caution clients not to be reactive when thinking about divorcing. I suggest they stop, think and ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 27-Jan-2020 Did you know You May Not be Entitled to Spousal Support? Thinking of divorce? Are you worried about how you will survive financially? Not all spouses are entitled to support. Not everyone has to pay spousal support. Each circumstance is unique based on the details of your marriage. So if you are trying to ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 20-Jan-2020 3 Tips to Settle a Child Custody Dispute As a seasoned family law attorney, mediator, and psychologically-trained medical professional, I regularly counsel mothers and fathers going through divorce who are considering a custody action. Often these concerned parents have a fair amount of ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 15-Jan-2020 What is Equitable Distribution? Upon divorce, marital property in New York State is supposed to be divided equitably. It is not an "equal" or automatic 50-50 distribution between spouses, as it is in community property states like California. Marital property is property ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 11-Dec-2019 5 Tips for Co-Parenting During the Holidays! The greatest wish of many children of divorce during the holidays is that Mom and Dad will get back together. Even though the sad truth is that this probably is not going to happen, you as responsible parents can cooperate, and make the holidays as ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 9-Dec-2019 What is a Statement of Net Worth? When divorcing, a Statement of Net Worth is that annoying financial form your attorney/mediator sticks in front of you and says, “Fill it out!” You look at it, start sweating, and think, “Oh no! Where do I start?” I find that ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 27-Nov-2019 Lois Brenner's New York Divorce 101! When did you start thinking about divorce? Was it because of finances, fighting, infidelity, control issues, social media postings, or did you simply fall out of love? Couples don’t just wake up one day and decide they want a divorce. A lot of ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 25-Nov-2019 4 Tips to Avoid Divorce Disaster! Litigation sucks! No doubt. I try to help clients avoid it whenever possible. But sometimes it’s the only way to have a spouse sit up and listen. But make no mistake, if you are not mentally aware and legally prepared your divorce can be a ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 21-Nov-2019 Is Social Media Killing Your Marriage? When a young woman called me and said, “Social Media Killed My Marriage,” I told her I wasn’t surprised. More and more this is a chief complaint and cause for divorce. Couples don’t realize social media networking ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 13-Nov-2019 My Separation Agreement Checklist! Are you thinking of Divorce? Well, you’re not alone. With 40%-50% of all marriages ending in divorce this is not as uncommon as you think. An important part of the divorce process is developing an agreement you can both live with. An agreement ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 2-Oct-2019 To Trick or Treat? What divorcing/divorced parents can do so Halloween isn’t a nightmare! When you got divorced did you discuss Halloween as part of your visitation schedule? Probably not. After all, it’s not Thanksgiving, Christmas or Hannukkah! It is ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 4-Mar-2019 Is Your Spouse Paying Taxes? Is Your Spouse Paying the Taxes? It’s that time of year again. Dreaded tax time! For those getting a divorce, taxes are the least of their worries. But let me share with you a story that will open your eyes and make you think twice. After ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 6-Feb-2019 DIVORCE PROOF YOUR RELATIONSHIP! DIVORCE PROOF YOUR RELATIONSHIP! Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Traditionally couples in the millions get engaged on this day. Being in the field of family law as an attorney for more than thirty-five years, I expect that fifty ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 16-Jul-2018 3 Best Methods to Settle a Custody Dispute 3 Best Methods to Settle a Custody Dispute Last week, I read that Nia Vardalos, the My Big Fat Greek Wedding (funny movie!) star, and Ian Gomez sadly filed for divorce after 25 years of marriage. They cited irreconcilable differences and asked for ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 2-Jul-2018 DIVORCE: With or Without Lawyers! DIVORCE: With or Without Lawyers! I have been educating clients and the public for many years on how divorce doesn’t always have to be down and dirty. Divorce can be handled in a variety of ways. I can help you explore your options. You can ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 1-Jun-2018 MORE MILLENNIALS SEEK PRENUPS!! MORE MILLENNIALS SEEK PRENUPS!! It’s that time of year again when many couples will be walking down the aisle. To have or not to have a prenuptial agreement is not the most romantic conversation to have as you are tasting wedding cake fillings ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 22-May-2018 Lois Brenner in The New York Times! Take a look at my Letter to the Editor at The New York Times on Mediating Abusive Relationships. You may find it interesting! If you or someone you know is being abused I can show you how mediation can be helpful when dealing with abusive ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 10-May-2018 DO ROYALS HAVE PRENUPS? DO ROYALS HAVE PRENUPS? Should you? When anyone ties the knot there is a lot at stake, but when you’re Royal that usually includes a whole lot of money! You may be surprised to learn when it comes to the royal family in England, prenups are ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 1-May-2018 Is Your Spouse Hiding Assets? Divorcing? Is Your Spouse Hiding Assets? When a client comes to see me to discuss divorce it is not unusual for me to hear “I think my spouse is hiding assets. I have no idea what assets we have, or where they are. What do I do?” At many ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 6-Apr-2018 Are you ready to build your "Bird Nest?" Are you ready to build your “Bird Nest?” Have you all seen the new show “Splitting Up Together”? It is a new series that airs Tuesday nights at 9:30 PM on ABC. It is about a couple that falls out of love, (as many do these ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 13-Mar-2018 GET YOUR "FREE" DIVORCE PERSONALITY QUIZ!!!! GET YOUR “FREE” DIVORCE PERSONALITY QUIZ!!!! Head (Legal Strategy) + Heart (Emotions) “Unlike any other Divorce Attorney” Lois M. Brenner, Esq., PA-C, is a renowned New York Divorce Attorney, an accredited Divorce Mediator and ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 12-Mar-2018 ARE YOU ENTITLED TO SPOUSAL SUPPORT? ARE YOU ENTITLED TO SPOUSAL SUPPORT? Sometimes clients are confused as to how spousal support works. As a psychologically-trained mediator and divorce attorney, I often define what spousal support is and how it applies to a couple’s situation ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 2-Mar-2018 FINANCIAL DIVORCE "SMARTS" FINANCIAL DIVORCE “SMARTS” Are you financially ready to get divorced? Even if you are not quite ready to get divorced, you need to be informed and Financially Smart. Deciding to Divorce is a complex process. Deciding how easy or difficult ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 28-Feb-2018 Father's Rights: More than Just Child Support Payments Father’s Rights: More than Just Child Support Payments “The heart of a father is the masterpiece of nature.” - Abbé Prévost, Manon Lescaut When a married couple goes through a divorce, one of the most contested issues ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 14-Feb-2018 Lois Brenner In The News! Till Trump do us part: The president's effect on US marriages By Jade Scipioni Published February 13, 2018 Personal Finance FOXBusiness Couples still have not altered their political affiliations and... Trump still do so,” Lois Brenner, a ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 1-Feb-2018 FOUR TIPS TO DIVORCE PROOF YOUR RELATIONSHIP! FOUR TIPS TO DIVORCE PROOF YOUR RELATIONSHIP! Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Traditionally, millions of couples get engaged on this day. Being an attorney in the field of family law for more than thirty-five years, I expect that ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 8-Jan-2018 Divorce Without Lawyers DIVORCE WITHOUT LAWYERS What is the first thing you think of when you hear the word “divorce?” “Fight!” “Hire a divorce lawyer.” For 2017 Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, and Janet Jackson and Wissma al Mana come to ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 5-Jan-2017 A Better Way To Divorce in 2017! Did you know January is Divorce month? Most couples who have been thinking about divorce tend to move forward in the New Year. They have struggled to make it through the holidays and now they want a fresh start. What most couples don’t know is ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 8-Dec-2016 Is Social Media Killing Your Marriage? When a young woman called me last week and said, “Social Media Killed My Marriage,” I told her I wasn’t surprised. More and more this is a chief complaint and cause for divorce. Couples don’t realize social media networking ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 18-Oct-2016 To Trick or Treat? TO TRICK OR TREAT? What divorcing/divorced parents can do so Halloween isn’t a nightmare! When you got divorced did you discuss Halloween as part of your visitation schedule? Probably not. After all it’s not Thanksgiving, Christmas or ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 12-Oct-2016 Are you thinking of pulling the plug on your marriage? Courtesy of HBO Sarah Jessica Parker’s new show “Divorce” on HBO which aired on October 9 th introduces us to Frances (Parker), a corporate headhunter with two children. She is an unhappy, middle-aged, and a disconnected woman ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 22-Sep-2016 When Should You Ask For Sole Physical Custody of the Children? WHEN SHOULD YOU ASK FOR SOLE PHYSICAL CUSTODY OF THE CHILDREN? On Tuesday we heard the sad news that Angelina Jolie filed for divorce from Brad Pitt after twelve years together, and two years married. The papers file in Los Angeles cited ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 29-Mar-2016 Navigating the Divorce Process: Know Your Options If you are contemplating a divorce in New York, you know that this isn’t a decision you should make hastily. It is important to know your options as well as the various ways in which you can achieve your end goal. It is also equally important ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois Brenner 27-Jun-2015 Divorce. With or Without Lawyers I am so excited to share with you the development of my new book “Divorce: With or Without Lawyers!” I have been educating clients and the public for many years on how divorce doesn’t always have to be down and dirty. Divorce can be ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 8-Nov-2012 So You're Getting a Divorce-Does that Mean You Need to Fight in Court? Going through a divorce can be one of the most emotionally painful things a person can experience. Two people once united by love or some semblance thereof are now divided due to infidelity, emotional or physical distance, mental or bodily abuse, and ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 20-Jul-2011 Are You Entitled to Rehabilitative Maintenance? As a divorce attorney and mediator it is my responsibility to inform clients of what they are entitled to when considering a divorce. Women, in particular, don’t realize they may be entitled to Rehabilitative Maintenance. For those of you who ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 25-Jan-2011 Parenting Classes for Divorce It is my goal as a divorce attorney and mediator to introduce my clients to all the tools necessary to see them through the difficult divorce process with as much support as possible. That is why as part of my evaluation of each divorce case, I ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 21-Dec-2010 Divorce and Your Credit Score Are you thinking about your New Year’s Resolutions and about making some changes in your life. If you are thinking about getting a divorce, your credit score may be the last thing on your mind, but you’d better think twice. Divorce can ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 24-Nov-2010 Divorce Mediation - The Peaceful Alternative As we approach the holidays, the end of one year and the beginning of a new one, many couples who are having difficulties in their marriage start thinking about making changes in the new year. For many couples that means-divorce. For couples that ... 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