Finance Blog | New York City Divorce Attorney

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 6-Jul-2020

I Want a Divorce. Should I Move Out?

The answer is usually, “No!” I tell clients never to leave their home. 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 difficult ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 29-Jun-2020

I am a Dependent Spouse. Do I Have to Pay My Legal Fees?

I had a new client last year who was terrified when she called me. She was married to a very rich philanthropist who was extremely controlling. He liked to control everything, from his money, to his businesses, to her. In spite of their enormous ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 24-Jun-2020

5 Things You Need to Know About Child Support!

What is Child Support: Child support is financial support provided by the noncustodial parent. It includes cash payments based on the parent's income and the needs of the child,health insurance, payments for child care, and payments for ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 22-Jun-2020

Nannies to Nobility Love Mediation!

Since I have been practicing over 35 years I have had an amazing array of clients from nannies to nobility. Regardless of a client’s position in life the 3 P’s of Mediation is appealing to all - Positive, Productive, and Peaceful. About ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 19-Jun-2020

Will I Receive Spousal Support?

I’ve been speaking with a lot of spouses recently who are concerned about whether or not they will receive spousal support. It is a fair question. There are many issues that must be handled when a couple decides to file for divorce. One issue ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 17-Jun-2020

Litigation vs. Mediation: To Punish or Not to Punish?

When considering divorce clients are usually familiar with going to court and fighting. More and more clients are learning there are more peaceful options. These days, during consultations clients ask more about the difference between ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 3-Jun-2020

Did You Know Divorce Can Ruin Your Credit Score?

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 greatly impact your finances and credit history. Even the most amicable divorce can leave you in ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 29-May-2020

Do You Know Your "Marriage Money Style?"

Money for most of us is an emotionally charged topic. That’s why few of us and few couples like to talk about it. When couples come to see me and are considering a divorce, money can actually be, yes, even more than sex, what is driving the ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 27-May-2020

6 Mistakes to Avoid in a High Net Worth Divorce

Divorce is never easy, but divorces involving large amounts of money, property, and other assets are even more challenging. In addition to the types of issues present in typical divorces, such as spousal and child support, child custody, visitation ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 25-May-2020

5 Spring Cleaning Divorce Tips

With the change of season comes the deep desire to start getting rid of the old and bring in the new. Cleaning out the closets, getting organized, opening up the windows, and airing out the house. It feels good!! Now that many of us are still staying ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 22-May-2020

Did You Know a Postnuptial Agreement can Save Your Marriage?

Getting married is very exciting! Spring is that time of year when brides are eagerly gearing up for their June weddings and all the glitz, glamour and drama that a wedding brings virtually in this new world in which we are living! But what about the ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 13-May-2020

Top 10 Reasons to Have a Prenuptial Agreement

If there is anything we have learned during this pandemic (besides vigorous hand washing), it is the amazing power of technology. We are fortunate to live in a digital age where information is at our fingertips. We can easily plan anything from our ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 8-May-2020

What is a "Gray Divorce?"

A Gray Divorce refers to a demographic trend that has seen an increase in the separation or divorce of older couples who have been married for a long time. Divorce rates for couples over 50 have doubled in the past decade. These divorces affect ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 4-May-2020

When Divorcing - 3 Tips for Getting Your Estate in Order

Divorce is unpleasant. It’s an extremely difficult time emotionally. I work with divorcing couples all the time who share their sadness, confusion, anxiety and unhappiness with me. It’s a big struggle. When divorcing there is a lot to do, ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 29-Apr-2020

Am I Entitled to Spousal Support?

As a divorce attorney and mediator I hear this question all the time. Spousal support can be a little tricky. Did you know spousal support is not guaranteed? Did you know spousal support (alimony) can be paid by husbands or wives? The purpose behind ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 27-Apr-2020

4 Ways to Prepare for Your Divorce During Quarantine!

Although we are all wondering when this pandemic will be over, some of us are using this valuable time to prepare for life moving forward. Now is the time to take the necessary steps to make changes in your life that you may have been putting on the ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 22-Apr-2020

Getting a Divorce with a Business in the Family

Divorces for people who own businesses are different from those of wage earners. First of all, businesses often have cash income which is not declared on tax returns. This makes it difficult to estimate or trace the true income. Businesses are ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 20-Apr-2020

4 Financial Mistakes to Avoid When Divorcing During this Panic!

1.) NOT CONSIDERING MEDIATION: ESPECIALLY NOW ! If there is any chance you and your spouse can work together in an amicable way - consider mediation ! Even if you are angry with each other mediation can work. Mediation will save you time and ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 14-Apr-2020

Can a Legal Separation Help Couples Struggling During the Coronavirus Pandemic?

Over the last few weeks I have spoken with couples who are really struggling with their marriages. These couples are sad, confused and not quite sure what path to take. They often say, “I don’t know what to do, I’m ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 6-Apr-2020

The Courts are Closed but Did You Know You Can Divorce Without Going to Court?

That’s right! This coronavirus pandemic has drastically affected all of you wanting a divorce! But as a very skilled divorce attorney and psychologically-trained mediator I can tell you, there is a welcome solution. It’s called Mediation. ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 3-Apr-2020

Are You Married to a Narcissist?

As a divorce attorney and psychologically-trained mediator I uniquely guide couples, especially those with behavioral problems, towards dignified divorces. Many of the couples I work with complain that narcissism is an unhealthy third party in their ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 30-Mar-2020

Are You Living in a Miserable Marriage? It's Time to GET OUT!

You may have been living in an unhappy marriage and just not gotten the courage to do anything about it. It's easy to keep putting it off because you know it will be unpleasant. But now, due to the coronavirus pandemic, you are stuck at home 24/7 ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 25-Mar-2020

Mediation: A Superior Solution for Divorcing Spouses and their Families during the Coronavirus Pandemic!

As a divorce attorney & psychologically-trained mediator I am juggling tons of emails and phone calls from clients divorcing and spouses thinking of divorcing during the coronavirus pandemic. These couples’ issues began way before the ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 23-Mar-2020

Do You Need Help Divorcing an Addict?

Actor Ben Affleck recently said his divorce from actress Jennifer Garner was the biggest regret of his life. Unfortunately, his alcohol addiction contributed to the dissolution of their marriage. Spouses faced with addiction being a third party in ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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. ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 4-Mar-2020

Divorce Tips for a Stay-at-Home Spouse!

Are you wondering how you are going to survive financially if divorce comes knocking at your door? I received a phone call over the weekend from a devastated spouse who said, “I can’t believe it, I have been married, I thought happily for ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 2-Mar-2020

Dads are Much More than just Child Support Payments!!

When a married couple goes through a divorce, one of the most contested issues is often their children. As a psychologically-trained mediator and divorce attorney for more than thirty-five years, I’ve seen countless custody disputes. For many ...

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 ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 24-Feb-2020

Don't Sign That Prenuptial Agreement Until...

You have a family law attorney review what you are signing. Often a couple, about to enter a marriage, will go to an attorney to have a prenuptial agreement drafted. A prenuptial agreement is not just for the rich and famous! A prenuptial agreement ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 20-Feb-2020

Are you sure Your Spouse is Paying the Taxes?

It’s that time of year again. Dreaded tax time is coming up! Everyone is scrambling right now to get all their documents together to get them to their accountant. For those getting a divorce, taxes are the least of their worries, or so you ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 12-Feb-2020

4 Valentine's Day - Healthy Marriage Tips!

As you know Valentine’s Day is Friday! Yay!! Traditionally couples in the millions get engaged on this day. Being a divorce attorney and psychologically-trained mediator in the love and divorce business for over thirty-five years, sadly, I ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 10-Feb-2020

What to Do when your Spouse Wants a Divorce!

It is not unusual for a spouse to hear with no warning from the other that they want a divorce. There can be a lot of factors influencing a partner to come to this decision; another woman or man, a midlife crisis, psychological issues and sometimes ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 5-Feb-2020

5 Things You Should Know About Child Support!

1. What is Child Support: Child support is financial support provided by the noncustodial parent. It includes cash payments based on the parent's income and the needs of the child, health insurance, payments for child care, and payments for ...

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 ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 29-Jan-2020

Divorcing? Remember your Spouse is no longer your "Best Friend"

Divorce is often a rude smack in the face. On your wedding day, if you are lucky, you married your best friend. But now with the wear and tear of life, you have grown apart, you are no longer “in love” and divorce is your new paradigm. As ...

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 ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 22-Jan-2020

Is Your Spouse Spying on You?

Do you ever feel like you are being watched? Well, maybe you are. I have had clients share with me their suspicions, and no they weren’t paranoid, they were correct. Even though you trust your spouse, do you know if they trust you? I had a ...

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 ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 6-Jan-2020

Do You Need a Postnuptial Agreement?

Some couples consider a prenuptial agreement when they are getting married. But what if you weren’t one of those couples? Is it too late once you’ve been married to put something in place to address some of the important issues in the ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 30-Dec-2019

Tips to Divorce-Proof your Relationship in the New Year!

New Years is right around the corner. Traditionally, many couples get engaged on New Year’s Eve. Being an attorney in the field of family law for more than thirty-five years, I expect that some of the New Year’s engagements will end in ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 23-Dec-2019

10 FINANCIAL DIVORCE TIPS YOU SHOULD KNOW!

Even if you are not quite ready to get divorced, or know someone who might be, you need to be informed and Financially Smart. Deciding to Divorce is a complex process. Deciding how easy or difficult the process will be depends on you and how your ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 19-Nov-2019

Are You Living with a Controlling Spouse?

My new client seemed very anxious and started twirling her hair around her finger. She started by telling me that she was very concerned because her husband kept separate bank accounts and he was cutting down on the “spending” money he ...

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 ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 29-Oct-2019

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 of my seminars, I advise couples getting ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 8-Oct-2019

ENGAGEMENT SEASON IS HERE!

Are you thinking about your dress? Flowers? The cake? What about your Prenuptial Agreement? Newly engaged couples everywhere are starting to plan their perfect wedding. Many are focused on sharing the big news with family and friends over the ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 3-Sep-2019

Stay-at-Home Moms and Dads can Survive Divorce!!

Are you wondering how you are going to survive your divorce financially? There are many spouses who married young or gave up lucrative careers to have children once they were married. They often spend most of their marriage helping to support and, in ...

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 ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. featuring Michael Giusto, Esq. 20-Sep-2018

What Happens to Your Estate Plan When You Divorce?

What Happens to Your Estate Plan When You Divorce? By Michael Giusto and Lois Brenner Getting a divorce is a stressful experience and it’s not unusual for spouses to forget to address estate planning issues either before, during, or afterwards. ...

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 ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 2-Apr-2018

Can a Postnuptial Agreement save your Marriage?

Can a Postnuptial Agreement save your Marriage? Getting married is very exciting! Spring is that time of year when brides are eagerly gearing up for their June weddings and all the glitz, glamour and drama that a wedding brings. But what about the ...

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 ...

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 ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 21-Feb-2017

Does Your Marriage Need a Postnuptial Agreement?

Does Your Marriage need a Postnuptial Agreement? Some couples consider a prenuptial agreement when they are getting married. What if you weren’t one of those couples? Is it too late once you’ve been married to put something in place to ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 6-Oct-2016

Engagement Season is here!

ENGAGEMENT SEASON IS HERE! Are you thinking about your dress? flowers? the cake? What about your prenuptial agreement? Newly engaged couples everywhere are starting to plan their perfect wedding. Many are focused on sharing the big news with family ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 11-Jul-2016

8 Reasons Why You Should Consider a Prenuptial Agreement

With wedding season upon us, it is important for couples to consider creating prenuptial agreements before walking down the aisle. While some people look upon prenuptial agreements negatively, it should be understood that they are designed to protect ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 1-Mar-2016

Divorce And Taxes: What You Need To Know!

As a divorce attorney, many of my clients were trying to end their marriage as 2015 ended, and for others, they started divorce proceedings as the New Year began. I encourage everyone to understand that divorce has tax ramifications. You need to be ...

Posted By Lois Brenner 28-Feb-2015

Divorce and Taxes

Here are Tax Tips to help you! 1) Alimony or Child Support Deductions: If you are awarded alimony in a divorce it is stipulated in your separation agreement. If you are the party paying alimony, you can usually deduct alimony on your tax return, ...

Posted By Lois Brenner 11-Jun-2014

Where There's a Will, There's a Way!

You would be surprised at the number of people who don’t have one. Of course, part of this can be explained by the fact that people do not like to think about death – especially their own. So they put off preparing a will, and put it off, ...

Posted By Lois Brenner 1-Jun-2013

Top Ten Reasons to Have a Prenuptial Agreement

A baby is on the way for Kanye West and Kim Kardashian, and if rumors are true, wedding bells may soon follow. Should they have a prenuptial agreement? Just ask Katy Perry, Madonna, and Kelsey Grammer why a prenuptial agreement is so important. But ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 12-Sep-2012

Divorcing? Get Your Financial House in Order

When considering divorce, one of the easiest things you can do for yourself is to keep your financial house in order and the way to do it is to get organized. Having your financial information stored and processed in a systematic manner will go a ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 19-Apr-2011

Financial Mistakes Married Women Make

When women fall in love, they often hand the purse strings over to their husbands. As a divorce attorney, it is the single biggest mistake I see women make. Once a woman gives all the financial decision making power to her husband, she puts herself ...

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 ...

Recent Posts in Finance

“You are truly the best divorce attorney in New York!”

“Thank you for doing such a tremendous job!”

“Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!”

“I didn’t expect to find a divorce attorney as amazing as you!”

“Keep up the good work!”

“First, you were so easy to talk to and second, you really know what you are doing!”