Recent Posts in Finance Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 17-Aug-2022 Wondering How a Divorce Will Affect You Financially? Even if you are not quite ready to get divorced, you need to be informed and financially prepared. A wonderful stable marriage is usually the stepping stone to creating family wealth. Divorce, on the other hand, is the opposite. It’s often ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 13-Jul-2022 5 Tips for Choosing the Right Financial Advisor to Be Part of Your Divorce Team! Choosing a financial advisor to assist while you are divorcing is a major life decision that can determine your financial future for years to come. During these uncertain financially difficult times, It is especially important! As a divorce attorney ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 5-Jul-2022 Do You Have Divorce Anxiety During These Financially Difficult Times? Are you thinking about divorcing but afraid to take the first step? Is the thought of getting a divorce keeping you up at night? Do you get heart palpitations every time you start googling divorce attorneys? Are you afraid this is a bad time ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 1-Jul-2022 Considering Divorce? Need Help With Your Statement of Net Worth? With spouses considering divorce during these financially trying times, I am working closely with my clients to define and carefully consider their incomes, assets and financial preparation for their lives after divorce. When divorcing, a Statement ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 22-Jun-2022 Don't Delay Your Divorce Due to Inflation! Your Divorce Could Cost More later! Are you waiting to divorce because of inflation? If you are, don’t! There is no need to. It could actually cost you more later… Delaying your divorce because you’re afraid of a decrease in income, your diminishing assets portfolio ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 18-Apr-2022 Is Your Spouse Hiding Assets? As a divorce attorney and psychologically trained mediator with over 35 years of experience, I advise couples getting married to pay attention to the family finances. Both parties should know about the assets, taxes, real estate etc. I encourage ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 23-Mar-2022 10 Financially Smart Divorce Tips! 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. Knowing how easy or difficult the process will be depends on you and how your spouse responds. The better ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 14-Mar-2022 Your High Net Worth Divorce Deserves Specialized Representation! As a psychologically trained New York divorce attorney/mediator for more than 35 years, I have handled many financially complex, high net worth, high profile and celebrity divorces. Divorce is complex, painful and never easy, but divorces involving ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 7-Feb-2022 Getting Your Finances in Order for Divorce! 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 ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 12-Jan-2022 I Can Help With Your High Net Worth Divorce! As a psychologically-trained New York divorce lawyer/mediator for more than 35 years, I have handled many financially complex, high net worth, prominent, and celebrity divorces. Divorce is never easy, but divorces involving large amounts of money, ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 6-Dec-2021 Financially Smart Divorce Tips! 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 the process will depend on you and how your spouse responds. The better prepared ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 22-Nov-2021 Answers to Your Questions About Equitable Distribution! As a divorce attorney and mediator for over 35 years, I have been guiding many spouses on the process of divorce. The more educated you are about divorce, the better decisions you can make. Today I am going to answer some of your questions about ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 17-Nov-2021 My 4 Tips to Protect and Build Your Credit Score After Divorce! Divorce simply put, is a mess! It’s emotional, financial, and painful! Even after the divorce is complete you can be left with lingering effects. This is especially true when it comes to your credit. During a divorce, you often have to untangle ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 1-Oct-2021 Need Help With Your High Net Worth Divorce? As a New York divorce lawyer for more than 35 years, I have handled many financially complex, high net worth, and celebrity divorces. Let’s face it, divorce is never easy, but divorces involving large amounts of money, property, and other ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 15-Sep-2021 What's 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 infidelity, what is ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 28-Jul-2021 Are You Sure Your Spouse Is Paying the Taxes? As a psychologically trained divorce attorney and meditator, I have handled thousands of cases over the last 35+ years. I have had many lightbulb moments. What spouses can do to ruin a marriage may surprise you. So let me share a story with you that ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 5-Jul-2021 Need Help With Your Statement of Net Worth? As a divorce attorney/ mediator for over 35 years, I have seen many clients look scared when I hand them a Statement of Net Worth. The good news is there is nothing to fear, and I’m here to help! I find that most clients hate filling out their ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 30-Jun-2021 Financial Savvy for Divorcing Women! Now more than ever, women need to take control of their finances. Women in bad marriages are suffering and struggling to find a financially secure way out! Many women have traditionally left their financial futures in the hands of their husbands. ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 7-Jun-2021 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, like that of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West who filed in February. In addition to the types of issues present in typical ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 17-May-2021 Are You Being Kept in the Dark About the Family Finances? Are you denied the right to see banking or investment statements? Are you told to sign a tax statement without reading it? If so, your spouse is controlling you, keeping you in the dark and is probably hiding assets. At many of my seminars over the ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 26-Feb-2021 What Women Need to Know to Financially Prepare for Divorce! There are over 10 million female-owned businesses in America. These companies are generating more than $2.5 trillion. Now more than ever, women need to take control of their finances. With the pandemic these female-owned businesses are struggling and ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 4-Dec-2020 10 Financially Smart COVID Divorce Tips! 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. How easy or difficult the process will be depends on you and how your spouse responds. The better prepared you ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 13-Nov-2020 4 Tips to Protect and Build Your Credit Score After Divorce! Divorce simply put, is a mess! It’s emotional, financial and painful! Even after the divorce is complete you can be left with lingering effects. This is especially true when it comes to your credit. During a divorce you often have to untangle ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 6-Nov-2020 High Net Worth Divorce Mistakes! High Net Worth Divorce cases can be complicated and highly emotional. The proceedings (litigation) or negotiations (mediation) can be exhausting as both parties wrestle for what they feel they deserve. As a skilled high net worth divorce ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 4-Nov-2020 Let Me Answer Your Questions About Equitable Distribution! As a divorce attorney and mediator for more than 35 years, I have been guiding many spouses on the process of divorce. The more educated you are about divorce, the better decisions you can make. Today I am going to answer some of your questions about ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 7-Oct-2020 Taking Your First Divorce Step! When did you start thinking about divorce? Was it during the coronavirus pandemic? 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 ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 5-Oct-2020 What is a Statement of Net Worth? 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! ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 23-Sep-2020 My Spouse is Hiding Assets! What Can I Do? During my free one-hour consultations 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, as a divorce attorney and ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 7-Sep-2020 3 Tips for Dividing Property in Your Divorce! When a marriage ends there are difficult decisions to make including fair division of property. When a couple can work together using my mediation process, they can decide together how to split property, debts, and assets. When mediation is not ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 2-Sep-2020 5 Tips for Choosing the Right Financial Advisor to Help With Your Divorce Choosing a financial advisor to assist while you are divorcing is a major life decision that can determine your financial future for years to come. As a divorce attorney and mediator, I have a team of experts to assist my clients with various aspects ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 21-Aug-2020 6 Steps to End a Toxic Marriage Relationships that have unhealthy patterns like abuse, infidelity, addictions, and so on, are more common than you think. This is a serious problem, and its affects can be paralyzing. Lots of people on the outside often wonder why you stay in an ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 12-Aug-2020 Do You Need Help With Your Divorce Checklist? Divorce affects every aspect of your life. Asking questions important to you during your initial consultation with a divorce attorney/mediator is key to navigating your path to a successful divorce. Preparing for your divorce consultation is an ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 7-Aug-2020 Who Can You Trust With Your High Net Worth Divorce? Divorce litigators want you to think your complex or high value estate divorce can only be fairly resolved by courtroom litigation. This is false. In fact, spouses with high net worth have a great deal to gain via mediation, as well as much to lose ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 3-Aug-2020 Thinking of Divorce During This Turbulent Time? Divorce is not something you planned for when you walked blissfully down the aisle. Imagine also having to manage your family and finances during this turbulent time surrounded by a pandemic. If you are thinking of divorce, now more than ever, ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 24-Jul-2020 7 Signs Your Spouse is 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?” I advise couples getting married to pay attention to ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 20-Jul-2020 Divorce Story! As a divorce attorney, and psychologically-trained mediator, I hear all kinds of diverse divorce stories. I have decided to share some of these stories monthly with you. Naturally, I will change the names and some of the details to protect my ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 17-Jul-2020 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. 15-Jul-2020 The 3 P's of Divorce Mediation! Positive, Productive & Peaceful For over 35 years I have served the NYC area as a psychologically-trained divorce attorney and mediator. After witnessing the pain of many couples day after day, I decided to develop a unique mediation process to address divorce in a more humane and ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 13-Jul-2020 What Women Need to Know to Financially Prepare for Divorce! There are over 10 million female-owned businesses in America. These companies are generating more than $2.5 trillion dollars. Now more than ever, women need to take control of their finances. Women are more financially successful than ever before! ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 8-Jul-2020 Top 5 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 ... Continue Reading 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 ... Continue Reading 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 ... Continue Reading 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 ... Continue Reading 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 ... Continue Reading 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 ... Continue Reading 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 ... Continue Reading 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 ... Continue Reading 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 ... Continue Reading 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 ... Continue Reading 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 ... Continue Reading 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 ... Continue Reading 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 ... Continue Reading 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 ... Continue Reading 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, ... Continue Reading 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 ... Continue Reading 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 ... Continue Reading 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 ... Continue Reading 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 ... Continue Reading 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 ... Continue Reading 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. ... Continue Reading 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 ... Continue Reading 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 ... Continue Reading 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 ... Continue Reading 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 ... Continue Reading 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. 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 ... Continue Reading 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 ... 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. 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 ... Continue Reading 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 ... Continue Reading 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 ... Continue Reading 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 ... Continue Reading 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 ... 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. 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 ... 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. 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 ... 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. 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 ... Continue Reading 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 ... Continue Reading 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 ... 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. 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 ... 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. 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 ... Continue Reading 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 ... Continue Reading 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 ... 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. 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. ... 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. 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 ... 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. 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 ... Continue Reading 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 ... Continue Reading 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 ... Continue Reading 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 ... Continue Reading 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, ... Continue Reading 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, ... Continue Reading 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 ... Continue Reading 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 ... Continue Reading 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 ... 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