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Divorce is A Shit Sandwich

(Because it is, right?!)

Does Back to School = Back to Stress? Try These Simple Steps to Make the Transition Smoother

When my kids were younger, I was always conflicted as the school year started. I was ready for the return to routine but also reluctant to embrace everything that comes with the start of a new year: social stresses, homework, and a whole new batch of schedules to manage.

Add in two homes, adult work schedules, and coparenting challenges, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed – and it’s not even Labor Day!

But don’t give up! This week’s blog post offers four strategies you can use (even in a high conflict situation!) to reduce stress and keep the focus on the kids. 🍎✏️🎒

Do you have a tough question? Ask away. I’ll find the right experts to weigh in and make sure you’re getting the input you need.

Question:
I took out a student loan when I was married. Is my ex required to help pay it off as part of the divorce?

Answer:

I reached out to Brianna Beski, a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst for Raymond James based here In Colorado (where we are both physically located) for an answer to this question. Here’s what she shared:

This issue addresses spousal debt: debt that has been acquired during the marriage. During divorce, any outstanding debts are treated like marital property.

When it comes to student loans, the short answer is that it depends on your specific situation. Here are questions to ask:

• Was the student debt incurred during the marriage?
• Did the other spouse co-sign on the loans?
• Did you consolidate the student loans and other debt during the course of the marriage?

Brianna notes that spousal debt is an important part of any divorce discussion since it is treated as marital property and will be divided equitably (see her blog post on property distribution in an equitable state). Talking with a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst is a good way to get clarity around the specifics of your situation.

Here I’ll share some of the books, websites, podcasts and experts to help make your journey a little less shitty!

Brianna is an experienced Certified Divorce Financial Analyst focused on the financial complexities specific to divorce. She can help you make educated decisions throughout the process that will save you time and money, and incorporate the short- and long-term impact of settlement, including tax liabilities and benefits.

➡️ Join her FREE Webinar on Wednesday, September 18, at 1 pm

“Untangling Finances: 7 Steps to Understanding and Organizing Your Assets Before Divorce.” Register here.

Brianna also has a blog addressing a range of pertinent financial issues and is happy to a free consultation so you can ask her about the nuances of your case. Click here to schedule a time.

For more information about CDFAs, questions to ask, and a directory of local CDFAs, visit institutecdfa.com.

I am a corporate communications VP turned Certified Divorce Coach, and I created the Better Than Before Divorce™️  program for those early in the divorce process who want to reduce the impact of divorce on themselves and their children, minimize conflict and come out BETTER on the other side. Throughout my career I have worked to help executives, teams and individuals communicate succinctly, with clarity, intention, and impact, and I love using these skills to provide support and confidence to women and men tangled in the web of divorce.

My Better Than Before Divorce™️ clients benefit from my 25+ years of experience in crisis communications, branding and marketing, as well as my calm strength and commitment to tangible results. I am also a trained mediator, I’ve completed Colorado’s Collaborative Divorce Level I and II trainings, and I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology and an M.S. in Organizational Dynamics from the University of Pennsylvania.

I hope you found this information useful. Please share your feedback HERE anytime, and visit the rest my website, betterthanbeforedivorce.com, for more information on private coaching, or the Better Than Before Divorce™ online course.