The Connections Bridgewater Somerville Edition Feb 2020

FEB/MARCH 2020 THE BRIDGEWATER-SOMERVILLE CONNECTION PAGE 27 ! % "*! !' % ( ' %% ! !" # " $ """ !" # " BEST & ' ! +# % ! , *, %& "(% " & '" #%") ,"( * ' &"(! #% ' ) ! )" , ( ! ,"( '" "(' " & ' ' ' ,"(% ! & ! # ,"( # ! ,"(% ('(% &'% ) '" & %) "(% !'& !' , ! " # && "! ' , # ! % ( ' "' "! ! ! ! '" "! ,"(% , ! ,"(% % '& ' ) %, &' " ' #%" && "! ( ' ! ' ! ,& & " ,"(% & * (! %&' ! ! * ' & #"%' !' '" ,"( (% *, %& #%") #% ' ( ! ) ! % " ! ' "!& '" # "(% !'& &' & % &' " ' ) & ! (! %&' ! ' ) % "(& "#' "!& ' ' % &#"& - &&" (' "!& " %% ) (! "!& ! " &' # %'! %& #& - (&'" , # % !' ! ' &(##"%' ! " "!'% (' "!& - "!, ! # "!, - $( ' &'% (' "! " && '& ! ' & - "&' ( !' '' %& - " &' ) " ! - ' "! ! " "% ' ) )"% - % '% ' "! ! # % !' ! ""% ! ' "! Divorce requires people to clearly understand their financial circum- stances, something many do not take time to do as a matter of course. In some families, this can be complicated especially when incomes may be derived from numerous sources, or assets are difficult to value, such as a business or professional practice. In families who have W-2 incomes, a handful of bank accounts and retire- ment assets, and perhaps a mortgage or car loan, this can be much simpler. Still, the challenge for all families is two-fold: identify and obtain compre- hensive information, and then make sense of it so either a reasonable set- tlement can be reached, or, if there is a trial, the judge can understand it. Whether finances are simple or com- plex, New Jersey courts use a form called a Family Part Case Information Statement (CIS), which provides a for- mat for divorcing parties to describe the family finances, detailing incomes, itemizing monthly budgets and identi- fying and valuing all assets and debts. Many people do not have a clear sense of all this, so when divorce suddenly requires examination of your financial picture, it can be a daunting task. It is wise to familiarize yourself with your family finances even when divorce is not an issue. Whether single, contem- plating marriage, or happily married, your financial health is critical. If you are heading to divorce, you will need to begin gathering financial infor- mation. Documents to help you get started, whether with a lawyer, media- tor, or meeting with your spouse to work out a settlement, include, at a minimum: recent tax returns, W-2s and 1099s; pay stubs showing current and year-to-date income/deductions; state- ments for all bank, investment and retirement accounts; and statements for all debts (mortgage, car loan, cred- it cards). One of the more challenging tasks in the process is calculating your budget. This is critical as support is based, in part, on the marital lifestyle. How have you spent money? What is essential? What can you do without? After the divorce, you may move to a smaller home and significantly reduce your shelter expenses. Transportation and personal expenses such as car insur- ance, the cost of fuel and maintenance for your car, your prescriptions, your groceries, and necessary child care may not change. At the same time, other expenses such as securing separate health insurance coverage if you have been covered under a spouse’s policy might increase. To establish your exist- ing budget, as well as your future budget, it is important to review your bank statements and credit card bills at least over the past year (longer if the past year does not adequately repre- sent on-going spending patterns). If you haven’t retained statements, you can request them from your bank and credit card companies. Reviewing these records can be tedious, but it is incred- ibly valuable when you are making decisions that will determine your financial future. If you use cash to pay for smaller expenses, start keeping a journal of what you buy. You would be amazed at how much money is expended. For example, a cup of cof- fee at Starbucks 5 days a week may amount to nearly $100 per month! Do your homework. Having a solid understanding of your finances will serve you greatly in settling your divorce and planning your future. FINANCIAL LITERACY AND DIVORCE By: Amy Wechsler, Esq. theconnectionsnj.com