Financial Fear During Divorce

Fear of a compromised financial future is common during divorce. Understanding the fear—and knowing what to do about it—is essential.

Because of the requirement to divide debt and assets during divorce, couples of all ages are concerned about getting their fair share. For individuals closer to retirement, the need is more urgent with fewer years remaining to rebuild a nest egg.

With longer term marriages, a significant disparity may exist between the earning potential of spouses. For a less-monied spouse who has been out of the workforce, financial worries can include:

• An incomplete picture of the assets and income of the household
• Lack of knowledge about household debt load, leading to unfortunate surprises when the true financial condition becomes known
• A poor understanding of the household budget and lifestyle costs
• Insufficient individual credit history
• Financial and other threats made by a partner in hopes of securing unfair agreements, unfair child custody or financial arrangements

Each of these fears is realistic but can be addressed with assiduous homework and by retaining skilled legal counsel. Consider these tips to fight financial fear during your divorce process:

• Become informed: Review and copy bank, tax, investment and other statements. Review the checkbook and credit card statements to understand what you need to move forward.
• Check your credit: Order a credit report. Review and close unneeded or joint accounts. An unused home equity loan can lower your credit score and leave you financially vulnerable. Apply for credit in your own name if you have not already done so.
• Retain legal counsel: Work with experienced, aggressive legal counsel to protect your rights, finances and future.

When Does a Spouse Have Rights to a Revocable Trust?

For numerous reasons, individuals or couples may choose to place property in revocable trusts. These trusts hold the property during the grantor’s lifetime and then pass that wealth onto heirs when the grantor dies. When a trust is revocable, the grantor can change the terms, including the named beneficiary, at any time. The question for couples going through a divorce is whether a grantor spouse can amend the trust to remove the other spouse as beneficiary. The answer depends on the original terms of the trust, the timing of its formation, and the source of the assets that funded the trust.

If both spouses are named as grantors, the court will operate under the presumption that the trust funds are marital property and should be divided equitably. But if only one spouse established the trust, it is possible that the trust is separate property, and the grantor spouse might be free to amend its terms.

However, the signature on the trust might simply be a formality. What’s more important is when the trust was established and where the funds came from. If a grantor formed the trust before the marriage and only added the spouse as beneficiary in consideration of marriage or after the wedding, the court could treat the trust and its funds as separate property. If the grantor formed the trust during the marriage, he or she would have to show that only separate property funded the trust. If the grantor used joint assets at any time to fund the trust, the court will consider it marital property and divide it equitably.

Finally, the court can use trust income as a factor in determining child support and alimony.

Free Consultation with Divorce Lawyer in Utah

If you have a question about divorce law or if you need to start or defend against a divorce case in Utah call Ascent Law at (801) 676-5506. We will fight for you.

Michael Anderson

People who want a lot of Bull go to a Butcher. People who want results navigating a complex legal field go to a Lawyer that they can trust. That’s where I come in. I am Michael Anderson, an Attorney in the Salt Lake area focusing on the needs of the Average Joe wanting a better life for him and his family. I’m the Lawyer you can trust. I grew up in Utah and love it here. I am a Father to three, a Husband to one, and an Entrepreneur. I understand the feelings of joy each of those roles bring, and I understand the feeling of disappointment, fear, and regret when things go wrong. I attended the University of Utah where I received a B.A. degree in 2010 and a J.D. in 2014. I have focused my practice in Wills, Trusts, Real Estate, and Business Law. I love the thrill of helping clients secure their future, leaving a real legacy to their children. Unfortunately when problems arise with families. I also practice Family Law, with a focus on keeping relationships between the soon to be Ex’s civil for the benefit of their children and allowing both to walk away quickly with their heads held high. Before you worry too much about losing everything that you have worked for, before you permit yourself to be bullied by your soon to be ex, before you shed one more tear in silence, call me. I’m the Lawyer you can trust.

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