Blog Post

Father's Day

  • By Kelly Higdon
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  • 14 Jun, 2012
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Father's Day is right around the corner. It is a family holiday where we celebrate what we love about our dads. However, if your family is impacted by divorce, Father's Day can be stressful. We want to encourage mom's this year to be a model for their kids. If you want to teach your children to value other people, then show them how it is done. Take a moment and
  • Communicate with your ex spouse about the day. Let them know you are helping the kids plan something. This demonstrates to your ex-spouse that you can put your feelings about them aside and do what is best for your children. It will also reduce his stress and worry about what is going to happen that day.
  • Go with your children to purchase a card or gift or help them make a card or gift. This is another teachable moment. The value of a gift or card is not in how much it cost. The true value is in the thoughtfulness, the consideration of the other person. Sit down with your kids and see what they want purchase. If it is out of your price range then give them some other options that are similar. Work with your kids to find the right thing for dad. This effort will pay off as you also show your children what it means to care about a person. 
  • Allow your children to spend time with their father on that day, even if it isn't his day to have the kids. Visitation schedules can be flexible. You can trade weekends or another day if you go out of your way to make sure your kids are with their dad on Father's day. 
  • Be positive. Attitude is something that kids pick up on right away. Think of at least one good quality of your ex-husband and focus on that while you help your kids. This lessens the tension for your children and allows them to not have to worry about the strain of the divorce while they celebrate. 
  • Ask for what you need. If you want to have the kids the whole weekend. Ask and offer to help out your ex-wife by doing the same on her birthday or another holiday. If you don't ask for what you want it has the potential to build resentment which doesn't do any good for your family.
  • Whether near or far, spend time with your kids. The great thing now about technology is that even if you live far away, you can still see your kids. It may not be the same as being with them for the day, but it can bring a bit of joy to the celebration. 
  • Take care of yourself. It is not uncommon for divorced men to feel depressed on a holiday. They can feel alone and isolated, especially if they cannot spend time with their children. If that is you, have a plan to go out with a friend or doing something fun. Focus on what you love about your children. 

Timing Is Everything

By Laura Rosauer • 31 Jul, 2018
Like it or not, the tax laws are changing.  New tax laws that take effect January 1, 2019 may also impact your divorce.  Understanding the new tax laws may help you decide if it's better to complete your divorce by December 31 or wait until the new year.  The attached article provides a good summary.  
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/27/your-money/divorce-tax-law.html?smprod=nytcore-ipad&smid=nytcore-ipad-share

Whether you divorce in 2018 or wait until next year, California Mediation Solutions will help you resolve your divorce timely, efficiently, and cost-effectively.  Call today for a free consultation.  951-328-8400.

Declaring Your Independence

By Laura Rosauer • 18 Jul, 2018
July is all about celebrating our independence, but if you're getting divorced, do you know how to create your own freedom and independence in your new life? 

Changes in Tax Laws Affect Spousal Support

By Laura Rosauer • 15 Feb, 2018
Divorce or legal separation can be an emotional and financial rollercoaster.  When one spouse makes more than the other spouse, the Court may order the higher income earner to pay the other spouse alimony, or spousal support.  For as long as most of us divorce attorneys can remember, spousal support has been a tax deduction for the payor spouse and taxable income to the spouse receiving it.  

However, that's all about to change.

Commencing January 1, 2019, spousal support will no longer be a federal tax deduction for the payor spouse and will not be taxable income to the paying spouse.  Since the new tax law only affects spousal support orders made on or after January 1, 2019, divorce attorneys and the courts expect this will increase the number of divorces in 2018.

California's current spousal support guidelines (Family Code section 4320), were constructed with tax provisions in mind.  However, with the changes to the federal tax laws starting January 1, 2019, this could impact the amount of spousal support.  For example, if the payor's taxes increase, the amount of spousal support will likely decrease.  This, in all likelihood, will affect child support if the payor has less income available after taxes to pay child support.  

The changes in the federal tax laws may give some unhappy couples an incentive to untie the knot and resolve their divorce case before the end of 2018.  California Mediation Solutions has helped divorcing couples determine the appropriate amount of spousal support in order to reach an agreement outside of court.  Contact us today for a free consultation to see how divorce mediation can resolve your case before the tax laws change.  951-328-8400

You should consult your accountant or tax advisor to see how these tax law changes will affect you.

Things are heating up! How to handle heated arguments

By Laura Rosauer • 14 Aug, 2014
Summer is officially in full swing and things have been heating up around the U.S. Sweat is beading on our foreheads and we’re looking for ways to cool down, while still enjoying the sunshine and outdoors...

Summer Vacation Planning for Divorced Parents - Co-Parenting When the Heat is On

By Amy Ramsey • 16 Jun, 2014
And don’t forget to plan financially! Summer camps and increased childcare throughout the summer will cost money. Make a plan to cover these expenses and ensure both parties understand who’s in charge of what.
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