Outstanding Conference September 21-22 at Doral Arrowwood Resort

Same Sex Divorce and Alimony Present Unique Challenges for Divorce Practitioners

Evolving legislation continues to present a challenging landscape for divorce financial planners.  Don’t miss the opportunity to sharpen your competitive edge at our 2012 ADFP Conference with focus presentations on Same Sex Marriage and Divorce as well as Trends in Alimony.  Our 10th annual conference, being held September 21-22 at the Doral Arrowwood Resort in Rye Brook, New York, will take an in-depth look at these two areas of increasing interest.

As individual states begin to legalize same sex marriage, divorce professionals are preparing for an inevitable rise in same sex divorce.  On Friday, September 21, Greg Matalon, Esq. and Robert Barnett, Esq., partners with Capell Barnett Matalon & Schoenfeld, and Lee Rosenberg, Esq., partner with Saltzman, Chetkof & Rosenberg, will provide perspectives on new waves of legislation related to Same Sex Marriage and Divorce.  With governance of marriage and divorce being largely state-specific, our esteemed speakers will address key questions of recognition and portability.  Also critical is the issue of conflict with federal law, which defines marriage as a union between one man and one woman.  Challenges related to spousal living, survivorship rights and benefits, including COBRA, ERISA and social security, as applied to same-sex couples make divorce planning for this demographic much more difficult than for traditional spouses.  If you intend to engage with this client demographic, you can’t afford to miss this specialized training in order to stay at the forefront of the issue and anticipate prospective changes on the horizon.

In addition, our 2012 conference offers a specialized course on Trends in Alimony by Nancy D. Kellman, Esq., one of the premier U.S. attorneys devoted exclusively to matrimonial and family law.  Alimony remains an elusive, moving target for divorce practitioners who understand that a one-size-fits-all model is flawed—and can result in financial disaster for many families.  On Saturday, September 22, Ms. Kellman will share decades of expertise on various approaches to calculating alimony, historical precedent versus current trends and much more on this important topic that affects all parties in a divorce, including financial planners, attorneys, judges and clients.

The 10th annual 2012 ADFP Conference, being held September 21-22, 2012, will cover topics including lifestyle analysis and valuation, presenting software analysis to clients, divorce taxation and much more.  In addition, you may also register for the pre-conference ADPF University on September 20, 2012, which offers courses on tax returns, bankruptcy, building and growing a divorce planning practice, estate planning, family law software and more.

Momentum is building for this exceptional event….I hope to see you there!

-- ADFP president Lili Vasileff

For more information and to register for the 10th Annual Conference of the Association of Divorce Financial Planners, go to www.divorceandfinance.org or call the ADFP office at 888-838-7773.

Momentum is building .........ADFP Conference 2012

http://www.divorceandfinance.org/Conference2012

Same Sex Divorce and Alimony Present Unique Challenges for Divorce Practitioners

Evolving legislation continues to present a challenging landscape for divorce financial planners.  Don’t miss the opportunity to sharpen your competitive edge at our 2012 ADFP Conference with focus presentations on Same Sex Marriage and Divorce as well as Trends in Alimony.  Our 10th annual conference, being held September 21-22 at the Doral Arrowwood Resort in Rye Brook, New York, will take an in-depth look at these two areas of increasing interest.

As individual states begin to legalize same sex marriage, divorce professionals are preparing for an inevitable rise in same sex divorce.  On Friday, September 21, Greg Matalon, Esq. and Robert Barnett, Esq., partners with Capell Barnett Matalon & Schoenfeld, and Lee Rosenberg, Esq., partner with Saltzman, Chetkof & Rosenberg, will provide perspectives on new waves of legislation related to Same Sex Marriage and Divorce.  With governance of marriage and divorce being largely state-specific, our esteemed speakers will address key questions of recognition and portability.  Also critical is the issue of conflict with federal law, which defines marriage as a union between one man and one woman.  Challenges related to spousal living, survivorship rights and benefits, including COBRA, ERISA and social security, as applied to same-sex couples make divorce planning for this demographic much more difficult than for traditional spouses.  If you intend to engage with this client demographic, you can’t afford to miss this specialized training in order to stay at the forefront of the issue and anticipate prospective changes on the horizon.

In addition, our 2012 conference offers a specialized course on Trends in Alimony by Nancy D. Kellman, Esq., one of the premier U.S. attorneys devoted exclusively to matrimonial and family law.  Alimony remains an elusive, moving target for divorce practitioners who understand that a one-size-fits-all model is flawed—and can result in financial disaster for many families.  On Saturday, September 22, Ms. Kellman will share decades of expertise on various approaches to calculating alimony, historical precedent versus current trends and much more on this important topic that affects all parties in a divorce, including financial planners, attorneys, judges and clients.

The 10th annual 2012 ADFP Conference, being held September 21-22, 2012, will cover topics including lifestyle analysis and valuation, presenting software analysis to clients, divorce taxation and much more.  In addition, you may also register for the pre-conference ADPF University on September 20, 2012, which offers courses on tax returns, bankruptcy, building and growing a divorce planning practice, estate planning, family law software and more.

Momentum is building for this exceptional event….I hope to see you there!

-- ADFP president Lili Vasileff

For more information and to register for the 10th Annual Conference of the Association of Divorce Financial Planners, go to www.divorceandfinance.org or call the ADFP office at 888-838-7773.

ADFP University Extensive Agenda Sept 2012

ADFP Unveils University Agenda for 2012 Annual Conference

ADFP is pleased to share our extensive agenda for our 2012 University Day, being held on Thursday, September 20, 2012.  The University program is offered in conjunction with the annual ADFP Conference, which will be held September 21-22 at the prestigious Doral Arrowwood Resort in Rye Brook, New York.

The robust line-up of courses offers both seasoned divorce professionals as well as those new to the industry abundant opportunity to increase the value you bring to your clients.  The full-day immersion offers exceptional content in a format designed to be tailored to your individual needs in this specialty field.

Attendees will select up to five of ten course offerings, allowing you to customize the experience to unlock the fullest potential of your individual practice.  Most courses provide Continuing Education (CE) credits. 

ADFP President Lili A. Vasileff, CFP®, CDFA™, a nationally recognized expert in divorce financial planning as well as author, writer and frequent speaker on the topic, will address issues specific to rapidly growing “Gray Divorce,” or divorce among the age 50+ demographic.

Dan Caine, JD, MBA, will lead a Family Law Software Workshop to showcase his cutting-edge divorce financial analysis software product that has revolutionized the way divorce practitioners work with their clients.

Nationally recognized divorce financial practitioner Rosemary Frank, CDFA™, will share strategic and tactical approaches to Building and Growing Your Divorce Financial Practice.  Whether just starting out or seeking to move to the next level, there will be business development ideas for everyone.

In addition, leading divorce experts will cover topics such as Long-Term Care and Divorce and Estate Planning and Divorce.  Critical Divorce Strategies for Families with Special Needs—addressing complications and financial impacts of divorce in families touched by personal disabilities—will be presented by Mary Ann Ehlert, CFP®, President and Founder of Protected Tomorrows.

Further course offerings include Bankruptcy and Divorce, Anatomy of a Tax Return, Retirement Plans and Divorce and an additional session on use of Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs), which direct distribution of retirement funds to former spouses.

In addition to the pre-conference University, you may also register for the full 2012 ADFP Conference on September 21-22.  Our 10th annual two-day conference combines the most comprehensive divorce financial planning education and networking with the exquisite Doral Arrowwood Resort experience.  Conference highlights include contemporary thought leaders covering topics including lifestyle analysis and valuation, same sex divorce, presenting software analysis to clients, divorce taxation and much more.

Discounted conference rates are available for ADFP members.  Both ADFP members and non-members are encouraged to attend.  For a complete agenda and registration information, visit the ADFP website at www.divorceandfinance.org.

We look forward to seeing you there!

-- ADFP president Lili Vasileff

For more information and to register for the 10th Annual Conference of the Association of Divorce Financial Planners, go to www.divorceandfinance.org or call the ADFP office at 888-838-7773.

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Association of Divorce Planner - Business Valuation in Divorce - Expert Education at Annual Conference Sept 23-24

Business valuation during a divorce… Whichever spouse ultimately walks away with the business, there are complex issues to consider. That’s why I’m pleased to announce we have Kenneth J. Pia, Jr., CPA, ABV, ASA, MCBA, presenting at this year’s Annual Conference of the Association of Divorce Financial Planners, September 23-24.

Partner and Director of Valuation Services at Meyers, Harrison & Pia, LLC, Mr. Pia will focus on the financial implications of the privately-held business’s value and earnings, which in many cases is the single largest asset and income source to the marital partnership.

During his session, “Integration of the Value of a Privately-Held Business in the Divorce Process,” Mr. Pia will address this complex topic in great detail, and ADFP Conference attendees will gain valuable insights so they might better understand the key points of business valuation methodologies. They, in turn, will be better able to educate our clients and legal professionals so more equitable outcomes may be achieved.”

Attendees will also have numerous other opportunities to learn divorce finance best practices from leading practitioners in our industry.

Plus, attendees will have the option to participate in the September 22 Pre-Conference ADFP University, a one-day immersion in family law software, taxes, PR strategies, and more.

I look forward to seeing you there!

Sincerely,

ADFP President, Lili Vasileff, CFP, CDFA

For more information, contact me at HYPERLINK "mailto:Lvasileff@aol.com" Lvasileff@aol.com, or at 203-622-4911.

More About the Association of Divorce Financial Planners (ADFP)

(www.divorceandfinance.org)

The ADFP is an interdisciplinary association of professionals who research and analyze personal and business financial issues, as well as tax implications related to divorce. The association develops outreach programs, training opportunities, and continuing education to financial practitioners, allied divorce professionals, and the general public. The organization is a key role player in policy making regarding divorce financial issues and holds members to high standards in professional and ethical protocols in the U.S., Canada, and other countries.

About ADFP Conference Presenter, Kenneth J. Pia, Jr., CPA, ABV, ASA, MCBA

(www.mhpcpa.com/staff_Pia.htm)

Partner and Director of Valuation Services at Meyers, Harrison & Pia, LLC, Mr. Pia has conducted valuation studies of entire businesses and partial business interests. He has appraised companies in a broad range of industries for purposes of marital dissolution, and has served as an expert witness in many courts on business valuation and analysis, economic damages, tax, and divorce related issues. In addition, Mr. Pia has successfully mediated numerous litigated financial matters, both in the area of business appraisal and marital dissolution.

Association of Divorce Financial Planners National Conference - Sept 23-24 - Nationally recognized media expert Stacy Francis

Breaking news from the President of the Association of Divorce Financial Planners…

Exciting news for ADFP members! Nationally recognized media expert Stacy Francis, CFP®, CDFA™, will be presenting at the 9th Annual Conference of the Association of Divorce Financial Planners.

We’re expecting a record attendance at this year’s Annual Conference, coming to the Doral Arrowwood Resort, September 23-24. Stacy has graciously accepted the challenge to present a present a No Cost, Low Cost PR tactics overview at the optional Pre-Conference ADFP University on September 22.

Stacy is a dynamic speaker who has taught hundreds of classes and has shared the platform with some of the top speakers in the country, including Suze Orman and Jean Chatzky. She has helped thousands of clients nationwide create more fulfilling lives through financial freedom.

She appears regularly on CNBC, CNN, Nightly Business Report, NPR, Oprah and Friends and The Today Show and has been quoted in over 100 publications such as Business Week, CNN, Dow Jones, Entrepreneur, Forbes, Glamour, Investment News, Money Magazine, MSN, Newsweek, New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal.

Join your colleagues at this year’s Pre-Conference and Stacy will show you how to:

·        Pitch yourself and your firm in a way that impresses reporters

·        Take advantage of free online tools to increase media presence

·        Write your own press releases and get thousands of Internet search hits

·        Present yourself as an authority in your field

·        Book yourself for paid speaking engagements – without relying on an agent or speakers bureau

·        Cultivate valuable relationships with the press

Hope to see your there! Check back for more ADFP Conference announcements coming soon.

Sincerely,

ADFP President, Lili Vasileff, CFP, CDFA

For more information, contact me at Lvasileff@aol.com, or at 203-622-4911.

More about the Association of Divorce Financial Planners (ADFP)

The ADFP is an interdisciplinary association of professionals who research and analyze personal and business financial issues as well as tax implications related to divorce. The association develops outreach programs, training opportunities, and continuing education to financial practitioners, allied divorce professionals, and the general public. The organization is a key role player in policy making regarding divorce financial issues and holds members to high standards in professional and ethical protocols in the U.S., Canada, and other countries.

5 Divorce Tax Cautions

5 Divorce Tax Cautions  -  Be Informed Before You Sign

Listed below are some tax pitfalls of divorce.  Mistakes happen in divorce for lack of knowledge, and those mistakes can create additional costs to divorce that could have been avoided.

1.      Not knowing how to execute an institution to institution transfer of retirement funds and having to pay taxes on those funds. 

Financial institutions’ forms are often difficult to understand.  They can be formatted or have questions that if answered wrong, could create unintended consequences such as  taxes and penalties.

2.       Not knowing when you can withdraw retirement funds from a retirement account without paying a 10% penalty if you are younger than age 59 1/2.  

      In divorce there are exceptions to the 10% penalty for distribution of certain types of retirement money to the non-participant.

3.      Failing to realize that the person who receives alimony will be taxed.  

Taxes on alimony should be added to monthly budget expenses, and some recipients of alimony should send estimated tax payments quarterly to the  IRS and their state income tax agency. 

4.      Failing to have tax credits/refunds or capital gains/losses carried forward as divisible assets listed in the settlement agreement. 

      You may unintentionally give your ex-spouse a parting gift.  Paying attention to details is vital during divorce.

5.      Not deducting your attorney fees that are attributable to receiving alimony or retirement funds, if you qualify. 

     Do you know if you qualify?  This information can potentially save thousands of dollars.

The above is not tax advice.  The cautions are for consideration and should be discussed with  a tax advisor.

Each divorce has its own unique facts and circumstances.  Divorce Financial Planners provide financial information support and settlement analysis to clients who want to make informed decisions. 

Understanding Before Signing  -  Divorce Financial Planners Make a Difference.

Courtesy of Sandy Arons    http://www.getasmartdivorce.com



Adding a Divorce Financial Planner to Your Team at the Beginning

As a couple goes through the divorce process, they will be required to make many decisions that will impact their financial well-being for years to come. The best decisions come from an early understanding of settlement alternatives and consequences before making agreements.

It often happens that both parties make assumptions and decisions out of fear and anger. Early analysis and illustrations provided by Divorce Financial Planners open discussions, expanding the likelihood of finding workable solutions.

Divorce has layers of complexity such as what is the income available, what are the current living expenses, and what will they be in the future. That’s just a few of the income and support questions, not to mention taxes. What about the property division questions such as can we afford the house, how do we split the pension plans, and what about the debt.

With the multiple shifting components of divorce financial alternatives, its no wonder divorce can be very expensive and emotionally exhausting.

Divorce Financial Planners help clients with the simple and the complex financial settlement analysis necessary to make informed decisions.

Illustrations provided by Divorce Financial Planners are tools to give clients clarity and assist their negotiations.

Divorce Financial Planners work with individuals and couples from the beginning of the divorce through the end or as needed for a specific task such as pension division or net cash flow analysis.

Divorce Financial Planners work with clients who are self-representing, in mediation, in collaborative process, and in litigation. Divorce Financial Planners work with attorneys, mediators, and other professionals as part of a cooperative team to give clients the best outcome possible.

There is a smart way to divorce, a way to see choices and consequences before you sign your agreement by using the help of a divorce financial planner. The Association of Divorce Financial Planners can help you find a financial planner in your state.