With spouses considering divorce during these financially trying times, I am working closely with my clients to define and carefully consider their incomes, assets and financial preparation for their lives after divorce.
When divorcing, a Statement of Net Worth is that annoying financial form your attorney/mediator sticks in front of you and says, “Fill it out!”
You look at it, start sweating, and think, “Oh no! Where do I start?”
I find that most clients dread filling out their financial statements. These are the forms required of clients in matrimonial cases in New York to disclose their income and assets.
Filling them out can be time-consuming and tedious. But, they must be done.
Sometimes clients fill them out to record their marital lifestyle. Sometimes they are used to represent what an individual will need going forward with or without children in the home.
The good news is a Statement of Net Worth will acquaint you with what you have been spending. Many clients also use this vehicle to get a handle on their budget and spending habits which may not have been on their radar.
Once your Statement Of Net Worth is completed you will have a solid picture of how much it costs to maintain your lifestyle financially and will be a road map for what it will cost to continue that lifestyle once divorced. It will also outline assets, property, etc. to be considered for negotiation and equitable distribution.
Here is a small sampling of what is needed in the Statement of Net Worth:
Family Information
Names, birth dates, family composition, occupations, employment.
Expenses
Mortgages, rent, equity loans, utilities, phones, internet, food, clothing, dry cleaning, life insurance, health insurance, dental, medical, pharmaceutical, automobiles, education, gardening, vacations & domestic help, just to name a few.
Income
Earnings, investment income, social security benefits, disability, veteran’s benefits, etc.
Assets
Cash, savings accounts, checking accounts, stocks, bonds, and real estate, followed by retirement accounts like pensions, 401 (k)s, profit sharing plans and deferred compensation plans, cars, boats, and jewelry, art, antiques and household furnishings.
Debts
Student loans, equity loans, credit card debts.
Once you have completed your Statement of Net Worth, you have a picture of how much it took to maintain your marriage financially; it will be a blueprint of the expenses to be met once divorced, and it will disclose what will be considered in equitable distribution and for negotiation.
Ask your lawyer/mediator what is needed at each stage of your case. Sometimes your lawyer may advise you to include as many luxury items as you can (such as vacations, massages, and household help).
Don’t just take a stab in the dark at your Statement of Net Worth. Make sure to have a thorough discussion with your lawyer about how to fill out your financial forms so that it will best represent the facts in your case.
For those of you considering divorce, I am currently offering a free 1 hour consultation. I will be happy to answer any and all of your questions!
For over 35 years as a divorce attorney and mediator I have been guiding spouses successfully to find the right path to divorce. If you need help with your divorce, call me today!
Our FREE 1 HOUR CONSULTATIONS are very informative and conveniently still available virtually!
I look forward to speaking with you.
Warm regards,
Lois
Call Attorney Lois Brenner Now to schedule your FREE consultation!
212.734.1551