How to Keep Divorce Costs from Spiraling Out of Control | Los Angeles Divorce

Posted by Tim Blankenship on

 

How to Keep Divorce Costs from Spiraling Out of Control

Divorce can feel like a financial black hole, swallowing your savings and leaving you with unexpected bills. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With the right knowledge and approach, you can navigate the divorce process without draining your bank account. I’m Tim Blankenship from Divorce661, and in this article, I’ll share proven strategies to keep your divorce costs manageable, avoid unnecessary expenses, and protect your financial future.

Why Do Divorce Costs Get Out of Control?

Many couples find themselves overwhelmed by the sheer expense of divorce. The truth is, prolonged disputes and drawn-out court battles are the main culprits behind skyrocketing costs. When couples fight over every minor detail, the legal fees pile up quickly—often costing tens of thousands of dollars.

Attorney fees, court appearances, and multiple hearings can drain your resources, both financially and emotionally. This cycle of conflict not only delays closure but also adds layers of complexity to an already difficult situation. Understanding these pitfalls is the first step toward avoiding them and keeping your finances intact.

The Cost of Prolonged Litigation

Traditional divorce litigation is notorious for being expensive. Each court hearing requires preparation, legal research, and attorney time, all of which add to your bill. When couples engage in back-and-forth disputes over custody, asset division, or support, these costs multiply.

Moreover, the emotional toll of contentious litigation can exacerbate the situation, leading to more disagreements and even more legal fees. Recognizing when to put an end to unnecessary battles is crucial for protecting your financial and emotional well-being.

Choosing Your Battles: Prioritize Peace Over Petty Disputes

One of the most effective ways to keep costs down is by focusing on what truly matters. Not every disagreement requires a courtroom showdown. By choosing your battles wisely, you can prevent legal fees from spiraling out of control.

Prioritizing peace and cooperation over conflict not only saves money but also makes the divorce process smoother and less stressful. Remember, the goal is to move forward, not to win every argument.

How to Identify When to Let Go

  • Evaluate the significance of the issue: Is this a deal-breaker, or something minor that can be negotiated?
  • Consider the financial impact: Will fighting over this point cost more than it’s worth?
  • Think about long-term consequences: Will this dispute affect your future relationship or co-parenting?

By being strategic about where you invest your energy and legal resources, you save money and reduce conflict.

Mediation and Flat Fee Services: Smart Alternatives to Litigation

If both parties are amicable or at least willing to cooperate, mediation and flat fee divorce services offer a cost-effective alternative to courtroom battles. These options can save thousands of dollars compared to traditional litigation.

What is Mediation?

Mediation involves a neutral third party who helps couples negotiate and reach agreements outside of court. This process is typically faster, less adversarial, and more affordable.

Mediation allows couples to maintain control over decisions rather than leaving them to a judge. It promotes communication and often leads to more satisfactory outcomes for both parties.

Flat Fee Divorce Services Explained

Flat fee divorce services provide a predictable, upfront cost for handling your divorce, eliminating the surprise of hourly billing. These services usually cover drafting documents, filing paperwork, and guiding you through the process with minimal court involvement.

For example, a couple who initially spent nearly $40,000 on attorney fees was able to finalize their divorce within weeks for one flat fee through Divorce661, avoiding court drama and saving thousands. This real-life story highlights how smart choices can lead to significant savings.

When to Use Legal Advice and When to Save Your Money

Not every step of a divorce requires the expertise of an attorney. Many routine tasks, such as filling out forms or answering basic questions, can be handled through neutral services at a fraction of the cost.

Strategic spending means reserving legal advice for complex issues where it truly matters—such as contested custody, significant asset division, or complicated support arrangements.

How to Identify Tasks That Don’t Require Legal Expertise

  • Filing uncontested divorce paperwork
  • Basic document preparation and submission
  • Scheduling and coordinating filings and court dates

By delegating these tasks to affordable services, you keep your budget focused on the areas that need professional legal guidance.

Benefits of a Peaceful, Affordable Divorce

Choosing an amicable approach to divorce isn’t just about saving money—it also reduces stress and sets a positive foundation for your post-divorce life. Avoiding costly court battles means you can focus on healing and moving forward.

Here’s what you gain by keeping your divorce affordable and peaceful:

  1. Financial stability: Preserve your savings and avoid debt.
  2. Emotional well-being: Reduce conflict and stress during a difficult time.
  3. Control over outcomes: Make decisions collaboratively rather than leaving them to a judge.
  4. Faster resolution: Finalize your divorce more quickly and start your new chapter sooner.

How Divorce661 Can Help You Save Money and Stress

At Divorce661, we specialize in providing flat-fee divorce services that are 100% remote and require no court appearances. We serve all of California with a focus on peaceful resolutions that save time and money.

Our approach is designed to be faster, simpler, and more affordable than traditional litigation, helping couples avoid the costly pitfalls that often accompany divorce.

We offer a free consultation to help you understand your options and develop a plan that aligns with your financial goals and needs. By choosing Divorce661, you’re taking control of your divorce costs and paving the way for a smoother transition.

Take Control of Your Divorce Costs Today

Divorce doesn’t have to cost tens of thousands of dollars or drag on indefinitely. By understanding the common traps and choosing smart, strategic approaches—like mediation and flat fee services—you can keep your divorce affordable and stress-free.

Remember these key takeaways:

  • Avoid prolonged disputes that escalate legal fees.
  • Choose your battles wisely and focus on what truly matters.
  • Consider mediation and flat fee services as cost-effective alternatives.
  • Save your money for legal advice where it’s absolutely necessary.

If you’re facing divorce and want to avoid sticker shock, visit Divorce661.com for a free consultation. Let’s work together to make your divorce process affordable, efficient, and as peaceful as possible.

“A couple came to us after spending nearly $20,000 each on attorneys—and still weren’t divorced. We finalized their entire case within weeks for one flat fee and no court drama.” – Tim Blankenship, Divorce661

Share Your Experience and Help Others

How much did your divorce cost—or almost cost? Sharing your story can help others avoid the same pitfalls and save money. Join the conversation and contribute to a community focused on smart, affordable divorce solutions.

For more resources and support, connect with Divorce661 on social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and our podcast. Empower yourself with knowledge and take the first step toward a financially sound divorce today.

How to Keep Divorce Costs Low Without Cutting Corners | Los Angeles Divorce

Posted by Tim Blankenship on

 

How to Keep Divorce Costs Low Without Cutting Corners

Divorce is often seen as a costly and stressful process, but it doesn’t have to be that way. If you’re navigating a divorce, especially an amicable one, managing expenses while avoiding mistakes is crucial. I’m Tim Blankenship from Divorce661, and I’m here to share practical insights on how you can keep your divorce costs low without cutting corners or risking errors that could end up costing you more.

The Secret to Saving Money: Avoid Unnecessary Steps, Not Essential Ones

One of the biggest misconceptions about saving money during a divorce is that you should skip steps. In reality, the key is to avoid unnecessary steps, not essential ones. This means focusing on simplifying the process, staying out of court whenever possible, and working cooperatively with your spouse.

By doing so, you avoid the costly back-and-forth that often comes with contested divorces. Court battles, extensive negotiations, and drawn-out legal procedures rack up bills quickly. Instead, aim for an amicable resolution where both parties agree on key issues such as asset division, child custody, and support.

Why Avoiding Court Saves Money

Court appearances generally mean hourly legal fees, additional court costs, and increased stress. When couples can come to an agreement outside of court, the process is faster and much more affordable. This approach also reduces the emotional toll divorce can take, allowing both parties to move forward with less conflict.

When You Don’t Need a Lawyer—and What to Use Instead

Many people assume that hiring a law firm is mandatory for any divorce. However, especially in uncontested or amicable cases, this simply isn’t true. At Divorce661, we’ve seen clients who were quoted $10,000 or more by traditional law firms for straightforward cases. Yet, we’ve helped finalize those same divorces for a fraction of that cost.

So, what’s the alternative? Professional divorce services that offer flat-fee packages tailored to uncontested divorces. These services handle everything from filing your paperwork to obtaining the final judgment, without the surprise charges or billable hours that come with traditional legal representation.

The Benefits of Flat-Fee Divorce Services

  • Predictable Costs: You know upfront what you’ll pay, so there are no surprises or hidden fees.
  • Full Service: Professional handling of all paperwork, filings, and disclosures.
  • Remote Convenience: No need to visit offices or attend court appointments, saving you time and travel expenses.
  • Efficiency: Cases are completed quickly and correctly the first time.

Choosing a flat-fee service is especially effective for couples who are on the same page and want to avoid the drawn-out process of traditional divorce litigation.

Why DIY Divorce Forms Often Backfire

Many people try to save money by completing divorce paperwork themselves, using DIY forms found online. While this seems like a cost-effective solution, it often backfires. Paperwork submitted incorrectly or incompletely can be rejected or delayed by the court, which leads to frustration and additional expenses. In the end, trying to do it yourself without expert guidance can cost more than hiring a professional service upfront.

Getting it right the first time is vital to keeping costs low. At Divorce661, we make sure your paperwork is prepared accurately and in compliance with California’s legal requirements. This saves you time, stress, and money.

A Real Client Story: How We Saved a Couple Thousands

Let me share a recent example that illustrates how an amicable divorce can be handled affordably and efficiently. A couple initially tried to manage their divorce on their own using DIY forms. Unfortunately, their paperwork was rejected multiple times, causing delays and growing frustration.

When they came to us, we took over the process and finalized their entire case in just two weeks. Our flat-fee service cost them less than a quarter of what a law firm had originally quoted. They were able to split everything amicably and quickly, without the stress and uncertainty of handling it alone.

This story highlights the importance of expert assistance—even in seemingly simple cases—and how it can lead to significant savings while ensuring a smooth, stress-free process.

Steps to Simplify Your Divorce and Keep Costs Low

Here’s a step-by-step approach to help you keep your divorce simple, low-cost, and effective:

  1. Communicate Openly: Start by discussing your goals and concerns with your spouse. Aim for agreement on major issues like property division and custody.
  2. Avoid Court When Possible: Work towards an uncontested divorce to minimize court fees and legal battles.
  3. Choose Flat-Fee Services: Opt for professional divorce services that offer transparent pricing and comprehensive support.
  4. Prepare Your Paperwork Correctly: Avoid DIY mistakes by using experts who ensure all documents meet legal standards.
  5. Stay Organized and Responsive: Timely communication and submission of paperwork keeps the process moving smoothly.
  6. Seek Professional Guidance When Needed: Even amicable cases can benefit from expert advice to prevent costly errors.

Why Work With Divorce661?

At Divorce661, we specialize in helping amicable couples in California complete their divorces quickly, affordably, and correctly. Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Flat-Fee Divorce Services: No hourly charges or hidden costs.
  • Comprehensive Handling: We manage everything from filing to final judgment.
  • 100% Remote Process: No need for court visits or office appointments.
  • Fast and Friendly Service: We prioritize efficiency and clear communication.
  • Experienced Professionals: We know the ins and outs of California divorce law to get it done right the first time.

If you want to keep your divorce simple, low-cost, and stress-free without sacrificing quality, our team is here to help. We provide free consultations to discuss your case and the best options for your unique situation.

Final Thoughts: Save Money and Get It Done Right

Divorce doesn’t have to drain your wallet or become a prolonged battle. By focusing on cooperation, avoiding unnecessary court appearances, and choosing flat-fee professional services, you can keep costs low without cutting corners.

Remember, saving money isn’t about skipping important steps—it’s about avoiding costly mistakes and streamlining the process. Whether you’re just starting your divorce journey or are stuck with paperwork and uncertainty, expert help is available to guide you through efficiently and affordably.

Visit Divorce661.com for a free consultation and find out how we can help you save money and get your divorce done right.

Engage With Us

Have you been quoted a price for your divorce? Share your experience in the comments. Let’s start a conversation about affordable divorce solutions and how to make this challenging time easier for everyone involved.

 

How to Keep Your Divorce Affordable and Hassle-Free | Los Angeles Divorce

Posted by Tim Blankenship on

 

How to Keep Your Divorce Affordable and Hassle-Free

Divorce can often feel like a daunting and expensive process, but it doesn’t have to be. Many people assume that hiring an attorney is the only way to navigate the complexities of divorce, leading to unnecessary expenses and stress. However, there are effective strategies to achieve a smooth, affordable divorce without breaking the bank. Here’s how you can make your divorce easy, low-cost, and stress-free.

Step 1: Skip the Lawyers

The first step in keeping your divorce affordable is to consider whether you really need a lawyer. If you and your spouse can agree on all major issues, hiring an attorney may not be necessary. Traditional legal representation can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 or more, even for straightforward cases. Instead, explore options that allow you to handle your divorce without an attorney, which can save you significant amounts of money.

At Divorce661, we specialize in providing affordable divorce services without the need for a lawyer. Our flat-fee pricing model ensures that you know exactly what you’re paying upfront, eliminating any surprise costs associated with hourly billing.

Step 2: File Your Divorce Correctly the First Time

Filing your divorce paperwork correctly is crucial to avoiding delays and additional expenses. Many people don’t realize that incomplete or incorrect filings can lead to court rejections, forcing you to resubmit paperwork multiple times. This not only prolongs the process but also increases costs due to additional filing fees and wasted time.

We handle all paperwork and filings to ensure your case moves forward without delays. Our team is experienced in preparing the necessary documents accurately, allowing you to focus on other important aspects of your life during this transition.

Step 3: Use a Flat-Fee Divorce Service

One of the biggest advantages of choosing a flat-fee divorce service is the transparency it offers. Unlike traditional attorneys who charge by the hour, a flat-fee service allows you to know exactly what you’ll be paying from the beginning. This approach helps you budget effectively and avoid unexpected expenses down the line.

At Divorce661, our all-inclusive fee covers everything you need for your divorce, ensuring you won’t encounter surprise bills as your case progresses. This can significantly reduce the overall cost of your divorce.

Step 4: Opt for E-Filing to Speed Up the Process

Many California courts now allow electronic filing (e-filing), which can expedite the divorce process significantly. Traditional paper filings often involve long wait times at the courthouse, which can delay your proceedings and increase costs.

We utilize e-filing where available, helping to cut down on court wait times and ensuring your divorce is processed as quickly as possible. This means you can move on with your life sooner rather than later.

Step 5: Keep It Amicable

The emotional toll of a contentious divorce can lead to increased costs and prolonged proceedings. The more you and your spouse fight, the more time and money your divorce will consume. To keep your divorce affordable, it’s essential to maintain a cooperative approach.

Agreeing on key issues such as property and debt division, child custody and support, and spousal support can streamline the process. We assist in drafting legally binding settlement agreements to keep your divorce smooth and stress-free. By focusing on amicable solutions, you can significantly reduce both the emotional and financial burdens of divorce.

Client Success Story

We’ve seen first-hand how our approach can save clients both time and money. Take, for example, a recent client who initially spent $7,000 on attorneys with little to no progress. After switching to Divorce661, we took over their case and finalized their divorce in just a few weeks, saving them thousands of dollars in the process. This story highlights how effective our methods can be in achieving a successful outcome without the financial strain often associated with divorce.

Why Choose Divorce661.com?

When it comes to navigating divorce, you want a service that prioritizes your needs and offers clarity throughout the process. Here are a few reasons why you should consider Divorce661:

  • Flat-Fee Pricing: No surprise attorney fees!
  • 100% Remote Service: Handle everything from the comfort of your home!
  • We Handle ALL Paperwork: No need for court visits!
  • E-Filing Available: Faster processing in many counties!
  • Divorce Done RIGHT the First Time: Minimize errors and delays!

Get Started Today!

If you’re looking for an affordable, hassle-free divorce, look no further. Contact Divorce661.com today for a free consultation and take the first step towards a brighter future. Remember, a stress-free divorce is just a few steps away!

Feel free to drop your divorce questions in the comments—we’re here to help!

For more information, visit our website at Divorce661.com.

 

Santa Clarita Uncontested Divorce Services | Santa Clarita Divorce

Posted by Tim Blankenship on

 

Santa Clarita Uncontested Divorce Services

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on uncontested divorce services in Santa Clarita. If you’re navigating the complexities of divorce, you’ll find that our approach is designed to make the process as smooth and affordable as possible. We focus on providing a full-service experience that covers every aspect of your uncontested divorce, ensuring that you don’t have to tackle this challenging time alone.

Understanding Our Unique Approach

At our firm, we operate differently than traditional legal offices. We’re not a law firm and don’t employ attorneys. Instead, we are a licensed and bonded legal document preparation service. This means we can work directly with you without the requirement of attorney supervision. Our goal is to offer an affordable alternative while maintaining high-quality service.

Full-Service Divorce Assistance

What does full-service mean for you? It means that we handle everything from start to finish. Our services include:

  • Filling out all necessary forms
  • Filing documents with the court
  • Serving papers as needed
  • Completing your final judgment

We also assist with determining important factors like child support, spousal support, parenting plans, custody, and visitation arrangements. Our flat fee structure covers all these services, making it easy for you to understand the costs involved without hidden fees.

A Streamlined Process Without Questionnaires

One of the standout features of our service is that we do not require you to fill out lengthy questionnaires. Many other services inundate you with 20 to 30-page forms before they even begin working on your case. We keep it simple and efficient, operating much like a law firm in terms of document preparation but without the legal advice or representation in court.

Why You Should Contact Us Early

Many individuals reach out to us at various stages of their divorce process. Whether you’re just starting, in the middle, or facing a rejected judgment, we recommend contacting us right away. Starting early can save you a lot of stress and potential complications down the line.

It’s important to note that the Santa Clarita court does not have a dedicated family law department. This means that if you try to navigate the process on your own, you’ll likely have to make multiple trips to the San Fernando Courthouse, which can be both time-consuming and frustrating.

Working with Tim Blankenship

When you reach out to us, you’ll be working directly with me, Tim Blankenship. I have extensive experience in handling uncontested divorces and am dedicated to providing personalized support throughout your case. You can contact me directly at 661-281-0266.

Our Commitment to Affordability

We pride ourselves on being Santa Clarita’s only affordable divorce service. Our flat fee structure means you won’t be hit with unexpected costs, allowing you to budget for your divorce effectively. We ensure that our services are accessible without compromising quality.

The Importance of Uncontested Divorce

Uncontested divorces are typically less stressful than contested ones. In an uncontested divorce, both parties agree on all major issues, which allows for a smoother process and quicker resolution. This cooperative approach is not only less expensive but also helps maintain a more amicable relationship between spouses, which is particularly beneficial if children are involved.

Benefits of Choosing Uncontested Divorce

Here are some key advantages of opting for an uncontested divorce:

  • Cost-Effective: Uncontested divorces avoid the high costs associated with legal fees and extended court appearances.
  • Quicker Resolution: The process can be completed much faster compared to contested divorces, where disputes may prolong the timeline.
  • Less Conflict: By working together, couples can reduce emotional stress and maintain a more peaceful environment.
  • Privacy: Uncontested divorces typically involve less public scrutiny, safeguarding personal details.
  • Greater Control: Couples have the autonomy to decide on terms rather than having a judge impose decisions.

What to Expect During the Uncontested Divorce Process

The uncontested divorce process can be straightforward, especially when guided by professionals. Here’s a general outline of what to expect:

  1. Initial Consultation: Discuss your situation with us to understand your needs and the process ahead.
  2. Document Preparation: We’ll prepare all necessary forms and agreements tailored to your circumstances.
  3. Filing: We handle the filing of documents with the court on your behalf.
  4. Serving Papers: We ensure that all parties receive the necessary legal notifications.
  5. Final Judgment: We assist in completing your final judgment and any additional agreements needed.

Getting Started

If you’re ready to begin your uncontested divorce, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is here to guide you through every step of the process. We understand that this is a challenging time, and we’re committed to making it as seamless as possible for you.

Contact me, Tim Blankenship, at 661-281-0266 for more information about our services. We look forward to helping you navigate this transition in your life.

Final Thoughts

Divorce can be a daunting experience, but it doesn’t have to be. By choosing our uncontested divorce services, you’re opting for a simpler, more cost-effective way to dissolve your marriage. We’re dedicated to providing the support and expertise you need during this time, ensuring you’re not alone on this journey.

Thank you for considering our services. We hope to hear from you soon!

 

Valencia Divorce: Comprehensive Services for a Smooth Process | Valencia Divorce

Posted by Tim Blankenship on

 

Valencia Divorce: Comprehensive Services for a Smooth Process

Divorce can be a challenging and emotionally draining experience. However, navigating it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At Divorce661, we specialize in providing a full suite of divorce services designed to take the stress out of the process. Our approach is comprehensive, ensuring that every step is handled efficiently and effectively, allowing you to focus on what matters most—your well-being and future.

Understanding Full-Service Divorce

When people think of divorce services, they often assume it’s just about filling out forms. But at Divorce661, we go far beyond that. We are a full-service divorce preparation firm. This means we handle everything from preparing and filing your paperwork to serving documents and completing all necessary financial disclosures required by the court.

Our team is equipped to work with both spouses, acting as a neutral party. This allows us to prepare your judgment, also known as stipulation or agreement, ensuring that the entire divorce process is seamless. We offer this comprehensive service for a low flat fee, making it both accessible and manageable.

Affordable Divorce Solutions

One of the most significant advantages of choosing our service is affordability. You do not need an attorney to get a divorce in California, and we aim to provide a cost-effective solution. Our pricing is transparent, and you can check our pricing page on our website to see just how affordable it is to get a divorce through us.

Every week, we handle between 10 to 20 cases in our local Santa Clarita Valley. Whether your case is amicable and uncontested or more complex and contested, we are here to help you get started.

Starting Your Divorce Process

If you’re uncertain about the divorce process, we can help you get the ball rolling even if you think your case might become contested. We can assist you in preparing the initial paperwork and provide guidance throughout the process. Should you later decide to pursue mediation or hire an attorney for litigation, you can easily continue from where we left off.

Why Choose Divorce661?

We pride ourselves on being the only licensed company in Valencia providing this level of service. Before we established Divorce661, individuals often had to seek help outside the Valley, exposing them to potentially unreliable services. With our two years of experience, we have built a reputation for integrity and quality.

Check out our Yelp page, where we currently hold eight five-star reviews. Our clients have expressed their satisfaction with our services, and we are dedicated to maintaining that high standard. When you call us, you will speak directly with me, Tim Blankenship, for a free consultation to determine how we can best assist you.

The Process of Filing for Divorce

Filing for divorce can seem daunting, but we simplify it for you. Here’s how our process works:

  1. Initial Consultation: We begin with a free consultation to understand your situation and needs.
  2. Document Preparation: Our team will handle all necessary forms and paperwork.
  3. Filing with the Court: We will file your documents with the court on your behalf.
  4. Serving Documents: We ensure that all required documents are served to the other spouse.
  5. Financial Disclosures: We will prepare and submit all financial disclosures required by the court.
  6. Judgment Preparation: We will assist in preparing your final judgment or agreement.

Handling Amicable and Contested Cases

Our firm is skilled in handling both amicable and contested divorces. For amicable cases, we facilitate communication between both parties, ensuring a smoother process. For contested cases, we can prepare the necessary documentation to get you started and guide you through the complexities that may arise.

The Importance of Neutral Support

One of the key advantages of our service is that we work with both spouses. This neutral approach helps reduce conflict and fosters a more collaborative environment. It’s essential for both parties to be involved and informed throughout the process to avoid misunderstandings and ensure that everyone’s rights are respected.

Client-Centric Approach

We understand that every divorce case is unique. Our client-focused care ensures that we tailor our strategies to meet your specific needs. We provide consistent communication and updates, so you are never left in the dark about your case’s status.

Real-Life Success Stories

Over the years, we have helped numerous clients navigate their divorce processes successfully. Many of our clients initially attempted to use online services or other firms but found themselves overwhelmed or confused. After transitioning to our services, they experienced a smoother and more efficient process.

For example, one client came to us after struggling for over a year with paperwork that kept getting rejected. After a thorough review, we identified the errors, corrected them, and submitted the paperwork successfully. They were relieved to finally be on the right track and able to move forward with their lives.

Final Thoughts

Going through a divorce is undoubtedly a challenging time, but it doesn’t have to be a complicated process. At Divorce661, we are committed to providing you with the support and guidance you need to navigate this transition smoothly. We offer comprehensive services, transparency in pricing, and a dedicated team ready to assist you every step of the way.

If you’re ready to take the next step or have any questions about the divorce process, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact us at (661) 281-0266 or visit our website at divorce661.com for more information. We look forward to helping you through this process and ensuring a brighter future ahead!

 

How Long Do You Have To Be Married To Get Spouses Social Security

Posted by Tim Blankenship on

How Long Do You Have To Be Married To Get Spouses Social Security

Tim: Now there are some requirements as far as length of marriage, is that correct? Can you give us some details on that?

Janelle: Yes. You have to be married at least ten years to be able to claim this in both situations.

So if you’re close to the ten year point, you might want to delay a little bit just to give yourself the option as being able to claim that their benefits as well.

Tim: So with these ten years rules, ten years in a day and this is applicable to them?

Janelle: Yes.

Tim: Okay.

Janelle: Uh-huh.

Tim: So it’s definitely something they’ll want to consider when going through divorce if you’re over ten years to see how that place out.

Can you get copies from the state as far as your disability payments will they give you?

Janelle: For this Social Security go to the Social Security website—

Tim: For Social Security. Uh-huh.

Janelle: So they’ll go in the website and you can get a copy of yours and your spouse’s benefits, and so they’re going to be—

Tim: You can. This is as simple as going online?

Janelle: Yeah you have to create an account for yourself but yeah you can go online.

Tim: Okay.

Janelle: or else call the Social Security Department but it’s easier to usually go online.

Tim: Got yeah. Okay.

 

How Social Security Spousal Benefits Work During California Divorce

Posted by Tim Blankenship on

How Social Security Spousal Benefits Work During California Divorce

Tim:  Okay so let’s talk about a Social Security Benefits specifically there are two types of benefits, right?  There are Spousal Benefits and then there’s Survivor Benefits, is that correct?

Janelle: Correct. So you get these Spousal benefits if your divorced spouse is still alive. And then the Divorce Survivor Benefits are if they have passed away. So they’re a little bit different.

Tim: Okay, let’s tackle this into a chance here. Let’s first talk about a Divorce Spousal Benefits. So this is both parties are still living.

Janelle: Right.

Tim: Let’s talk about some of the like rules and requirements.

Janelle: Okay. Well the earliest you can receive the benefits is if you’re a 62 years old. You wait ‘til your full retirement age which depends varying on when you’re born.

So yeah, if you have any questions you can give me a call on what exactly your full retirement age is.   But then you are entitled to a 100% of your benefits or 50% of your divorce spouse benefits.

Tim: Okay, and I’d ask you some specific questions off camera, what would make—why would one want 50% of the other spouse’s or of their spouse’s versus 100% of their own.

Janelle: On some cases the divorce spouse was making a lot more money and has a higher Social Security Benefit than you’re going to have, so, you want to look at that if for some reason maybe they’re making $2000 and you’re only making $500, you’re entitled to half their benefits which will be a $1000 a month instead of the 500.

So it’s a case by case. You want to go in and get statements for both of your Social Security Benefits and determine which one would be better for you.

Tim: Okay, and so particularly if you have a family where a husband perhaps worked and maybe the wife took care of the kids there’ll be a scenario where this would you know could possibly be a factor.

They’d want to take a look at this.

Janelle: Definitely or if the husband made a lot more money and then the wife did or she had a lower paying job as well.

Tim: Okay. Now there are some requirements as far as length of marriage, is that correct? Can you give us some detail on that?

Janelle: Yes. You have to be married at least 10 years to be able to claim this in both situations.

So if you’re close to the 10 year point you might want to delay a little bit just to give yourself the option of just being able to claim that their benefit as well.

Tim: So with this 10 year rules 10 year in a day and this is applicable to them?

Janelle: Yes.

Tim: Okay. So it’s definitely something they want to consider when going through a divorce if you’re over 10 years to see how that place out.

Can you get copies from the State as far as your disability payments will they give you?

Janelle: For the Social Security go in the Social Security website.

Tim:  Social Security– uh-huh…

Janelle: So they’ll go on the website and you can get a copy of yours and your spouse’s benefits.

Tim: You can?

Janelle: And so they’re going to be –

Tim: It’s as simple as going online?

Janelle: Yeah you have to create an account for yourself but yeah you can go online.

Tim: Okay.

Janelle: Or else call the Social Security Department but it’s easier usually to go online.

Tim: Got you! Okay.

How Does Remarriage Affect Social Security Benefits After Divorce

Posted by Tim Blankenship on

How Does Remarriage Affect Social Security Benefits After Divorce

Tim: I just want to touch on one topic if you’re going to claim the divorce spousal benefits what is the rule in regards to being getting remarried, you would loose it if you get remarried? Am I reading that correctly?

Janelle: Yes. If you remarried you can’t get this unless your second marriage ends into divorce. If your second marriage ends then if it was longer than ten years then you have a choice of whose you want to claim. You can claim either spouse.

Tim: So oh interesting! So I–you get divorced you’re collecting let’s say and you remarried that would terminate the collection of Social Security from the prior marriage?

Janelle: Yes, it would.

Tim: Okay. And then if they divorced again then they have—well they have to be married for at least another ten years?

Janelle: Right and then makes the action and if they do get divorced before ten years they can claim the first spouse’s social security.

Tim: They go back or either back and claim it.

Janelle: Right.

Tim: Okay.

Getting A Divorce | Review Your Finances Using The Financial Divorce Checklist

Posted by Tim Blankenship on

Getting A Divorce | Review Your Finances Using The Financial Divorce Checklist

Tim: So you with Edward Jones you’ve come up with a divorce checklist and I liked it the check boxes and all that.

You’re suggesting that you know of course this is a good time to do a lot of things, the Auto Insurance, Life Insurance, Financial Planning and so forth.

This is the time where you need to sit down regardless of what’s into this divorce you’re on if you’re the working spouse or not the working spouse to do a financial review and that’s a service that you offer for Edward Jones, is that correct?

Janelle: Yes, that’s correct.

Tim: Okay, let’s talk about a little bit about that. I don’t know if you want to talk about the checklist first, you want to talk about just the financial review in general?

Janelle: Oh well, let’s talk about the checklist.

Tim: Okay.

Janelle: Because it leads into that the financial review.

Tim: Perfect!

Janelle: So this is a checklist that we put together just with the basics. It’s a difficult time. It’s easy since there’s so much paper work in everything to think about.

It will help you go through and take a look at the different things you need to think about.

Some of the big ones on here are making sure that you change your beneficiaries on your Life Insurance.

If you have an IRA that you’re going to keep and it’s not going to be divided you want to make sure that, that beneficiaries changed as well.

You don’t want something to happen to you and the money going to the wrong spouse.

Tim: Okay.

Janelle: I’m also in here talking about, you know, setting up trust and living will, [durable 2:26] powers of attorney.

Tim: Uh-huh…

Janelle: All these and the things that go along with that as well.

 

Free Divorce Financial Review With Janelle Percy At Edward Jones

Posted by Tim Blankenship on

Free Divorce Financial Review With Janelle Percy At Edward Jones

Tim: Why don’t you let people know how they can get a hold of you?

Janelle: Yes, my office is in Stevenson Ranch of the Old Road and you can get a hold of me at 661-799-2789.

Tim: And give Janelle a call and she will provide a free financial review. We’re also going to be recommending Janelle to all of our clients going through the Divorce process with us. It doesn’t hurt whether you’re going through divorce or not, it’s probably once a year—

Janelle: Exactly!

Tim: …you could sit down and do something like this and this is a major life turning or life changing event rather and you know you’re going to be dealing with finances and the kids and all these other stuff you don’t enjoy, so, mind as well take this time to sit down with Janelle and do a financial view and review at the same time I don’t see why any of our clients would turn this down.

Janelle: No, exactly.

Tim: I think it’s a great service you provide. And you know people would say to me thank you for serving and same to you thank you for serving and I don’t ever know how to respond to that.

Janelle: I know.

Tim: It’s like yeah okay thanks you know this is what we did.

Janelle: Exactly!

Tim: So but anyways thanks for coming and please give Janelle a call if you would like your free financial review or talk about life insurance or if you have questions about the Social Security that we discussed in these videos. Other than that thanks for tuning in and we’ll talk to you soon.