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April 21, 2006

Handling the high income divorce case

What happens when professionals divorce? Do the same guidelines apply for negotiating a divorce settlement involving professional spouses as in other divorces? How do you ascertain levels of spousal support or child support in these special cases? Are there special considerations regarding education of the children of professionals? What about tax consequences for the high income divorce? How do you determine assets when a business or practice is part of the picture?

These and other questions will be addressed at the May 16 seminar titled "Handling the High Income Divorce Case." This advanced level family relations seminar features a bonus 3.0 hours of family relations specialist law certification as well as 3.0 hours of general CLE credit.

Harold R. Kemp, Kemp Schaeffer Rowe & Lardiere, will address the finer points of valuating a law practice in the high income divorce case for determining the assets of the professional. Robert "Chip" H. Snedaker III, Dougherty Hanneman & Snedaker, will delve into questions of spousal support, such as: how much support and for how long; is support modifiable; and what are the consequences?

Likewise, because of the unique problems of the high income divorce, an examination of child support issues will be explored by Jacqueline L. Kemp, Kemp Schaeffer Rowe & Lardiere. She will give a caselaw analysis and explain how to demonstrate the child's standard of living in divorce negotiation. Especially in the professional divorce, the question of college expenses is a primary concern in the negotiation process. Solo practitioner Elaine S. Buck will discuss this complicated topic.

In negotiating a settlement, the question of tax issues is an important part of the big picture. How does the Alternative Minimum Tax impact high income divorces? Are the child dependency exemptions and child tax credits of any value to the high income parent in a divorce? Robert N. Wistner will examine these and other questions regarding tax issues for the professional divorce.

Then there is the problem of retaining the support agreed to in the professional divorce. What happens if the payor spouse dies? Can the court order a payor spouse to maintain life insurance to secure a support obligation? Can the court enforce an agreement to maintain life insurance? How much insurance is enough? These and other considerations in guaranteeing support once the negotiating is completed will be addressed by Amy J. Weis, Babbitt & Weis.

Finally, how do you keep from repeating history and making a big mistake the second time around? Douglas B. Dougherty, Dougherty Hanneman & Snedaker, will conclude the seminar with a discussion of the opportunities and limitations of premarital agreements and other premarital planning.

This seminar offers a wealth of information regarding the wealthy divorce settlement, so plan to attend now. Register online at www.cbalaw.org or phone 614/221.4112. The cost is $85 prepaid/$95 day of for members, $115 prepaid/$125 day of for non-members and $55 prepaid/$65 day of for paralegals.