Today’s family law negotiations are all about the numbers. The value of assets, the amount of support, and the cost of living. The numbers tell who will receive how much, directs us to consider tax considerations, and the timing of the payments.
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Family Business Valuations and Marriage Contracts
Negotiating a marriage contract to treat one particular asset a special way is a common method to protect a business like Jacques’ which was built from scratch with few resources to a successful international organization. Rachel understands and agrees that Jacques’ 50% business interest which he will bring into the marriage belongs to him. But, she asks, what about her advice as an engineer without salary, her contribution as a sounding board 24 / 7, her creation and involvement in regular focus groups to test new product ideas, and all the other works she does without pay? Isn’t that worth something?
http://goo.gl/fbUbDf
Betrayal or Good Economic Sense?
For older adults stepping into their second marriages, once the proposal has been accepted, the next conversation is often about the marriage contract. Not so long ago, this discussion would have been a nonstarter or even a deal breaker. Feeling greatly betrayed during this honeymoon phase, a tough discussion about money seemed to come from nowhere. The spouse being asked to sign the agreement for the protection of the other’s property started questioning what was happening.
http://ow.ly/pQx7d