Tag: Gabrielle Clemens
Protecting Financial Support in Divorce: Life and Disability Insurance Essentials (Ep. 9)

Protecting Financial Support in Divorce: Life and Disability Insurance Essentials (Ep. 9)

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Divorce is tough enough—don’t let unexpected surprises make it even harder. 

Without the right insurance in place, child and spousal support could disappear when you need it most.

Gabrielle Clemens, JD, LLM, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, and Accredited Estate Planner, gets real about why life and disability insurance aren’t just “nice-to-haves” but absolute musts in your divorce plan. She breaks down how to make sure support payments are protected, even if the payor becomes disabled or worse. From tips on who should actually own the policy to how to keep coverage up-to-date, she’s got you covered.

Whether you’re in the middle of a divorce or just thinking ahead, tune in and get the insights you need. Don’t leave your future to chance—find out how to plan ahead.

Key Insights:

  • Life Insurance and Divorce: Early planning is key. Gabrielle explains why having a life insurance policy in place before finalizing the divorce could ensure child and spousal support obligations are met, even if the payor passes away
  • Disability Insurance Essentials: Learn how adding disability coverage to your divorce agreement could protect support payments if the payor becomes unable to work
  • Ownership and Control: For added security, Gabrielle advises that the support recipient should own the life insurance policy, allowing control over policy terms and reducing risks such as changing beneficiaries or coverage lapses
  • Beneficiary Updates: Stay vigilant with beneficiary designations and ensure policies remain active. Gabrielle offers tips for avoiding potential issues like policy loans or benefit reductions
  • Adapting Long-Term Coverage: Implement step-down provisions for coverage reduction over time or obtain private insurance policies to protect against employment changes
  • Forward-Thinking Agreements: Anticipate future life events in your divorce agreement to avoid costly legal disputes later. Gabrielle discusses alternatives such as using retirement account beneficiaries if insurance isn’t an option
  • Proactive Tips for Smooth Transitions: Start planning policies early, check all the details, and work towards a cooperative post-divorce relationship to help reduce conflicts
  • And much more!

Resources:

Connect with Gabrielle Clemens: 

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College Funding and Divorce: Strategies for Navigating Educational Expenses (Ep. 8)

College Funding and Divorce: Strategies for Navigating Educational Expenses (Ep. 8)

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Who covers college costs after divorce? 

Sorting out educational expenses can be daunting, especially with the added stress of financial aid rules and safeguarding your child’s future.

Gabrielle Clemens, JD, LLM, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, and Accredited Estate Planner, shares practical strategies to help co-parents navigate college funding challenges before, during, and after divorce. She covers essential financial topics, including how to craft comprehensive divorce agreements that address tuition and related costs, make the most of tax-friendly 529 plans, and save money with smart transfer strategies. 

Whether you’re in the midst of a divorce or planning ahead, tune in and get the insights you need to confidently handle college funding and protect your child’s educational future!

Key Insights:

  • College Funding in Divorce Agreements: Gabrielle emphasizes the need for detailed agreements addressing college expenses early in the divorce process, covering tuition, prep courses, travel, and other educational costs. Cost-sharing methods can vary, including 50-50 splits or contributions based on income
  • 529 Plans and College Savings: Discover how 529 plans offer significant tax advantages for college savings and why specifying future contributions in your divorce agreement is crucial. Contributions from relatives like grandparents typically don’t count toward the marital estate, offering additional flexibility
  • Transfer and Cost-Saving Strategies: Gabrielle discusses cost-saving options like transferring from community colleges to more prestigious schools and highlights the importance of confirming credit transferability. She also explains how summer courses at target institutions can boost admission chances and earn credits
  • FAFSA Changes and Financial Aid Considerations: Learn how new FAFSA rules prioritize the parent who provides the most financial support, altering financial aid eligibility. Understand the complexities surrounding divorce, remarriage, and step-parents’ financial contributions
  • Co-Parenting Challenges in Financial Matters: Effective co-parenting requires cooperation in financial aid processes, including filing forms and sharing financial data. Gabrielle recommends including provisions in divorce agreements to ensure future compliance
  • The Impact of Remarriage on Financial Aid: Explore how a step-parent’s income can influence financial aid calculations and what parents should know before remarrying
  • The Importance of Comprehensive Agreements: Addressing all potential costs and planning for future changes, such as job loss, can prevent disputes later on. Gabrielle advises consulting with a college financial advisor for a customized plan
  • And much more!

Resources:

Connect with Gabrielle Clemens: 

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Retirement Assets in Divorce (Ep. 7)

Retirement Assets in Divorce (Ep. 7)

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This week on Marriage Is About Love Divorce Is About Money®, Gabrielle Clemens, JD, LLM, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, and Accredited Estate Planner discusses the financial aspects of divorce, focusing on the division of retirement and non-retirement assets.

She emphasizes the importance of understanding tax implications and the processes involved in equalizing assets during a divorce, covering the distinction between marital and separate property, the complexities of qualified plans, and the necessary steps to ensure a fair division of assets.

Key Insights:

  • Retirement vs. Non-Retirement Assets: It’s essential to differentiate between retirement and non-retirement assets when dividing them in a divorce
  • Challenges of Commingling Assets: By keeping a clear record of pre-marital assets and working with your attorney, you can better identify what remains solely yours
  • IRA Transfers: A straightforward option for dividing retirement assets. A “Transfer Incident to Divorce” can move funds without tax penalties if enough is available in an IRA
  • Tax Planning in Divorce: When dividing retirement assets, be cautious of tax implications, especially if taking distributions before 59.5 years of age, as early withdrawals can trigger both income taxes and a 10% penalty
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Gabrielle Clemens: 

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Keep, Sell, or Rent? Smart Home Decisions During Divorce (Ep. 6)

Keep, Sell, or Rent? Smart Home Decisions During Divorce (Ep. 6)

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The marital home is often the heart of a family — but what happens to it during a divorce? 

This week on Marriage Is About Love Divorce Is About Money®, Gabrielle Clemens, JD, LLM, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, and Accredited Estate Planner, guides listeners through one of the most emotionally and financially charged decisions in divorce: what to do with the marital home.

Divorce is about more than emotional closure — it’s about smart financial planning. Gabrielle skillfully navigates both the emotional ties and practical realities involved, offering critical strategies to help you make informed decisions about your home’s future.

Whether you’re considering staying, selling, or renting, this episode will equip you with the insights you need to safeguard your financial future and embrace a new beginning.

Key Highlights:

  • Should You Stay or Go? Gabrielle explains how to weigh your emotional attachment to the home against practical factors like ongoing costs, taxes, and mortgage qualifications
  • Selling Smart: Learn why it’s essential to get an independent appraisal and how to calculate your net proceeds after transaction costs
  • Renting vs. Buying: If you’re not ready to buy again, renting may be a smart temporary option. Gabrielle explains when this move makes sense
  • Joint Ownership: Some couples opt for temporary joint ownership — Gabrielle shares when this might be a beneficial option, especially for families with children
  • Calculating Home Equity: Get a step-by-step guide to accurately calculate your home’s equity and understand the buyout process between spouses
  • Enforceable Divorce Agreements: Gabrielle emphasizes the importance of detailed agreements about the home — everything from repairs to realtor selection must be clearly outlined to ensure legal enforceability
  • Starting Fresh: Gabrielle encourages involving children in the decision-making process and considering a fresh start rather than holding onto the home for emotional reasons
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Gabrielle Clemens: 

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Financial Vigilance For Strategic Divorce Planning (Ep. 5)

Financial Vigilance For Strategic Divorce Planning (Ep. 5)

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This week on Marriage Is About Love Divorce Is About Money®, Gabrielle Clemens, JD, LLM, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, and Accredited Estate Planner, reveals why divorce isn’t just a breakup — it’s a business deal that demands smart, strategic moves. 

Tune in as she shares essential steps to protect your financial future, from building a rock-solid plan to staying vigilant with your money. With her guidance, you’ll be equipped to navigate the twists and turns of divorce, ensuring a smooth transition into your next chapter.

Key Highlights:

  • Building Your Dream Team: Assemble a power squad of experts — attorney, financial advisor, therapist — who excel in their fields and communicate seamlessly to strengthen your case
  • Taking Control: Start fresh by opening your own bank accounts and credit cards, and consult with a CPA to explore tax filing strategies that protect you from future liabilities
  • Boosting Your Credit: Safeguard your financial future by monitoring and improving your credit score. This step is crucial as you transition into single life
  • Mapping Your Journey: Treat your divorce like a road trip. Whether you take the scenic route or the fast track, a clear strategy will keep you on course for a successful outcome
  • Stay Organized: Use tools like QuickBooks and Dropbox to keep your financial documents in order, ensuring a smooth transition into your new life
  • And much more!

Resources:

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Here’s How To Navigate Divorce (Ep. 2)

Here’s How To Navigate Divorce (Ep. 2)

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Do you know the secret to managing both your heart and your wallet in a divorce?

Explore the multifaceted world of divorce with Gabrielle Clemens. As a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) and a former divorce tax attorney, Gabrielle blends her personal divorce experience with her professional expertise, offering unique insights. This episode, based on Gabrielle’s book, is full of financial guidance and emotional wisdom for those navigating through divorce.

Key Episode Insights:

  • Emotional and Financial Readiness: Exploring the emotional intricacies of divorce, with a focus on proactive, future-oriented thinking
  • Essential Support Team: The importance of a comprehensive team – lawyers, financial advisors, and therapists – in facilitating a smoother divorce
  • Divorce Support Groups: Highlighting the benefits of peer support and shared experiences in divorce support groups
  • Holistic Professional Support: Discussing the diverse roles and contributions of divorce coaches, CDFAs, therapists, and attorneys in the divorce process
  • Financial Planning and Organization: Emphasizing the need for efficient financial management, recommending tools like Quicken and Dropbox
  • Empowerment Through Financial Management: Inspiring listeners to take control of their finances for a more empowered approach to divorce
  • Upcoming Episodes and Resources: Future episodes promise insights into selecting the right attorney and more!

Resources:

Connect with Gabrielle Clemens: 

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The Business Side Of Divorce With Your Host, Gabrielle Clemens, CDFA® (Ep. 1)

The Business Side Of Divorce With Your Host, Gabrielle Clemens, CDFA® (Ep. 1)

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Think divorce is just a personal matter? 

In the inaugural episode of the Marriage Is About Love Divorce Is About Money® Podcast, Gabrielle Clemens explores the lesser-known business side of divorce. 

As a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®), former divorce and tax attorney, and author of the book “Marriage Is About Love Divorce Is About Money®,” Gabrielle unfolds the layers, presenting a blend of personal insights and professional expertise.

Key Episode Insights:

  • Divorce as a Business Necessity: Emphasizing the need for information and preparation
  • Legal Complexities: The influence of state laws in family law, alimony, and child support
  • Strategic Approaches: Ways Gabrielle’s book, “Marriage Is About Love Divorce Is About Money®,” offers cooperative divorce strategies
  • Educational Focus: Highlighting Gabrielle’s book as a vital guide for those navigating divorce
  • Emotion vs. Rationality: The need to focus on rational decision-making
  • Judicial Limitations: Advocating for mediation over court decisions
  • And much more!

Resources:

Connect with Gabrielle Clemens: 

About Your Host:

Gabrielle Clemens is an award-winning Managing Director, Wealth Advisor, and Senior Portfolio Manager with over 25 years of experience in wealth management and divorce planning. She’s a former tax/ trust/estate planning/divorce attorney who has experienced divorce firsthand. 

Gabrielle guides women and men through her unique process as they contemplate, navigate, and recover from divorce. Gabrielle has consistently been named Wealth Management, “#1 Top Woman to Watch ” by AdvisorHub, Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisor, Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisory, Working Mother magazine Top Women Wealth Advisor, and Top Woman of Law. 

Gabrielle works in concert with attorneys, accountants, trustees, mediators, and collaborative professionals to provide clarity and transparency around critical financial issues. She focuses on helping people navigate through life’s financial transitions, including the death of a spouse, cognitive decline, special needs, and disability.

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