Topics of Interest

Please call one of our Family Law specialists if you would like to discuss these (or other) "Topics of Interest".

Plaintiff attorneys who structure their fees can defer income to meet business and personal needs and secure their future, while lowering their taxes. Lifetime payments are available. Some restrictions apply, and of course, consult your tax advisor first.

Plaintiff attorneys can control their Personal Injury settlement by using a 468(b) fund when there is more than one claim. Choose the structured settlement life company which is best for your client, who still will receive tax-free payments.

Impaired life expectancy, whether from the injury or pre-existing, affects the cost of an annuity's life contingent payments. If the annuity company gives a higher "rated age" than the plaintiff's actual age, it lowers the cost (or increases the payments) of a structured settlement. Rated age is often a critical piece of evidence when negotiating a structured settlement - call us for more.

When an annuity is purchased as part of a divorce settlement, it can provide secure income for a period of years or for lifetime, thus eliminating the fear that support payments will dry up in the future. We are licensed annuity brokers.

Pensioners with a Reduced Life
One methodology for valuing pensions in a divorce is based on actuarial mortality tables. If the pensioner has a life threatening illness, this may overvalue the pension. We can provide an individual "rated age" valuation tailored to the specific pensioner.

Valuing Business Goodwill
In many cases, for example services and professional practices, the value of a family business lies in its intangible "goodwill" value, not in its machinery and furniture. Different methodologies may be used to reach a fair and reasonable goodwill value.

Alternatives for Employee Stock Options
Divorce cases involving employee stock options are increasing and different approaches may substantially change the number of options considered to be marital and separate property, and also their valuation.