Entries by Crystal Collins Spencer, Attorney at Law

Getting Divorced as a Senior Citizen

Retirement can be no fun when you no longer like the person you are supposed to be spending it with. This is the situation that many Baby Boomers find themselves in, and according to the latest statistics, some are deciding not to stick around for the long haul. Pew Research Center reports that the rates of […]

Should I Date During my Divorce?

A dissolution of marriage is a difficult and emotionally-charged process. There are a lot of issues that must be resolved, and there is great uncertainty about the future. Some divorcing spouses mourn the loss of their marriage and they are in no hurry to start dating again. Others are anxious to get back out there, […]

Spousal Support Tax Deduction Ending Soon

Spousal support, also commonly referred to as alimony or spousal maintenance, is a payment from one spouse to another that is either ordered by the court or agreed upon between both parties as part of a final divorce settlement. Spousal support is not ordered or agreed upon in all cases, and the amount and duration […]

What is a QDRO?

Retirement accounts are individual in nature, and there is only one name listed on them. This is why during a divorce, many spouses mistakenly believe their IRAs, 401Ks, and other types of retirement accounts are not part of the marital estate. In actuality, they are considered marital property, and they are included in the division […]

Do Divorce Rates Increase in the Summer?

According to a 2016 research study conducted by a sociology professor at the University of Washington, more couples file for divorce in March and August than any other months of the year. With August upon us, you may find yourself in that position as well. Although the study didn’t set out to determine seasonal patterns […]

Can I Modify My Divorce Decree?

Even though your divorce seems final, there are certain circumstances that might allow you to change aspects of your divorce decree in Florida. When you experience dramatic life-changing events, it may be necessary to request this change. It might be tempting to do this informally by trying to work out an agreement with your ex-spouse […]

How Does My Divorce Effect My Taxes?

There’s a lot to like about April in Florida, including the weather, clear skies, plenty of sun, and all the other joys of spring. But one thing that most adults in Florida aren’t excited about when April rolls around is the fact that mid-April is tax time. The idea of filing and paying taxes is unpleasant, but […]

How to Tell Your Children You Are Divorcing

If you are a parent who is thinking about or is already in the process of divorce, you’re probably concerned about how to break the news to your children. When parents divorce, it has an impact on adult children, friends, and even distant family, but it’s usually minor children who experience the most stress from […]