Financial Information
Credit Cards:
You will want to double check that all your joint credit card accounts are closed, and for $50 www.myfico.com will give you a credit report from each of the 3 credit reporting agencies along with tips on how to improve your credit score.
You'll also want to check www.myfico.com before you apply for a loan.
Credit Reports:
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Credit Reports |
Trans Union |
Equifax |
Helpful Financial Calculators:
Both of the websites listed below have various online calculators to help you compute mortgages, auto loans, credit, retirement, and savings.
http://www.usatoday.com/money/perfi/calculators/calculator.htm
http://www.dinkytown.net/
Financial Planners: Your divorce financial settlement needs to be more than 50/50 or fair according to the law. It needs to be the best decision for you and your future family, taking into consideration investment priorities as well. We at Peace Talks suggest that you see an accountant or financial planner as part of your divorce.
We can refer you to a local accountant or financial planner by calling our office at (310) 301-2100
The Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts also has referrals of certified analysts that you can look for by zip code, city, or state.
Another source for finding a financial planner would be through the Association of Divorce Financial Plannerswebsite. Their members practice in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.
Retirement Plans or 401(k): Pension Appraisers is a national pension appraisal and Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) drafting firm. For a reasonable cost, they can do a pension appraisal or draft your QDRO paperwork. Diana has been using them since 1988, and they have always been reliable.
Asset Searches: Many asset searches charge a fee for their services. Be sure to inquire about the fees prior to utilizing such services. Because online businesses are difficult to monitor, be very wary. Neither the authors nor the publisher of Your Divorce Advisor endorse or encourage the use of such services. If you decide to use a service and would like to provide feedback (positive or negative), we'd love to include it on our site. If you have other suggestions for sites you've used, we'd love to hear them. E-mail us at mediator[at]peace-talks.com.
That said, the most reputable and reasonably priced service around seems to be Choice Point, which has access to many public records databases. Contact them on the web or phone (888) 333-3365
Government Information: Social Security Administration: www.ssa.gov
IRS Internet Address: www.irs.ustreas.gov/prod/cover.html
Estate Planning:
Peace Talks can handle your estate planning needs. www.estateplanningmediation.com. Give us a call (310) 301-2100 or email us at mediator[at]peace-talks.com.
Get a referral to a qualified estate planning lawyer at the official web site of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. Double check your pick at Lawyers.com to see if she or he is listed with Martindale Hubbell, the leading publisher of legal directories. Lawyers are listed by geographical area and specialty.
Prepare for your appointment with this estate planner by using the forms and tips on Rushforth.net.
Don't forget Nolo Press's do-it-yourself estate planning kits and information.