Think you’re paying too much in Spousal Support? – Nas agrees.

Everybody’s talking about how rapper Nas recently filed papers with his attorney Mark Vincent Kaplan to drop his spousal support payment of $72,728 a month to estranged wife and R & B singer Kelis. It’s reported that Kelis is furious over Nas’ attempt to block the spousal support payments. Laura Wasser the attorney for Kelis, claims that Nas’ monthly income is $240,000.

Kelis is also requesting $17,225 in child support monthly, $29,522 in back child support and $281,517 in retro spousal support. Previously Kelis was seeking $20,000 towards the cost of “purchasing strollers, cribs and other baby supplies” for their two homes, an apartment in Manhattan and a house in Los Angeles and money to pay for a baby nurse, nanny and other staff.

In addition to trying to stop his spousal support payments Nas has also filed for joint custody of their two month old son ‘Knight’.

Nas and Kelis have been seen out together recently and it was once thought that they were trying to work it out to stay together but it seems like the divorce battle continues on. It’s touted that any rumors of a reconciliation are untrue. Though, if the court doesn’t rule in Nas’ favor he might have 72,728 reasons to make it work so they can stay together. This may be far more cost-effective than continuing the court battles.

The pair were married for almost five years until Kelis filed for divorce in April, citing irreconcilable differences. Their divorce trial is scheduled for November 20.

This isn’t all of Nas’ financial concerns. In October there were reports that the IRS had filed a lien against him for unpaid income taxes in 2006 and 2007. The grand total that the IRS claims Nas owes Uncle Sam is $2,584,206.31

Hugh Hefner Pays Support For 10 Years Then Says ‘Enough!’

Kimberly Conrad Hefner (47) and Hugh Marston Hefner (83) wish to file divorce after over 10 years of separation. After living together as husband and wife for 9 years, the couple split up in 1998 but did not get a divorce or file for a legal separation.  Kim moved into a house very close to her “ex”.

Such a separation is different than a legal separation in that the parties did not document their separation legally until January of 2009 when they filed for the dissolution.  It is reported that Mr. Hefner has been paying approximately $40,000 a month in Spousal Support, and is looking to reduce that amount by almost half!

Although the rules seem to be a little different for the rich and famous, unless Kim was heavily relying on the Playboy giant (which she probably was), that is probably more than the courts would have set for spousal support considering the length of time they have been separated.

However, it is important to point out for temporary spousal support the courts tend to use the same guidelines for spousal support as used for child support, however when the courts consider spousal support to complete the dissolution process, then I’m sure factors such as the length of separation, the age of the Parties minor children, “lifestyle” during the marriage, and other factors will be considered for the final award!

Overcoming the Major Obstacles to an Amicable Divorce

In light of our current economy and the pressures it can create on top of what happens when a family breaks up, I thought it would be helpful to share some tips on how to avoid costly litigation and at the same time keep the emotions down to a dull roar.  I’m sure you have lots to worry about absent additional problems in your divorce.  Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

What If You Didn’t Want the Divorce to Begin With?

Unfortunately, in California we have a no fault state, meaning that even if you were the perfect spouse, the other can request and get a divorce. In some states a reason has to be given to request a divorce. Statistics show that whether a state requires a reason, and then proof or not, the divorce rate is about the same.

So whether you agree to the divorce or not, at some point you will have to set aside the question of right or wrong and discuss the terms or “business” of the divorce. If you can muster the courage and set aside the emotions involved then you and your spouse could come up with a plan that is just as good as one worked out by your attorneys. Who better to discuss your children, assets, etc., then you and your spouse?

Communication is Key….

Before discussing, and certainly before agreeing to any terms of a divorce, everyone must realize that communication is key!  In dividing assets, it would be extremely helpful if everyone involved could be open to a new way of thinking, communicating and expressing their desires and concerns.

Recognize that Feelings Do Exist….But Each Party Should Attempt to Minimize the Role That Feelings Play in a Divorce.

If we calm bad feelings, spouses often can settle the issues of their divorce. At times this may require you to allow your spouse to discuss their feelings (which may include a little yelling!)

Stop the Blame Game!

Remember that blaming your spouse will not get you through your divorce (it may help at the time….but it won’t settle your differences).  No matter how right you are and how wrong they are about the original reasons for a divorce, calling this up during discussions about how to complete the divorce will only push you both toward having to use attorneys. The blame game only tends to increase tension and prolong the divorce process.

Serving the “Papers”

Are you thinking that it would be better to have the delivery of the divorce papers be your announcement of the divorce instead of talking about it first? Please reconsider. Just thinking about “being served” can create an environment of fear and confusion. Then on top of that the initial legal divorce documents themselves can cause fear, anger and LOTS of confusion. If at all possible you and your spouse must discuss the divorce prior to filing the documents and discuss the process and set expectations to minimize the “initial blow” of the divorce documents.

Showing Some Class

Once a divorce is in progress and you have hired an attorney, you still have the opportunity to make a bad situation go at least a little more smoothly. It’s actually in your best interest. And keeping communication going is the best route. It will not cost you a dime, and will probably save everyone a lot of money.

Snap Quiz: Do the Courts Consider Interest Paid on a Mortgage When Calculating Support?

Snap answer: Yes, but not the way you think!

It’s a tense moment when clients complete their financial documents in the process of determining their financial obligations for spousal and child support. Everyone wants to list as many expenses as possible, and generally the first expenses listed are mortgage and tax expenses with the expectation that these expenses will decrease their financial obligation.

However when I start running the preliminary numbers for child and spousal support many clients are shocked to find that mortgage interest payments and property taxes happen to increase the financial obligation for temporary spousal support and not decrease it.

Most people do not realize that the program used to determine temporary Spousal Support (Dissomaster) is a tax based program, therefore if you pay mortgage interest payments and taxes, it’s actually a credit to you for tax purposes (because these expenses decrease your tax liability) and for the program’s sake increases your cash flow for spousal support and child support.

So if your ex is thinking about taking you back to court for a child or spousal support modification and you have recently purchased a home…beware…you may be paying more money.  However if you owned a home at the time of the initial filing for child and spousal support and you no longer own it, your support payments may decrease!

If your Divorce is a lemon don’t make lemonade, make a Divorce Cake!

On a typical Saturday, Elite Cake Creations delivers 18 wedding cakes. But it recently added a novelty to its traditional line: divorce cakes. No milestone should go unnoticed — even divorces, said co-owner Beatriz Otero.

Divorce cakes look like wedding cakes, but the decoration depicts scenes of domestic discord, not bliss. For example, a heart-shaped cake broken in pieces featuring a groom standing on one piece, the bride on another; or a man sits dejected on a curb or a cemetery of broken marriages is marked by tiny tombstones.

Recently divorced Tony Farina of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., had purchased cakes from Elite before. On a recent visit, he was in the market for closure. He’s getting a cake for himself and two friends also recently divorced. They’ll get all their buddies together and — eat cake.

So if you are struggling with how to tell all of your friends that you are ‘all right’ and ready to move on with your life, now you have the perfect event: Throw a party and include a divorce cake!  Now you can have your divorce cake and eat it too!