May 2024 Client Profile

Sharon, an independent real estate broker, has recently joined the growing number of gray divorcees (people divorcing later in life). She’s looking at what she faces and how to handle her new status.

Fortunately for Sharon, she made an agreement with her ex-husband that her business wouldn’t be part of marital assets for distribution in any divorce settlement. That doesn’t necessarily mean business as usual.

She should keep work and divorce activities separated on her computer and use only her personal email for divorce correspondence. More than ever, she should maintain detailed records to ensure that capital contributions and their sources are recorded to the business.

Sharon will also inventory all her assets and investments and review her goals to update her personal financial and retirement plans — including changing her beneficiary designations. And she has an appointment with her attorney to rewrite her will and update her other estate-planning documents.

Client Profile is based on a hypothetical situation. The solutions discussed may or may not be appropriate for you.