Well Known Celebrity Divorce Attorneys Say Don't Overlook These Tips LOS ANGELES, July 23
LOS ANGELES, July 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Partners Scott N. Weston and Robert
J. Nachshin of Nachshin & Weston, a prominent family law firm in West Los
Angeles that represents celebrities, business professionals and homemakers,
suggest that in view of the In re Marriage Cases -- the California Supreme
Court case that overturned the state's ban on same-sex marriage -- that such
couples pay close attention to all their financial and legal needs before they
tie the knot. As such, they offer the following "Top Ten" to do list:
1. Seek out the services of a California CPA -- who understands gay
marriage and its tax implications. For instance, while same-sex
couples receive state-level benefits they do not receive the same
considerations on a federal level. That includes the tax benefits,
deductions, and even social security benefits granted to heterosexual
couples. A well-seasoned and up-to-date CPA will know how to guide a
same-sex couple in all his/her tax planning.
2. Confer with an investment advisor -- even though you may get sound
advice from your accountant, it will be of benefit to obtain advice
from an investment specialist who can help you plan for retirement,
find ways to maximize your investments, and set up IRA's, money-market
accounts and other investments to secure you and your mate's future.
3. Hire a Wills/ Estates planning attorney -- and get your records in
order. Though most couples-especially younger couples-do not plan on
dealing with an early demise of his/her mate, making sure that such
documents as a Physician's Directive, Last Will and Testament, and
Living Trust are in place. The last thing any surviving spouse wants
to deal with is the turmoil surrounding a catastrophic incident or the
death of a spouse when "wishes" have not been clearly defined.
4. Seek out the advice of a family law attorney -- to inquire if you and
your fiance should have a prenuptial agreement in place. You and your
soon-to-be spouse may have assets worth protecting: those properties
and items that you are bringing with you into the marriage. Though
your intentions are good, just as they are with any other couple, the
divorce rate in California exceeds 50% and is rising. You may also
want to ask your family law attorney how best to handle your marital
arrangement in the face of the worst case scenario relative to the
November ballot initiative outcome and the California Supreme Court's
ultimate decision. Ask how it will impact your marriage.
5. Ask your insurance company representative(s) -- if all your needs are
being met in view of your marital status. Changing the names of
beneficiaries, opting for additional coverage, and changing names on
policies is critical. This is especially important if either party has
children from a prior relationship, or as a couple you plan to have
children of your own.
6. Chat with your banker -- to find out what type of accounts the two of
you should set up. Also, ask which accounts should be kept separately
and which ones jointly. Should you have a safety deposit box? What
should you store in it? Ask. Your banker will have you and your mate's
best interests in mind and be able to help you get organized and/or
plan.
7. Change your existing records to reflect both spouses' names -- these
might include utility companies, cable services, credit cards and
service providers (e.g. your gardener) that you both use. If you have
existing accounts, add your spouse. You can also close the account in
a sole name and open a new one in both names.
8. Sign up for some pre-marriage counseling -- it is always a good idea
to confer with your spiritual adviser or family therapist before the
ceremony to handle any unresolved differences between the two of you.
This individual should be someone the two of you can counsel with
should any difficulties arise in your marriage.
9. Read the new amendment and understand its meaning -- because it is
important that you are well-versed and well-informed as to your
rights, privileges and responsibilities
10. Join political action groups and other organizations -- dedicated to
seeing the defeat of Proposition 8, the fall California ballot
initiative that seeks to amend the constitution, invalidating gay
marriage. Although California tends to be more accepting of gay and
lesbian unions than many other states, there is still sure to be
strong support for the proposition.
Nachshin & Weston, assisting gay and lesbian couples since the inception
of the firm in the early 90s, offers clients a full range of family law
services. Bob Nachshin and Scott Weston are best known for their
precedent-setting win in the Barry Bonds prenuptial case where the pair
prevailed on Bonds' behalf before the California Supreme Court. The two are
the authors of I Do, You Do ... But Just Sign Here: A Quick and Easy Guide to
Cohabitation, Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements. Both are available for
interviews on the topic of gay and lesbian marriage. For more information
visit: http://www.nwdivorce.com.
SOURCE Nachshin & Weston
