From the Book: Divorce Amicably
This is a chapter summary from Chapter 6 of  Divorce Amicably, a guide to navigating separation with dignity and cooperation.
Chapter 50 Author: Traci A. Weiss
Traci is an AV-rated family law attorney with over 20 years of civil litigation experience. Her practice is dedicated to family law, including divorce, annulment, child custody, alimony/spousal support, property division, paternity, legitimation, adoption, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, enforcement of court orders, and modification actions. She earned her Juris Doctor Degree from the Emory University School of Law, after having earned her Bachelor of Arts decree in political science and history from Binghamton University (S.U.N.Y.).
Chapter 50's Blueprint for Creating Your Marital Balance Sheet
The fear of financial unknowns paralyzes many divorcing couples, leading to poor decisions based on assumptions rather than facts. In this practical chapter, family law attorney and Guardian ad Litem Traci A. Weiss reveals how creating a comprehensive Marital Balance Sheet transforms the terrifying unknown into manageable known quantities, enabling informed decisions about asset and debt division. She demonstrates why voluntary financial transparency saves thousands in legal fees compared to forced discovery, while actually reducing suspicion and conflict between spouses.
Weiss provides a step-by-step guide for gathering essential financial information—from downloading 12 months of statements to organizing electronic folders—that ensures nothing gets overlooked or hidden. She addresses critical timing issues often missed: why November 1st valuations become meaningless by December 1st mediation, and how mismatched valuation dates between spouses create negotiation disasters. Most importantly, this chapter shows how a properly constructed Marital Balance Sheet becomes the foundation for fair division, preventing the "I didn't know about that account" surprises that derail settlements.
Four Essential Steps from Chapter 50's Balance Sheet Guide
Who Needs Chapter 50's Balance Sheet Framework
This chapter is essential for anyone beginning divorce who feels overwhelmed by financial complexity, those who suspect hidden assets but don't know how to uncover them, and people whose spouses historically controlled finances leaving them in the dark. It's crucial reading for those tempted to hide assets or delay disclosure thinking it provides advantage.
Perfect for detail-oriented individuals who want to ensure nothing gets missed, couples attempting amicable divorce who need a structured approach to financial disclosure, and anyone preparing for mediation who needs accurate, current financial information. Whether you're financially savvy or a complete novice, Weiss's framework ensures you create the comprehensive financial picture necessary for fair division.
Get your copy of "Divorce Amicably" today and learn how to build a Marital Balance Sheet that transforms financial fear into financial clarity—because you can't fairly divide what you don't fully understand, and ignorance about marital finances leads to settlements you'll regret.
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