Divorce Stories in 2019 | Johnsen Wikander P.C. West Michigan Divorce Attorneys

Divorce Stories in 2019

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In 2019, there were several notable divorce-related events in the news. For our last post of the year, we are revisiting two of the biggest divorce events this year.

New tax laws took effect last year changing the rules for some spouses ending their marriage. Previously, alimony payments were tax-deductible for the payor and included as taxable income for the recipient of the support.

As of January 1, 2019, alimony payments are no longer deductible for the payor, and this significant tax change has impacted many divorce settlements. The change is intended to shift the tax responsibility to the higher income spouse while giving the lower-income spouse some financial relief.

Given the financial changes over the last year, it is important to engage a financial planner as well as an experienced divorce attorney in the divorce process.

In addition to tax changes, 2019 also saw the end of several high profile celebrity relationships. However, one stood out from the rest.

The biggest divorce-related story for 2019 was, by far, the end of Jeff and MacKenzie Bezos’s 25-year marriage. Public statements from both inferred that they had grown apart and were interested in parting on amicable terms. Jeff’s relationship with newswoman Lauren Sanchez, however, created speculation on the true nature of their separation.

The Bezos’ reasons for separating were certainly overshadowed by the bigger story – the financial impact their divorce would have on both spouses as well as Amazon.com, the company they created together.

As the richest man in the world at the time, Jeff Bezos could have been deeply impacted by the divorce settlement and any stock awarded to MacKenzie. The future price of Amazon’s stock was carefully considered as part of the overall settlement agreement.

By giving up too much of his Amazon stock, Jeff Bezos’ control over the company could have been impacted. Since giving up control could have meant a change in the company’s future, awarding MacKenzie too much of the couple’s stock may have resulted in a small financial settlement for her.

Although MacKenzie Bezos was legally entitled to 50 percent of the couple’s Amazon shares, she walked away with approximately one quarter. While Jeff Bezos retains a 12 percent stake in the company, MacKenzie will control just 4 percent.

Although that may seem like an unfair ratio, her 4 percent stake makes MacKenzie Bezos one of the richest people in the world with approximately 38 billion dollars in the bank.

Jeff Bezos retained control of Amazon, with his 12 percent holdings putting his net worth at nearly 115 Billion dollars in 2019.

If you are considering divorce in the coming year, it is important to consult a West Michigan divorce lawyer before taking any action. Please contact the experienced divorce attorneys at Johnson Wikander and let us help you through your most difficult time.

Children of Divorce and the Holidays | Johnsen Wikander P.C. West Michigan Divorce Attorneys

Children of Divorce and the Holidays

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For many people, the upcoming holiday season will be their first without a spouse. Couples who have divorced in 2019 may see the holiday season as challenging instead of joyous, especially when faced with financial and child-related concerns.

However, there are some important things to consider to maintain your holiday spirit, especially when children are involved. Divorce is hard enough on kids, so during this time of year, it is even more critical to put children first.

There are some important considerations for divorced or divorcing West Michigan parents in order to preserve the holiday joy for their children.

Keep the Kids Out of the Middle

Children should never be used as pawns. Many are already struggling with the situation and should never be made to feel like pieces in a chess match. Remember to base decisions on their mental and physical wellbeing first and foremost.

It is also important to avoid discussing the other parent in front of the children. They should never hear disparaging comments about their mother from their father in the middle of a holiday gathering.

Get in the Spirit

It is easy to harbor anger and resentment during a difficult divorce, but the holidays are a time of joy and parents should do their best to get in the spirit. Try not to skimp on the decorations or keep your Christmas tree or menorah in the box just because you are not in the mood.

This is the time to put your children front and center and get in the spirit, even if only for them.

The Holidays are Not a Competition

For most divorced or divorcing couples, money has played a part in their stress and strife. It is easy to think that a child’s love can be purchased by buying bigger, more expensive gifts than the other parent, but the holidays should not be a competition.

It is also important to remember the rules. If children are not allowed to have a particular item, such as a cell phone or other electronics, purchasing it behind the other parent’s back can only lead to further conflict with children almost undoubtedly caught in the middle.

Celebrations and Social Gatherings

Holiday celebrations and social gatherings present unique issues, especially school concerts and parties or other events where children are the focus. During these times, it is important to make sacrifices for the children and put conflict aside.

You do not need to sit together, especially if doing so leads to heightened stress or animosity; however, children should be able to see both parents in the audience at their school play.

It’s a Holiday, Not a Road Trip

The holidays should be a time of celebration, not an exhausting odyssey across the state. Children should not dread the holidays because it means spending the day traveling between parents, grandparents and extended family homes.

Make the effort to coordinate and compromise so the kids can enjoy the day without spending most of it in the car. If there is one time all year to meet in the middle, this is it.

The holidays present unique challenges for both parents and children involved in a divorce. It is important to make compromises wherever necessary to put the children’s needs first and foremost.

If you are considering divorce, please take the time to investigate all of the available options before proceeding with any legal action. Please consult with the Grand Rapids area divorce attorneys at Johnsen Wikander and let us help you through your most difficult time.

Why Argue When You Can Collaborate? | Johnsen Wikander P.C. West Michigan Divorce Attorneys

Why Argue When You Can Collaborate?

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Divorce is difficult for all parties involved. In many cases, the adversarial nature of traditional divorce is hard on friendships, family relationships, and of course, the spouses who have decided to end their marriage.

However, new processes have emerged over the years which allow divorcing couples to avoid the adversarial nature of traditional divorce. Divorcing couples can now choose to embrace the Collaborative Divorce process, a gentler approach that helps spouses achieve individual and mutual goals while reducing stress, anger and potentially the cost.

The process involves a team of Collaboratively-trained professionals in fields such as family law, mental health and financial planning who assist divorcing spouses to reach a mutually beneficial agreement through interest-based discussions rather than positioned demands.

Children caught up in divorce proceedings are often the most impacted by the potentially combative process. By focusing on a respectful and peaceful approach to family dissolution, Collaborative Divorce can help to protect spouses’ relationships and make post-divorce co-parenting much more attainable.

The newly revised Michigan Court Rules allow couples who have completed the Collaborative process to file a joint “petition” to divorce and permits avoiding often adversarial pretrial hearings. If you complete a Collaborative Divorce, neither spouse is named a “plaintiff” or “defendant,” terms that can emotionally impact a couple after such a non-adversarial and team-centered approach to dissolving their marriage.

By involving a team of professionals from a variety of disciplines, couples often find that costs are reduced. The team uses each professional for a specific purpose, reducing the time that attorneys often spend as counselors and financial advisors. The process is efficient, and couples are motivated to come to the table and have productive and non-adversarial conversations.

If you are considering divorce, please take the time to investigate all of the available options before proceeding with any legal action. In West Michigan, please consult with the specially trained Collaborative Law professionals and Grand Rapids area divorce attorneys at Johnsen Wikander and let us help you through your most difficult time.

Seeking Legal Advice Before Divorce | Johnsen Wikander P.C. West Michigan Divorce Attorneys

Seeking Legal Advice Before Divorce

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Most people understand that legal assistance is important in many situations. When an individual faces a lawsuit, possibility of financial gain or loss or potential incarceration, help from an experienced West Michigan lawyer becomes extremely important.

There are, however, a variety of legal issues that people attempt to resolve without the advice of an attorney. Internet-based companies with fancy websites have made many processes appear simple, creating the image that patenting an invention or forming a corporation is a DIY project that can easily be completed over a weekend.

At minimal expense, couples can end their marriage with a few clicks of their mouse and a credit card or PayPal account. However, the decisions made during a separation or divorce—and the language included in the legal documents—can have far-reaching effects, many of which may not be obvious to the unrepresented individual.

While keeping divorce simple and amicable is desirable, answering some generic questions on a form may be a risky way to end a marriage.. Every divorce presents unique circumstances, and individuals should always consider having an attorney review their facts before proceeding on their own.

For example, divorcing couples may start by signing a separation agreement. While this may seem simple enough, a poorly written agreement may lead to future problems for the couple.

If you are considering divorce, please start by consulting with an experienced divorce lawyer.

In West Michigan, please contact the experienced divorce attorneys at Johnsen Wikander today and let us help you through your most difficult time.

Social Media Issues and Divorce | Johnsen Wikander P.C. West Michigan Divorce Attorneys

Social Media Issues and Divorce

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Social media has become more than just a way for friends and family in West Michigan to stay connected. It is now one of the most popular ways for businesses to advertise or market their product or service. It is a great way for organizations to raise funds or awareness. It is also an easy way to keep the public informed about an event or a cause. And, of course, it is a great way for people to stay in touch and share photos and updates with their friends and family.

Social media, however, can also lead to relationship issues and very often play an integral part in divorce proceedings. As social media becomes more popular, it has also become easier for people to reconnect with old flames, and even rekindle those past relationships.

The threat of infidelity posed by social media is not the only problem. Facebook, Instagram and other outlets can also generate addictive behavior. A Chicago University poll concluded that people can become more addicted to social media than alcohol and nicotine.

In many cases, continuous use of social media, suspicious behavior, unusual posts and more can cause distrust between partners and spouses. Many often try to hide the level of their use.

All social media outlets can lead to marital issues, with 15 percent of couples polled reporting that social media was responsible for the problems in their relationship. A quarter of the couples polled reported that social media use caused at least one argument each week.

One social media outlet stands out from the rest in its impact on relationships. In 2019, Facebook has taken the lead, accounting for one-third of all marriage strife. In a study published in the Journal of Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking, Facebook was cited as the leading cause of divorce in nearly 30 percent of cases.

For many spouses, the primary complaint was inappropriate messages to members of the opposite sex. However, in a substantial number of cases, high use was the biggest issue. In either case, the same study found that people who access Facebook more than one hour per day are more likely to have conflict in their marriage.

Although social media provides a number of positive tools and results, its over-use can interfere with, and even destroy, a relationship. If you believe you are facing divorce for any reason, please contact a lawyer and learn your rights. In West Michigan, please contact the experienced attorneys at Johnsen Wikander and let us help you through your most difficult time.

Finance and Divorce | Johnsen Wikander P.C. West Michigan Divorce Attorneys

Finance and Divorce

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Divorce can be unexpected, catching either spouse off guard and unprepared for the issues to come. In many relationships one spouse may handle the couples finances, taxes, and other administrative responsibilities, leaving the other spouse completely unprepared to assume those responsibilities after their relationship has ended.

Although the couple’s marital assets and debts may be equally distributed through alimony (spousal support) and child support, a newly divorced spouse may not have the experience to assume control over their own bills, taxes and insurance.

1. If you are facing divorce, it’s important to consult with an experienced divorce lawyer as soon as possible to avoid some of the more common financial problems such as the following:

2. Banking – Checking and savings accounts should be created as soon as legally allowable. Consult with your attorney before removing either spouse from a joint account to avoid legal issues later.

3. Insurance – One spouse will probably take over their own car, renters, homeowners, or health insurance. It’s important to consult with your insurance agent before proceeding with any changes in coverage.

4. Credit Cards –It may be necessary for one spouse to apply for a card in their own name. The other spouse may need to remove additional users from their account and create a new one.

If the card must be used for expenses while the divorce is pending, it may be best to remove the second user from a joint credit card. It’s important to stay protected from any credit card debt incurred by your spouse while a divorce is pending.

5. Financial Management – Find a good accountant and advisor who can counsel you on unfamiliar issues such as taxes and investments.

6. Taxes – If one spouse has been primarily responsible for filing joint taxes, find an accountant who can help navigate important tax issues. It’s better to pay a professional than to risk mistakes and potential penalties.

Aside from the challenges of alimony (spousal support), child support, and the division of assets. There are many other financial implications that must be addressed. If you’re facing divorce, please contact the experienced West Michigan attorneys at Johnsen Wikander and let us help you through your most difficult time.

Collaborative Divorce & Finances

Divorce, Wealth, and the Future of Amazon.com

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The divorce of the world’s wealthiest couple turned Jeff Bezos’ wife MacKenzie into the 3rd richest woman in the world.

Mrs. Bezos could have been the richest as she was entitled to 50 percent of the couple’s holding in Amazon, as well as Bezos’ other private space company, Blue Origin, and his recent acquisition, the Washington Post.

As of today, Amazon stock alone is valued at more than $1800.00 per share, putting the Bezos’ holdings of more than 80 million shares at a value of over $140 billion dollars.

However, MacKenzie Bezos agreed to give control of 75% of the couple’s shares to her husband, along with the voting rights to the 25% of the stock that she will retain. While Jeff Bezos’ net worth will remain above $100 billion dollars, MacKenzie will leave the marriage with more than $35 billion of her own.

The couple’s divorce created concern in the financial world since an extended or contentious split had the potential to influence Amazon’s stock price. If the couple went through a difficult divorce, control over the company’s future may have shifted, negatively impacting Amazon stock.

However, according to separate Twitter posts from both Jeff and MacKenzie Bezos, the couple parted ways on amicable terms. They stated that they intend on working closely on philanthropic projects and will cooperatively co-parent their four children. Both of their statements referenced the other as a “friend.”

With so many celebrity divorces ending badly and so much riding on the outcome, it is interesting to note the positive statements by both spouses and the apparent cooperative nature of their split.

Did MacKenzie and Jeff Bezos work things out on their own, or could they have used a process such as Collaborative Divorce to come to a final agreement?

Collaborative Divorce provides couples with a process that reduces animosity and offers a more respectful, less combative approach to the dissolution of their marriage. Couples choosing Collaborative Divorce engage a group of professionally trained Collaborative specialists who help the couple work together to reach a mutually acceptable resolution.

The Collaborative Divorce process helps couples maintain their co-parenting relationship and helps to keep their children’s well-being in the spotlight. By removing conflict, the ability for spouses to work together and co-parent their children is very often maintained.

Whether you are facing divorce in Silicon Valley or Grand Rapids, please consult with a qualified divorce lawyer before taking any steps forward. In West Michigan, contact the experienced West Michigan divorce attorneys at Johnsen Wikander today and let us help you through your most difficult time.

Road to Parenting after Divorce

Life after Divorce – Apps and Websites That Assist Parents

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Adjusting to life after divorce is difficult, especially with the many changes to daily life that follow. Co-parenting requirements, financial considerations, and communication issues can all place new responsibilities on divorced West Michigan spouses. However, there’s tech for that.
Parents can find help with many of their needs both online and in apps from the Google or Apple App Stores. Here are some of the most popular and helpful free and paid tools available today.
1. Talking Parents
By keeping an online record of all conversations between both parties, Talking Parents helps them avoid the “he said-she said” aspects of communication and can prevent disputes. If a dispute does arise, it may be resolved more quickly since stored communication records cannot be altered or deleted.
Talking Parents also provides space for sharing and storing files, and a shared calendar with notifications to help with co-parenting tasks and appointments. The program is free for people who only want to use the website, however, for $4.99 per month parents can also use Talking Parents’ mobile apps on their phone.
2. 2Houses
2Houses helps divorced or separated parents communicate, organize, and schedule tasks and resources to prevent conflict and to help ensure the well-being of their children. 2Houses provides a shared calendar specifically created for separated parents, and a journal for sharing information such as news, pictures, and even videos.
2Houses also provides an expense management tool so that parents can easily track and share financial information, offering transparency that helps to avoid conflict between divorced spouses. Visit their website or download the smartphone app and provide access to the entire family for $9.99 per month.
3. AppClose
Although only available on mobile phones, AppClose helps separated parents avoid scheduling conflicts with an easy to use shared calendar. AppClose also includes a secure messaging platform that includes the ability to export conversations for review by a divorce attorney.
The app can also maintain a record of important information such as allergies, contact info, teacher’s names, and alternative childcare. Download Appclose for free from the Google or Apple App store.
4. Our Family Wizard
Designed specifically for co-parenting, Our Family Wizard helps parents keep the focus on their children. The program helps to avoid miscommunication and reduce stress by providing a secure platform where messages between parents cannot be deleted or altered. The built-in, proprietary Tone Meter can suggest changes to new messages that will keep things light and positive.

Our Family Wizard also includes a robust shared calendar, a virtual diary, and an information bank that can store important medical, school, or contact information and files for easy access by both parents. Our Family Wizard plans begin at $99.00 per year and include website and mobile access.
5. CoParently
CoParently helps parents spend less time managing custody and more time with their children. Offering a shared calendar, secure messaging platform, and information storage much like the others, the program provides parents with all of the tools they need to stay focused on the best interests of their children.
Coparently also allows Guest access to select family members, caregivers, or family law professionals and provides special access for children that shields them their parent’s conversations. Membership plans include website and mobile access for $9.99 per month.
If you are considering divorce, please take the time to learn about the options available to you today, such as Collaborative Divorce, which can help couples reach an outcome that is acceptable and beneficial to their entire family.
In West Michigan, please contact the experienced divorce attorneys at Johnsen Wikander today and let us help you through your most difficult time.

Money can’t buy Happiness | Johnsen Wikander P.C. West Michigan Divorce Attorneys

Money can’t buy Happiness

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Most people with a TV or Internet access know by now that, after 25 years together, Jeff Bezos and his wife, Mackenzie, are getting divorced. Although they are ending their marriage, they have both stated that they are splitting on good terms and wish for “wonderful futures ahead” for themselves and their four children.

This is not the first time a public figure, politician or wealthy individual created a stir with their marital woes. However, this could be the first time someone’s divorce involves a personal fortune that outweighs the gross national product of several countries.

Jeff Bezos founded Amazon.com in 1995 with the goal of selling books over the Internet. Although his idea seems hardly revolutionary today, the company was founded at a time when many people still believed the Internet, and the personal computers that accessed it, was just a fad that would not be sustained long-term.

Of course, it did not blow over. In fact, it could be argued that Bezos’ creation helped drive the Internet’s explosion into the lives of nearly every man, woman and child across West Michigan, and beyond.

Jeff Bezos became the world’s richest man in late October 2017, when his $90 billion fortune surpassed that of Bill Gates, Warren Buffett and many others. Today, Bezos’net worth is estimated at more than $150 billion dollars.

Bezos owns 16% of Amazon.com, which makes him the company’s largest shareholder. In the latter part of 2017, an incredible increase in Amazon’s stock value nearly doubled his net worth, generating approximately $78 billion in income in one year. Using that figure as his annual income, Bezos earned more than $8 million an hour.

What does all of this mean for Mackenzie Bezos, who married the Amazon.com founder when the company was still a back of the napkin idea? More than just Jeff Bezos’ wife and mother to their four children, Mackenzie Bezos was an instrumental part in Amazon’s launch, even acting as the company’s first accountant.

Since the couple’s primary residence is in Washington state, any asset acquired during their marriage is considered “community property” and is subject to a 50-50 split. However, any division of the couple’s unusual fortune could have a negative effect on Amazon.com’s stock price, and potentially each spouse’s net worth. Although each spouse will retain a divorce lawyer, it’s likely that the Bezos’ will come to an agreement out of court.

Although there is a great deal of speculation about their divorce, it is unlikely that Jeff or Mackenzie Bezos will be left struggling. If she receives even half of their wealth, Mackenzie could easily become the richest woman in the world by the time the dust settles. However, even if she is awarded “only” 1/10 of the couple’s wealth, her net worth could exceed $15 billion dollars.

With options such as Collaborative Divorce available today, it would be interesting to speculate on which path forward the Bezos’ will take, especially given their apparent willingness to end things on good terms. A statement released on Jeff Bezos’ Twitter account even read, “After a period of loving exploration and trial separation, we have decided to divorce and continue our shared lives as friends.”

With over $150 billion at their disposal, you might think they could find a way to work through their differences and survive any marital speedbumps. Jeff and Mackenzie Bezos, however, are proof that, as the saying goes, money cannot buy happiness.

If you are considering divorce, it is important to educate yourself on the process and options available today. Please contact the experienced Grand Rapids divorce attorneys at Johnsen Wikander today and let us help you through your most difficult time.

Fear of Divorce | Johnsen Wikander P.C. West Michigan Divorce Attorneys

Fear of Divorce

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Divorce is far from uncommon in West Michigan today. However, the idea of separating from someone who has shared the same home for years, for better or worse, is still often met with fear by one or both divorcing spouses.

The fear of divorce may keep unhappy couples together for years, often living as roommates to avoid subjecting themselves to the process even when no children are involved.

When asked why they feared the idea of divorce, the answers given were often the same, with several specific issues repeatedly appearing in the top results.

Disruption/Upheaval

For many people, the idea of divorcing is overshadowed by the upheaval that accompanies the process. Couples who have been together for decades may have accumulated a substantial amount of personal property, investment and retirement assets, and just plain “stuff.”

For them, staying together may seem easier than facing the work involved in dividing their shared assets. Other disruptive issues may also be cause for fear, such as lost friendships, new and unfamiliar homes, and new financial responsibilities.

Loneliness

The fear of divorce can also be rooted in the common fear of being alone. This can be especially true for older couples who believe they may never have another chance to find a strong or lasting relationship.

For these spouses, sharing a home with a virtual “roommate” may be preferable to walking into an empty house. Even when couples no longer share a bed, having someone else in the home may provide peace of mind and security for one or the other spouse.

Financial Stress

People often believe divorce will result in extreme financial difficulties. When both people earn a paycheck and share expenses, one or both may fear the impact removing half of their collective income might have on lifestyle, well-being and financial security.

Newer divorce options, such as Collaborative Divorce, can provide solutions that may reduce the cost of divorce and will certainly reduce stress.

For the Children

Parents who stay together because they believe it is the best solution for their children’s emotional wellbeing or concern regarding who gets custody of the child,  often overlook the real results of their decision. Children are often not fooled by their parents’ actions and can feel the tension and unhappiness in the home.

Unfortunately, children sometimes believe they are to blame for the trouble at home and may act out because of it. By staying together, parents potentially contribute to the resulting misbehavior, violent actions, and sadness or depression their children may manifest.

Many children of divorced parents who were interviewed later knew that their parents were staying together “because of me” and stated that they would have been much happier if the couple had divorced earlier, removing the tension and anger from their lives.

If you are considering the possibility of divorce, it is important to understand the process and options available to you today. In Grand Rapids and the surrounding communities in West Michigan, please contact the experienced divorce attorneys at Johnsen Wikander today. Let us help you through the fear associated with your most difficult time.