Active vs. Passive Income
The IRS taxes “active” and “passive” incomes at different rates and under different rules. Losses from passive income cannot be used to offset gains from active income. This article will discuss different types of active and passive incomes, and the IRS rules governing these incomes. […]
The Collaborative Divorce Process in Florida Law
In recent years, as divorce for many couples has become increasingly costly, both financially and emotionally, collaborative divorce has grown in popularity as an alternative to the traditional litigation approach in an effort to help couples part more peacefully, saving them time and money. In 2017, The Collaborative Law Process Act became Part 3 of Chapter 61 of our Florida Statutes. So how does collaborative divorce work? How does it begin and end, and what [...]
Progressive Tax System
A progressive tax system, such as the one used by the federal government of the United States of America, consists of different tax “brackets”. In this system the tax payer starts out paying a certain percentage of every dollar as tax, then as the tax payer earns enough to enter the next bracket they are taxed at a different rate. […]
The Value of an Accountant
Whether on the Cash Flows Statement of a large corporation or on your personal budget, stakeholders are always looking to increase profits. By definition, this can be achieved by either increasing revenues or by decreasing expenses. So when does it become advisable to increase expenses? […]
Effective Tax Rate
The effective tax rate is the average tax rate that a tax payer was effectively assessed in a given year. […]
Marginal Tax Rate
The marginal tax rate is the tax rate that a tax payer would pay on the next dollar they earn. […]
Steps after the Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) is Signed
Just because the ink has dried on the Marital Settlement Agreement (“MSA”), doesn’t mean everything is settled and you can freely move on to the next phase of your life. There are many things that need to be handled once your divorce is finalized. While the list below is not comprehensive, it is a good starting point and may also enable you to think about additional items that may need to be addressed. […]
What is a QDRO and Why is it Important in Divorce
What is a QDRO (pronounced “kwadro”) and why is it important to understand during a divorce? A QDRO is a Qualified Domestic Relations Order that creates the alternate spouse’s right to receive all or a portion of the benefits due under a retirement or pension plan. […]
Child Support: Parenting Plans & Substantial Time-Sharing
The legal standard in every child support case is for the court to approve a time-sharing plan that operates in the child’s best interest. The court will consider several factors to determine this parenting plan, such as financial and daily decision-making responsibilities. The following is an excerpt from Florida Statute 61.13 pertaining to a parenting plan: 61.13 (2)(b) A parenting plan approved by the court must, at a minimum: Describe in adequate detail how the [...]
Crossroads of Brokenness
There was a Jewish boy who grew up in Germany many years ago. This boy deeply admired his father. His father led the family to their Jewish Synagogue faithfully and the boy grew up with strong Jewish values and beliefs. In his teen years his family was forced to move to another town in Germany where there was no Synagogue; only a Lutheran church- the life of the community. The Lutheran church was the gathering place [...]