Julie M. Cillo becomes a Fellow in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers

The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers was founded in 1962, by highly regarded domestic relations attorneys “To provide leadership that promotes the highest degree of professionalism and excellence in the practice of family law.”  Academy Fellows are highly skilled negotiators and litigators who represent individuals in all facets of family law. These areas include divorce, annulment, prenuptial agreements, postnuptial agreements, marital settlement agreements, child custody and visitation, business valuations, property valuations and division, alimony, child support and other family law issues.
To be represented by a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers is to be represented by a leading practitioner in the field of family law. The  AAML Fellows across the United States are generally recognized by judges and attorneys as preeminent family law practitioners with a high level of knowledge, skill and integrity. Currently there are only 55 Fellows in Virginia.

Considering the tax implications of divorce

A good article from the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers

http://www.aaml.org/about-the-academy/press/aaml-in-the-news/tax-issues/new-tax-rules-complicate-divorce-plans

Finding the right attorney

A good article from the Richmond Times Dispatch.http://www.timesdispatch.com/business/local/metro-business/leading-edge-law-how-to-contact-an-attorney-for-the/article_5653ec83-1245-58f9-adb5-8dda705df32d.html

Modification of alimony/spousal support

Your divorce is over.  You receive an award of spousal support (or you are ordered to pay).  You begin your post-divorce life.  Then, it happens... the summons on your door.... your former spouse is seeking a reduction or termination of spousal support (or your former spouse is seeking an increase).   Suddenly, you have to deal with the past colliding with your present and impacting your future.  Understanding based on the documents of your divorce whether a modification can even be sought is also important. Modifications, if allowed, then require two findings:  (1) a material change of circumstances that (2) warrant an increase or decrease in support.  Understanding what documents and evidence is needed that relate to these two prongs is essential to putting together a strong modification case (or opposition thereto).   There are financial issues, health issues, relationship issues that may need to be considered.  Be sure you are taking proactive steps to have all the information so your situation can be evaluated and your future can be protected as much as possible. 

Holiday stress and separation

Stress during the holidays exist for many families whether intact or not.  For separated spouses and families that stress can be greatly intensified.  So, be sure you prepare in advance.  Make sure you have your support system in full force and get any appointments with professionals scheduled in advance.  Choose your battles with your ex-spouse and/or children wisely.    Plan your own budget for holiday spending and figure out how to add your own touches to this season.  Take time for yourself.  Pamper yourself.  Remember that although this season may be different from prior ones, you will be ok.

Understand your social security in a divorce

As the divorce rate of older couples increases, the impact of Social Security laws is important for each spouse to understand.  These benefits may affect spousal support and other issues in a divorce.  Having a good knowledge of your benefits and/or your spouse's benefits can be helpful in negotiations; and this knowledge may need to be shared with the Court if matters are litigated.   The Social Security's website is a wealth of information to help. http://www.ssa.gov/retire2/divspouse.htm  is a good place to start; and you can follow links from there.

Is there a Divorce Fiscal Cliff?

There has been much talk lately about a potential national "fiscal cliff" -- i.e. changes in various statuses that can have a significant economic impact.  A different kind of fiscal cliff can also exist for folks upon the finalization of their divorce.  Economically, the parties have either reached a financial agreement or a Court has made a determination about how financial assets and liabilities will be divided.  Knowing the potential cliff consequences while negotiating or while preparing to present evidence to a Court is important.  For example, the marital residence being sold can have different impacts depending on how long it has been owned whether it has positive or negative equity, whether either party can qualify for a new mortgage or lease.  Another example is the tax implications that come from being divorced and no longer being able to file jointly depending on whether spousal support is being paid or requested, depending on who is claiming the children, etc.   These are just a few limited examples.  Be sure when you are contemplating a separation or divorce that you are working with your attorney and any additional financial professionals to understand all components of assets and other finances pertaining to you and your family to seek as much protection as possible.