Some really like, and some really dislike Suze Orman, and regardless of how you feel, she speaks her mind. She recently weighed in on divorce and finances, and for the most part she has sound advice.
One thing I think needs to be clarified is that, in today’s economy, it can become impossible for one spouse to refinance the house mortgage in their own name alone. In a perfect world, yes you need to ensure you get your name off the debt so you’re not responsible, but if you both want to keep the house for your own reasons (for the children’s stability, for example, or to try to wait until the market recovers somewhat), then you can include a clause in your divorce decree that makes it clear that you are not responsible for the loan. If you can, refinance, but if you can’t, it’s not the end of the world.
Christina McPherson, Attorney: McPherson Law Group - Estate Planning, Living Trusts 