What You Need to Know About Social Security Benefits and Remarriage

Picture of two wedding bands

There are few things more painful than divorce and the lengthy, exhausting legal process that comes along with it. But fortunately for you, you’ve found another love and you’re ready to get remarried. Congratulations!

While getting remarried often comes with many emotional and financial gains, you may have questions about legal ramifications — chiefly when it comes to your current Social Security benefits.

These benefits often make it possible for ex-spouses to continue living comfortably, even without the financial assistance of a partner. How will getting remarried change that picture?
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Pre-Suit Mediation for Family Law Issues

Pre-Suit Mediation for Family Law IssuesAre you currently fighting with a spouse or family member over child custody issues or a divorce settlement? Family law is probably one of the most contentious areas of legal practices. But with pre suit mediation, you may be able to avoid a lawsuit. It’s a good alternative for those who are willing to try working together.

What is Pre-Suit Mediation?

Pre-suit mediation occurs before someone files a lawsuit, or if the lawsuit has been filed, the mediation takes place at any time during the lawsuit process. Mediation is a face-to-face series of meetings designed to find resolutions to important family issues. read more

New Beginnings Require Tying Up Loose Ends

family and divorce lawAs your marriage ends and your new life begins, there are several steps you should take to tie up the loose ends of your former life.  Failing to deal with these loose ends won’t make things any easier later, and can lead to unintended consequences.

Update your W-4

Employers rely on the information you provide them in your W-4 form to determine how much income tax to withhold.  Once your marital status, and possibly your child custody status has changed, make certain to change your W-4 to reflect these changes.  Failure to do so may result in your employer withholding too much, or not enough in taxes.  This could lead to unpleasant consequences later.

Talk to Your Medical Clinic

Make certain to contact medical care providers to update your Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) forms.  If you’ve seen a dentist, doctor, or other medical professional any time in the past several years, you probably signed a HIPAA form which authorized the release of your medical information to your spouse.  Now that you are no longer married, you may wish to update this consent to reflect another person as your emergency contact. read more