Ability to Inherit

It is always a sad thing to have a marriage come apart. The hope that once was bright, the future that "falls down midflight," and the heart once full of promise, collides at the intersection of faith and reality.

A friend of mine is going through a divorce right now. The process has been slow. Who gets what? What is a product of the marriage? What is fair? Are there any children? Who gets the tax deduction? What insurance should be carried? Who contributed what? There are so many parts and pieces to sorting the debris.

Most of the equitable distribution has been textbook. I was surprised to find, however, that one's ability to inherit plays significantly into a divorce settlement. For example, if one's parents are worth millions and one's spouse stands to inherit a good portion of that, it is factored into the final settlement.

Interesting.

Who has the best lawyer? And, when do you stop caring for the other person enough to protect yourself and your own future?