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$25 Divorce Workshop at The Law Collaborative

After much consideration, we have decided to try a new approach to the Second Saturday Divorce Workshop. We’re still offering tools, strategies, and information from three top divorce professionals, but the program is more compact and more affordable.

Join us Saturday, October 8, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at our office in Woodland Hills for a comprehensive workshop about the divorce process. Robert Borsky, Esquire, of The Law Collaborative will speak about the legal divorce, Pete Collins, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, will discuss important financial and tax issues that most people don’t know about, and James E. Walton, PhD will cover emotional agendas, how to help the kids, and how to deal with your ex. Breakfast is included.

The new rate for our two-hour Second Saturday Divorce Workshop is $25 in advance, $35 at the door. For more information or to register online now please visit www.thelawcollaborative.com/secondsaturday.htm or call us toll free at (888) 852-9961.

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A Serious Girl, September 28th 2011 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in children, collaborative divorce, divorce, events, family

How To Have A Better Divorce

Here are some tips and suggestions to help make the process of divorce a little bit easier. If you follow these suggestions, you will save yourself a lot of potential frustration down the road.

1. Always take your file with you everywhere.

2. Keep a journal. Write down every significant event, conversation, discussion and action of your spouse at the time it occurs.

3. Keep a ledger. Write down every financial aspect of your case to assure a complete, accurate, and legible record of all the financial aspects of your case.

4. Memorialize every agreement with every person who is interested/involved in your case. Keep/send copies.

5. Meet with your attorney in person to design strategies for your case. Explore consensual dispute resolution; confirm everything in writing.

6. Know your strategy; do not deviate without advice and counsel.

7. Participate in the preparation of your case; draft, document, investigate, gather information and pre-interview all witnesses.

8. Let your attorney know when s/he is on track or off.

9. Schedule regular spit and grouse sessions with your attorney. DO NOT let resentments accumulate.

10. Keep your account current at all times and offer security if you fall behind.

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Ron, September 26th 2011 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in divorce, worthwhile reading

Prepare Yourself

Prepare Yourself for Divorce by Knowing Your Budget and Your Home’s Equity
By Randy Morrow, Certified Real Estate Divorce Specialist

You have filed for divorce and told your attorney “I want everything I can get from her/him.” Really? Do you think it is that easy?

What happens to you if ‘everything’ isn’t enough? How are you going to live? Do you have a job that pays enough to support you and/or the kids? Do you even have a job? Have you given any of this the least bit of thought? Tough questions, but questions you must answer.

My suggestion:  Sit down and start making a list of absolutes. Absolutes are monthly expenses absolutely necessary to survive, with no frills. I suggest having a trusted friend or professional help you make this list. (Remember, you probably aren’t thinking as clearly as you would like to right now.)

Read more…

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Guest, September 19th 2011 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in divorce, worthwhile reading

A Dirty Word Or A Saving Grace?

PREMARITAL INSURANCE
By Ty Supancic, Esquire

I regularly help couples design and build foundations for the most important project in their lives. The work is long and involved and at times unpleasant, but I believe the results are worth it in the long run. We take the time to examine and investigate their dreams and circumstances, and using that information, we design and create a strong foundation together which will support whatever they chose to build on it. If what they build together fails sometime in the future, it will not be for lack of planning.

No, I’m not a contractor or an architect. I’m a family law attorney and the “foundation” I’m describing is a mediated premarital agreement.

“Premarital Agreement” and “Pre-Nup” are dirty words in the common vernacular, but I believe this is due to misunderstandings based on Hollywood propaganda and sensationalistic news coverage. Premarital agreements need not be unilateral documents forced by one spouse upon another. The alternative to the Hollywood stereotype, and the vast majority of the premarital agreements we draft in our office, is a premarital agreement reached by mutual discussions and assent to terms designed to support marriage and discourage divorce.

At the most basic level, people get divorced because they’re “unhappy.” Unfortunately, statistics tell us that divorce does not bring happiness. Studies reveal that most people are just as unhappy after their divorce as they were before it. But in addition to being “unhappy”, after divorce they’re also damaged; emotionally, spiritually, and financially.

Despite this reality, people get divorced anyway. Why? I believe people are “playing the odds” or gambling on a different future. People know what they have, and they think they’re unhappy. They don’t know what things will be like after their divorce, but they figure, “it can’t get any worse.” They’re wrong. They’re trading known circumstances for unknown circumstances on the misguided premise that things will be better. They seldom are. Remember the old Irish adage, “Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t.”

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Guest, September 16th 2011 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in protecting marriage, worthwhile reading

MCLEs Available

The Law Collaborative is pleased to announce that we are now offering MCLEs for the following seminars:

Autumn 2011

Tips, Tricks & Strategies for Divorce (1 MCLE Credit)

Description: Attorney Pourya Keshavarzi and Irene Smith, MBA, CPA, CFP®, CDFA™ of Smith Financial Management, offer a wealth of knowledge in this short seminar. Laypeople, new attorneys, and seasoned attorneys alike will learn important tips, tricks, and strategies for moving cases forward, how to better protect the assets during divorce, why fighting for to keep the family residence may hurt you or your client in the long run, and common divorce-related tax issues most family law attorneys don’t appreciate or understand. Refreshments served.
Date: Tues., October 18, 2011
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Where: 21051 Warner Center Lane, Suite 100, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Registration Info: $25 in advance, $50 at the door. Register here or call (888) 852-9961

From Dating Through Divorce (1 MCLE Credit)

Description: Attorney Ty Supancic provides an interactive and informative presentation encompassing all aspects of family law from pre-marriage to parenting, divorce prevention, reconciliation, and family reorganization. Anybody contemplating marriage, children, or divorce, and those seeking a general overview of how the law relates to families, are invited to attend. This intensive overview of California family law and how it relates to families and personal relationships is ideal for attorneys interested in adding family law services to their practice. Key topics covered include prenuptial agreements, fiduciary relationships, spousal tort liabilities, support guidelines, and property division. Refreshments served.
Date: Tues., November 15, 2011
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Where: 21051 Warner Center Lane, Suite 100, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Registration Info: $25 at the door, $50 in advance. Register here or call (888) 852-9961

Winter 2012

Best Kept Secrets in Family Law – What Divorce Lawyers Don’t Want You to Know (1.25 MCLE Credits)

Description: Ron Supancic, Certified Family Law Specialist, Court Panel Mediator, Coach, and Collaborative Family Lawyer, shares the best kept secrets in family law. With forty years of family law experience under his belt, Ron is in the unique position to offer information most divorce lawyers won’t give you. Discover the 5 Pillars of Marital Success, learn about the 7 Options for Divorce, find out about the pre-marital agreement the state of California wrote for you, and much more. This incredible presentation will arm you with the knowledge and power you need to protect yourself, your family, and your assets during divorce. Additionally, this seminar is ideal for lawyers who are seeking to expand their family law practice and are struggling in a weak economy. The emphasis is on showing lawyers how to (1) explain, (2) teach, (3) incorporate, and (4) practice unbundled family law, congruent with the California Professional Code and the Rules of Professional Conduct. Ethical issues are discussed in detail as well as techniques and tactics for enrolling parties and counsel in a revolutionary approach to conflict management and dispute resolution. Refreshments served.
Date: Sat., February 25, 2012
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Where: 21051 Warner Center Lane, Suite 100, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Registration Info: $25 in advance, $50 at the door. Register here or call (888) 852-9961

Seating is limited, so be sure to register now. We look forward to seeing you soon!

To register for any of our upcoming events, please visit www.thelawcollaborative.com/events.htm or call us toll free at (888) 852-9961.

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A Serious Girl, September 12th 2011 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in events

Tips, Tricks & Strategies for Divorce

Ladies and Gentlemen, mark your calendars! The Law Collaborative, LLC is pleased to announce Tips, Tricks & Strategies for Divorce, a 90 minute interactive seminar on Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. Pourya Keshavarzi, Esquire, and Irene Smith, MBA, CPA, CFP, CDFA are founts of knowledge with some very important information to share.

Are you in the midst of a divorce but feel like your case is going nowhere?  Is your ex making negotiations impossible? Do you feel like your lawyer speaks to you in a foreign language? Then this seminar is for you.

Or maybe you’re a lawyer who wants to add Family Law to your menu of services. Not only will you learn a lot from this seminar, but you’ll earn MCLEs, too.

Visit www.thelawcollaborative.com/events.htm and register today for just $25.

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A Serious Girl, September 7th 2011 | Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in divorce, events, finances

A Child of Divorce

When I was nine years old, my mother took me by my shoulders in my grandparents kitchen in Seattle and said: “Ronny, we are not going back to Long Beach. I am divorcing your father. You are going to be my little man.”

My world fell apart. Suddenly, I felt the whole burden of the responsibilities and problems of our family shift to my shoulders. That was not what my mother intended, but that was how I felt. In response to the anxiety, I regressed and started wetting the bed, for which I was punished. I eventually got past that. I also started biting my nails, an anxiety habit I still struggle to overcome sixty years later. My mother’s mistake was honest and well-intentioned. She wanted to enroll me in the change, and make me feel important, but she had no way to assess the effect her statement could and would have on me. It changed my life forever.

How can parents do better? What, specifically, can we do to act responsibly as parents to guide our children through the aftermath of divorce? On Saturday, September 10, I am presenting the Second Saturday Divorce Workshop at The Law Collaborative office in Woodland Hills. Among the various topics covered, you will hear from a licensed mental health professional discussing what we, as parents, can do to help our children cope with divorce in a healthy and productive manner. Don’t have kids? We’ll also be teaching communication skills necessary for dealing with a difficult Ex. We’ll cover the divorce process from beginning to end, how to protect yourself in court, the Seven Options for Divorce, and what to do if you feel your case isn’t going anywhere. Certified Divorce Financial Analyst Irene Smith will provide important financial information for anyone going through or contemplating divorce, including common tax pitfalls most lawyers don’t know about. Breakfast is included.

You may not be thinking about a divorce or going through one, but someone in your life, someone you care about needs this information. We thank you in advance for passing this invitation on.

Also, this month we are offering a free retirement seminar presented by Irene Smith of Smith Financial Management. If you are concerned about the recent economic downturn, then Retirement Illusions: Where do we go from here? is for you. Join us on Tuesday, Sept. 20, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for a comprehensive review of the challenges you’ll face during retirement and discover strategies for a lifetime retirement plan. Dinner is included. RSVP before Sept. 15, 2011 by calling (818) 884-4888 or RSVP online at www.thelawcollaborative.com/events.htm.

Best wishes,
Ron Supancic, CFLS and Robert Borsky, Esq.
Partners at The Law Collaborative, LLC

This post is brought to you by The Law Collaborative’s bi-monthly newsletter. Sign up for the newsletter HERE.

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Ron, September 2nd 2011 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in children, divorce, events, family, newsletters, worthwhile reading

News Release

Ty Supancic, Esq. Announces Membership in WealthCounsel®

Woodland Hills, CA – August 30, 2011 – Ty Supancic, Esq. today announced that The Law Collaborative, LLC, which recently re-located to Warner Center, has become a member of WealthCounsel®, a nationwide organization of more than 2,200 estate planning attorneys. Members of WealthCounsel® believe in a comprehensive, client-centered approach to estate planning founded on the principles of professional collaboration and a commitment to excellence.

“Estate planning is an ongoing process and not merely a single legal transaction,” said Supancic. “As a member of WealthCounsel®, my firm will have access to a state-of-the-art document drafting system, a network of experienced colleagues throughout the country with whom I can collaborate, and educational resources to keep me on the cutting edge of knowledge.” Supancic stated.

Supancic noted that the majority of Americans do not have a simple will, let alone an estate plan. He stated that he has witnessed many situations where the lack of an estate plan has created unnecessary familial chaos for the client’s beneficiaries so he is particularly passionate about building awareness of the importance of thoughtful planning which includes planning for the care of children and the disposition of new technology assets previously ignored by traditional attorneys.

In addition to WealthCounsel®, Supancic is also a member of the California and Beverly Hills Bar Associations, and is admitted to practice law before the Central District Court.

About The Law Collaborative, LLC
Established in 2009, with over 100 years of combined legal experience, The Law Collaborative, LLC specializes in all areas of estate planning, including asset protection, charitable planning, and business succession planning. They also specialize in all aspects of family law and entertainment law. For more information, please visit www.thelawcollaborative.com/ or call (888) 852-9961.

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Media Contact:
Patricia Frost
818-348-6700

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Guest, August 31st 2011 | Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in estate planning, family, finances, worthwhile reading

Delicious Wine, Great Information

Last night’s event, Wine Tasting and Real Estate, was fantastic. Irene Smith always puts on a great seminar – the food was excellent, the wines were delicious, and Dvir Levy’s presentation on behalf of Wells Real Estate Funds was full of great information. Here are a few photos from the event:

Would you like some cheese and crackers with your wine?

Here’s Irene getting her first pour of the evening from Janice, co-owner and co-founder of The Accidental Wine Company.

Good food, good wine, and great information at The Law Collaborative.

Speaking of food, there was a fabulous array of hors d’oeuvres to nosh on, which I sadly did not get a picture of. I’ll know better for next time – but maybe you’ll be there to eat it all in person?

Visit our events page at www.thelawcollaborative.com/events.htm. We’ve got lots of brand new seminars planned, including Retirement Illusions: Where do we go from here? and Best Kept Secrets in Family Law: What divorce lawyers don’t want you to know. These seminars are extraordinary opportunities to educate yourself with regards to your finances, your retirement options, and how to protect yourself, your assets, and your kids during a divorce. For more information, visit www.thelawcollaborative.com or call us at (888) 852-9961. We are here to serve you.

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A Serious Girl, August 17th 2011 | Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in events

Breakfast with Robert & Wine Tasting with Irene

BREAKFAST WITH ROBERT:

Don’t miss our Second Saturday Divorce Workshop this Saturday, August 13th, featuring Attorney Robert Borsky, James E. Walton, Ph.D., and Pete Collins, CFP. We will be discussing child custody, how to help your kids get through the divorce, how to protect yourself in court, child and spousal support guidelines, the complicated financial issues that arise during divorce, and the divorce process and fees. Register by calling us toll-free at (888) 852-9961, or save 50% off the registration fee by clicking here.

WINE TASTING WITH IRENE:
photo by Erik Anestad via PhotoRee


Wine Tasting and Real Estate is less than a week away! Be sure to be there on August 16th at 6:30 p.m., at our Woodland Hills office. Irene Smith, CDFA, will be hosting A Tale of Two Markets, accompanied by Dvir Levy, Regional Vice President of Wells Real Estate Funds, with a wine tasting immediately following. This seminar is free, but space is limited. Today is the last day to RSVP. Save your spot on the guest list now by calling (818)884-4888 toll-free, or click here to RSVP online.

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the Intern, August 10th 2011 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in events
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