We Listen. We Help. We Care.

Structuring compensation during a divorce settlement

On Behalf of | Aug 22, 2019 | Divorce |

Understanding how income is figured when a couple’s marriage ends may make it easier financially — at least for the person paying support. Divorce in Connecticut comes with its own set of issues and some of them involve spousal and/or child support payments. Knowing how various types of income can affect those payments may make coming to a settlement less stressful. 

For instance, if a payor’s compensation is in the form of a salary alone, then payments are likely to be pretty straightforward, but if there are bonuses or other methods of income like stock options involved, it can become more complex. If a payor gets a bonus with clawback provisions a payor could say it should not be included when calculating income since it could be withdrawn. Bonuses for past performance as well as commissions may also be arguable. 

Any new compensation portfolio from a new job might create conflict in a divorce settlement. How they are negotiated could spell the difference between whether or not those assets would be up for division. When it comes to stock options, their division varies from state to state. In Connecticut stock options acquired during marriage are considered to be marital property. 

There are many changes Connecticut residents may go through when in the process of divorce or after a divorce is finalized. They can include changes in careers or jobs. Speaking to an attorney who is experienced in family law may help to clarify those issues which may be confusing — like changes in personal compensation during divorce and how that affects a divorce settlement.