Douglas D. Jones Co., LPA

09/02/2026

Getting divorced later in life? A "gray divorce" requires unraveling decades of shared financial planning. From updating beneficiaries to tracking down all marital assets, here are the three critical financial moves you must make to protect your retirement.

Not all marriages are "happy ever after." Many couples are divorcing later in life, forcing older adults to rebuild retirement plans after sharing finances.

09/01/2026

Settling past-due accounts can help resolve severe delinquencies, but timing and debt size matter. Before negotiating with creditors or hiring a settlement firm, know your rights under federal credit reporting guidelines to protect your financial recovery.

Learn how debt settlement can impact your credit score and discover strategies to minimize negative effects on your financial health.

08/29/2026

Transferring property during divorce may be tax-free initially, but future sales can trigger significant capital gains liabilities. Understanding cost-basis rules and IRS exclusions helps protect your post-divorce financial stability.

Dividing assets fairly in a divorce means looking beyond their current values and asking whether they'll create tax liabilities — or tax breaks — in the future.

08/28/2026

A bankruptcy discharge gives you a fresh start, but rebuilding your credit takes proactive steps. From checking credit reports for discharged account errors to opening secured credit tools, taking control helps restore long-term stability.

https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/how-to-recover-from-bankruptcy/?

Recovering from bankruptcy takes time. Learn how to rebuild credit, manage money and create a stronger financial foundation.

08/28/2026

Navigating a military divorce involves unique federal guidelines, such as the Uniformed Services Former Spouses' Protection Act (USFSPA). From military pension division to healthcare eligibility, understanding these rules helps protect both parties.

Learn more: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/relationships/separation-divorce/divorced-military-spouse-rights-benefits/?

Learn about your rights and unique legal issues for divorced spouses due to military service. Here are some items to consider as you move through this process.

08/27/2026

A living will ensures your preferences for emergency medical care are clearly documented if you become unable to communicate. Setting up your advance directives early protects your wishes and eases the burden on loved ones. Learn what to include: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/advance-care-planning/preparing-living-will

08/26/2026

Domestic violence can affect anyone in any relationship. Securing medical care, creating a safety plan, preserving evidence, and exploring protective orders are essential steps to protect your health and legal rights.

Intimate partner violence, or domestic violence, can be difficult to see if it starts little by little, if your partner says they love you

08/25/2026

Are you responsible for a deceased family member's debts? Unless you co-signed or shared the account, debts are generally paid from the estate—not your personal funds. Learn how to protect your rights when debt collectors call.

When a loved one dies, you may learn about debts they owed before they died. You may not recognize these debts. If you are a surviving spouse or family member, you may even wonder if that debt now belongs to you. This is a very common experience among survivors.

08/25/2026

Buying or selling a home? While "deed" and "title" are often used interchangeably, they serve very different legal functions in real estate. Understanding the distinction is vital to protecting your investment. Learn what every homeowner needs to know.

Deed and title aren’t the same—one is a document, the other a legal concept. Learn the key differences before buying or selling a home.

08/25/2026

A living trust keeps your assets out of probate court, but a will is still essential to appoint guardians for minor children. Pairing a trust with a backup "pour-over" will gives you complete protection. Learn the key differences between wills and trusts here.

https://www.willmaker.com/learn/living-trusts/trust-vs-will-do-you-need-both.html