Worked examples

What it looks likewhen it goes right.

Five composite cases showing the inputs, the route, the agreement structure and what it cost. Details changed, mechanics real.

Example

Two incomes, one house, two kids: Ontario

Mira (teacher, $92,000) and Dan (electrician, $105,000), married 14 years, two children aged 9 and 12, house with $420,000 equity, Mira's pension, Dan's RRSPs.

Example

A business owner and a 22-year marriage: British Columbia

Sam (owns a landscaping company) and Alex (part-time bookkeeper, left the workforce for ten years), married 22 years, adult children, house, company valued at $600,000.

Example

Short marriage, no children, one condo: California

Priya and Jordan, married three years, no children, a condo bought during the marriage with a down payment from Priya's pre-marriage savings.

Example

Shared parenting and a job in another city: Alberta

Chris and Dana, separated two years with an alternating-week plan for a 7-year-old. Dana received a job offer in Calgary, 300 kilometres from Red Deer.

Example

Grey divorce with a pension in payment: Florida

Linda (63, retired nurse with a defined benefit pension in payment) and Ron (66, retired, Social Security and a 401(k)), married 31 years.