My wife and I are US citizens and I am about to file for divorce in our home state, although we live in Abu Dhabi. We both have pension funds in the United States, but mine is some four times larger and I am concerned that she will be entitled to a portion of this, even though it has been her decision not to work or save any money. I’d like to know if she has the right to get some of my pension money, especially as I built most of it up before we were married and have been the main earner during our marriage. CN, Abu Dhabi
My understanding is that generally, any asset which accrued during the marriage is considered a marital asset, and may be equitably divided by the court during a divorce. That includes pensions and other retirement funds. Only the benefits that accrued during the marriage are considered a part of the marital estate. So if you were employed for 10 years, but married for only five years, only the pension benefit that accrued during the five-year marriage should be considered a part of the marital estate, which is subject to division. The same would be true of any pension which your wife has. I would advise you to use a lawyer to assist with the process of the divorce as they will ensure that any divorce decree or settlement relates only to the assets which have accrued during your marriage. Sometimes it is easier, especially in a settlement negotiation, to keep the retirement fund, but offset its value with something else, such as other savings or property.
Keren Bobker is an independent financial adviser with Holborn Assets in Dubai. Contact her at keren@holbornassets.com
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BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE
Starring: Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Jenny Ortega
Director: Tim Burton
Rating: 3/5
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The more serious side of specialty coffee
While the taste of beans and freshness of roast is paramount to the specialty coffee scene, so is sustainability and workers’ rights.
The bulk of genuine specialty coffee companies aim to improve on these elements in every stage of production via direct relationships with farmers. For instance, Mokha 1450 on Al Wasl Road strives to work predominantly with women-owned and -operated coffee organisations, including female farmers in the Sabree mountains of Yemen.
Because, as the boutique’s owner, Garfield Kerr, points out: “women represent over 90 per cent of the coffee value chain, but are woefully underrepresented in less than 10 per cent of ownership and management throughout the global coffee industry.”
One of the UAE’s largest suppliers of green (meaning not-yet-roasted) beans, Raw Coffee, is a founding member of the Partnership of Gender Equity, which aims to empower female coffee farmers and harvesters.
Also, globally, many companies have found the perfect way to recycle old coffee grounds: they create the perfect fertile soil in which to grow mushrooms.
How to tell if your child is being bullied at school
Sudden change in behaviour or displays higher levels of stress or anxiety
Shows signs of depression or isolation
Ability to sleep well diminishes
Academic performance begins to deteriorate
Changes in eating habits
Struggles to concentrate
Refuses to go to school
Behaviour changes and is aggressive towards siblings
Begins to use language they do not normally use
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Greatest of All Time
Starring: Vijay, Sneha, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Mohan
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
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Origin
Dan Brown
Doubleday