Hyde Park Academic Divorce Checklist: Faculty, Research & University Compensation Edition

Academic Compensation Documentation

Critical First Week

Document complete salary structure including supplements

Why: Base salary is only part of academic compensation

Tip: Include chair stipends, administrative supplements, and endowed position income

Compile sabbatical history and future eligibility

Why: Sabbatical salary (often 100% or 50% for full year) affects income projections

Tip: Document upcoming sabbatical plans that may reduce income during divorce

List all research grants and their duration

Why: Grant income may supplement salary substantially

Tip: Include PI status, co-PI arrangements, and grant expiration dates

Document consulting income and outside activities

Why: One-day-a-week consulting is common; income may be substantial

Tip: Include expert witness fees, board positions, and speaking honoraria

Note tenure status and promotion timeline

Why: Tenure represents massive future earning security with present value

Tip: Pre-tenure uncertainty vs. post-tenure security affects maintenance calculations

Retirement & Pension Benefits

Critical - TIAA-CREF Complexity

Get current TIAA-CREF account statements for all contracts

Why: Academic retirements often have multiple contracts (RA, SRA, GRA, etc.)

Tip: Log into TIAA online for complete picture; paper statements may be incomplete

Document traditional annuity vs. investment account balances

Why: Traditional annuity division requires specialized QDRO procedures

Tip: TIAA traditional is not like 401(k); actuarial valuation may be needed

List any defined benefit pension participation

Why: Some faculty have both TIAA-CREF and university pension

Tip: Older faculty may have pre-1996 pension benefits requiring actuarial valuation

Calculate employer matching and vesting status

Why: University contribution rates are often 10%+ of salary

Tip: Unvested matching may still have value in long marriages

Document any supplemental retirement accounts (403(b), 457)

Why: Academics often max out multiple retirement vehicles

Tip: Each account type has different QDRO and distribution rules

Intellectual Property & Research

If You Have Patents or Publications

List all patents and patent applications

Why: University IP policies vary; royalty streams may be marital

Tip: Check technology transfer office records for complete patent history

Document book royalties and publication income

Why: Academic books generate ongoing royalty streams

Tip: Include textbooks, edited volumes, and trade publications

List any licensing agreements for research discoveries

Why: Commercialized research can generate significant income

Tip: University usually owns IP but may share royalties with inventor

Document expected publications in pipeline

Why: Books under contract represent future income stream

Tip: Include advances received and outstanding balances

International Family Considerations

If Either Spouse is Non-US Citizen

Document visa status for both spouses

Why: Divorce may affect dependent visa status and work authorization

Tip: H-1B, J-1, and F-1 have different implications; consult immigration counsel

List any assets held in other countries

Why: Foreign property and accounts are still marital assets

Tip: Consider foreign reporting requirements (FBAR, FATCA)

Address jurisdiction concerns early

Why: Multi-country presence creates complex jurisdictional issues

Tip: Filing first may establish favorable jurisdiction

Document children's citizenship and passport status

Why: International custody requires Hague Convention awareness

Tip: Passport retention may be appropriate pending custody resolution

University Benefits & Housing

Complete Within Two Weeks

Document tuition benefits for children

Why: University tuition benefits have substantial value

Tip: Full tuition at private university = $60K+ annual benefit

Review any university housing arrangements

Why: Faculty housing at below-market rates has imputed income value

Tip: Transition from university housing affects budget projections

List access to university resources and facilities

Why: Athletic facilities, library access, and other perks have value

Tip: Retiree benefits may differ from active employee benefits

Document healthcare benefits and COBRA costs

Why: Academic healthcare is often exceptional; replacement is expensive

Tip: University coverage may continue through semester end regardless of separation

Hyde Park Real Estate

If You Own Property

Get appraisal from Hyde Park-experienced appraiser

Why: Hyde Park values vary significantly by block and building

Tip: University expansion plans affect nearby property values

Document any university-facilitated purchase programs

Why: Some faculty purchased with university loans or subsidies

Tip: Repayment obligations or clawbacks may affect equity

Consider proximity to campus in custody planning

Why: Both parents near campus enables flexible parenting

Tip: Lab science parents may need proximity for emergency returns

Hyde Park Academic Divorce Checklist