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Francisco
Laguna

About Francisco Laguna

Considered an authority on international business, Francisco Laguna bridges cultural and informational gaps, facilitating the expansion of his clients’ businesses in other countries. President of TransLegal, LLC for 10 years, Francisco Laguna shares his understanding of the often mazelike world of international affairs, politics and business strategies to aid his clients in reaching their business goals.

After starting his career as a lawyer for international firms doing business in the United States, Spain, the Dominican Republic, and France, Francisco Laguna has worked with local counsel across the globe. Because of his mastery of such languages as Spanish, Italian, and French, Francisco Laguna proved himself a valuable resource for his US-based firms seeking to manage complex commercial issues in Europe and South America.

After serving as an associate to the Washington, DC, firm of Kaplan, Russin & Vecchi, Francisco Laguna spent several years at the National Law Center for Inter-American Free Trade in Tucson, Arizona. Working in roles such as Director of Public Relations and Director of Inter-American Legislative Research Services, Francisco Laguna was also responsible for managing the center’s for-profit activities, which included collecting and maintaining a database of Latin American legislation, as well as translation, publication and research duties.

In his capacity as President of TransLegal, Francisco Laguna routinely works as a consultant to major US law firms to assist them with the international issues their clients face. Francisco Laguna has established a network of correspondent offices in more that 45 countries that includes lawyers, notaries, lobbyists and financial strategists. Francisco Laguna’s company provides comprehensive business development plans, international consultation, government relations, regulatory and administrative services and service of process for legal actions.

In 2008, Francisco Laguna founded Empowered Divorce, LLC, an organization that works with couples going through divorce on such issues as financial planning, taxes, and asset division and management. A Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, Francisco Laguna offers clients expert negotiation skills and legal knowledge.


Francisco Laguna's Schools

Francisco Laguna's Companies

  		•  TransLegal 2000 - Alexandria, Virginia
    President

Francisco Laguna's Publications

  • Considerations for Creating a Pre- or Postnuptial Agreement By Francisco Laguna, mediator and founder of Empowered Divorce LLC

    , Francisco Laguna's Blog on Bigsight
    October, 2011
    Francisco Laguna provides numerous services at Empowered Divorce in Alexandria, Virginia. In addition financial and tax planning services and mediation for divorcing couples, Laguna offers mediation and asset reviews for couples interested in entering into pre- and postnuptial agreements

    Nuptial agreements, whether signed before or after entering into marriage, can prove to be quite difficult. Regardless of the amount of money or assets available, dividing property or planning for possible matrimonial failure often leads to tension, hurt feelings, and complicated negotiations. The best plan of action is to enlist the help of a mediator or other qualified professional in order to ensure that each person who signs the contract does so with all of his or her needs met. Below are some suggestions for ensuring that the negotiation process is smooth and amicable.

    Prenuptial Agreements

    1. Allow plenty of time to arrange an agreement. Procrastination will only add to the stress of a wedding and possibly invalidate the agreement if it is ever challenged in court. A premarital agreement should be signed at least 30 days prior to getting married.

    2. Don’t allow pressure or guilt to play into the process. Be honest with yourself and your partner concerning what you expect and require, and be up front about your assets, rather than hiding them. Nondisclosure of assets can lead to legal complications.

    3. Remember that in some states, a judge can overturn the provisions of a pre-nuptial agreement if he deems them unfair. Likewise, a pre-nuptial agreement that is too self-protective may not endear you to your soon-to-be-spouse. Protecting your assets is important, but a relationship is not all about money.

    4. Seek independent counsel. This will ensure that you have a lawyer who works solely in your own interests, which can prevent complications—such as unclear language or overlooked assets. Your attorney will also be explain what provisions should be included in a prenuptial versus in another legal instrument. Your attorney should also review any agreement reached by you during mediation before you sign it.

    Postnuptial Agreements

    1. Unless both spouses are in agreement to enter into a postnuptial, negotiations are often charged. Prepare to encounter your worst-case scenario. While you may never face this circumstance, it remains in your best interest to take into account the ways that your future could change. Have clear goals as to where you would like to live and how property should be distributed—and communicate these desires to your partner.

    2. Do your research, and make sure that you are apprised of all holdings, including assets, stocks, credits cards, etc. Many individuals are surprised when they find credit cards and investments kept in their partner’s name without their knowledge. There are legal ramifications of nondisclosure, as well.

    3. Seek independent counsel. This will ensure that you have a lawyer who works solely in your own interests, which can prevent complications—such as unclear language or overlooked assets. Your attorney should also review any agreement reached by you during mediation before you sign it.