Property Settlements

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When a couple divorces, there is often a need to divide property. Property settlements can include any assets – a home, investments, a business, stock options, and more.

Divorce lawyers conduct a careful discovery process to determine what, exactly, the marital estate consists of and how to arrange property settlements.

Once you know what you have as shared property, divorce lawyers guide clients toward and equitable distribution. But, what one spouse considers fair may be something very different from the other spouse’s perspective.

Bank accounts

Investments

Stocks

Bonds

Real estate

401Ks

Businesses

Pensions

Art

Furniture

Collectibles

Cars and other vehicles

Patents

Boats

Antiques

Time-shares & vacation homes

In most cases, the property is divided equally but sometimes, especially when considering a business interest, varying contributions during the marriage, inherited property or gifts, there may be different outcomes.

Knowing how you want to divide things helps guide the conversations. And, knowing where there may be points of contention can alert your divorce lawyer to potential negotiations during the divorce process.

Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements can make property settlements easier – especially if spouses held assets prior to the marriage.