When negotiating property ownership during a divorce, emotions often run high. This is understandable because each partner in a relationship feels as though they earned assets acquired during a marriage. However, this doesn't make dealing with property division any easier, especially when each partner feels entitled to a single piece of property.
Washington Family Court requires that property be divided evenly between spouses, but some assets may not subject to division, which often complicates this process. This also raises the question, “If property division must be “fair,” then what exactly is considered “fair?”
This question is easier to answer when there are few marital assets, but when there are many, negotiations are far more complicated. For help understanding what assets you may or may not be able to keep after a divorce, contact one of our experienced Everett property division lawyers and get the facts.
What property is subject to division, and what property is not?During divorce negotiations, property is considered to be either communal or separate. Communal property includes assets acquired during the marriage. Separate property includes assets acquired before the marriage, or if it was gifted or bequeathed to one spouse only during the marriage. All communal property must be divided evenly, so your Everett property division lawyer will ask you what assets are most valuable to you personally.
This may mean that you want to retain ownership of your house, but could also mean that you simply want to maintain possession of a favorite car or family heirloom. Regardless, once we've ascertained your goals, we then prepare for negotiations with your ex and their lawyer. If your ex wants to maintain ownership of the same assets, things may get complicated and it may even be impossible for either person to be 100% happy. However, your lawyer will do their best to ensure you are treated fairly and equitably.
Get a free consultation with one of our Everett property division lawyersWill you be able to maintain ownership of your house? How will assets and retirement accounts be divided? Answers to questions like these are foremost on the minds of those seeking a divorce. For answers, you can contact an attorney from our law office and take advantage of our free consultation offer. Our Everett property division attorneys will provide you with a realistic assessment of your situation, so that you have an idea of what assets you are entitled to.
Cases involving large amounts of assets are especially tricky, and sometimes our attorneys have to work diligently to find assets that one spouse is hiding from the other. In these cases there is no substitute for experience. With more than 50 years of collective experience, you can have confidence in the Washington Family Law Group. Contact us today for your free consultation, and make sure your legal rights are protected while dealing with any issue involving property division