Property division is a challenging aspect of divorce for many couples. Ensuring both spouses receive a fair share of marital assets can be complicated. If you are considering divorce, contact an equitable division attorney at Dolan Divorce Lawyers. The benefits of a Stamford property division lawyer mean cost-effective and comprehensive handling of your assets before your divorce is finalized.
When a marriage ends, each spouse is entitled to a share of the marital property. According to Connecticut General Statutes § 46b-81, both spouses have an interest in all property owned by either spouse as of the separation date. Even assets owned by one spouse before marriage or property inherited by one spouse are subject to division when a couple divorces.
Although each spouse has an equal interest in their marital property, that does not mean each gets half. Connecticut follows equitable distribution principles to divide marital property fairly, though not necessarily equally. Working with a skilled Stamford divorce attorney can help ensure that you take full advantage of the state’s property division laws.
Ideally, couples negotiate a property division settlement with the help of a mediator or their attorneys. Some couples can negotiate a satisfactory agreement before filing for divorce. For others, it is wiser to delay negotiations until after filing for divorce and engaging in the discovery process.
When you work with an experienced Stamford property division attorney at our firm, we can ensure a complete and accurate financial disclosure is accomplished. We will help you set realistic goals for your property settlement and will work diligently to achieve them.
A judge must review a negotiated settlement and determine that it is equitable before incorporating it into a divorce decree. If you cannot reach an agreement, the judge will hear evidence and decide how to split the marital property. A judge must evaluate numerous factors when deciding on an equitable property settlement, including:
Judges can also consider the reason for the divorce when dividing marital property, even if the couple cited no-fault grounds in the divorce petition.
Although the law requires judges to consider numerous factors when deciding how to divide a couple’s property, it does not require them to weigh each factor equally. Most judges put considerable weight on the length of the marriage. In a longer marriage, the parties’ finances are often more closely intertwined, and both financial and nonfinancial contributions may take on greater significance. The court will consider the parties’ overall circumstances in determining a division that is equitable, such as each spouse’s age, health, income, earning capacity, needs, and opportunity to acquire assets in the future.
When you work with our Stamford attorneys, we will emphasize the statutory factors that benefit you when presenting arguments regarding property division to the judge. We will employ our litigation skills to persuade the court to make property division decisions in accordance with your goals.
Your post-divorce financial stability depends on receiving a fair share of the marital assets. Working with experienced legal counsel helps ensure accurate valuations, comprehensive financial disclosures, and mitigated conflict between you and your ex-partner. To reap the benefits of a Stamford property division lawyer, contact us at Dolan Divorce Lawyers today.
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