Allocation of Property Attorneys in Berrien County MI.
Valuing and dividing the property that has accumulated during a marriage is often one of the most challenging parts of the divorce process. Your divorce judgment and the assets you receive will provide the financial foundation for your post-divorce life. At The Law Offices or Mais & Sible, Attorneys at law, we have over 30 years of combined experience with financial considerations of divorce. We are skilled in both the legal and practical elements of asset valuation, and we will work to create an arrangement that places you in a strong financial position going forward.
Counsel for Property Division
Michigan courts adhere to the principles of equitable distribution during a divorce, which means that each spouse will receive a fair portion of the marital estate. It is important to understand that "fair" does not necessarily mean "equal." Instead, the court must determine what is reasonable based on the circumstances of the marriage & divorce.
The Asset Division Process – 3 Primary Steps:
Identifying Marital Assets & Debts: Marital property generally includes all property acquired by either spouse during the marriage, with exceptions made for specific gifts to one spouse or inheritances. The marital estate also includes any separate property that has been "commingled" with marital property in such a way that it is no longer identifiable as separate property. We can help you determine what assets and debts are subject to division in your divorce.
Valuing Property: Before assets can be divided, each one must be assigned an appropriate value to ensure a fair outcome. We work with business valuation experts, real estate appraisers, and other professionals who can offer insight into the market value of real property, retirement accounts, and other complex assets.
Dividing Marital Estate: It can be challenging to work out an equitable arrangement for dividing marital property, with a large number of factors to consider, including each spouse's age, health, resources & financial independence, as well as other factors like child custody and tax considerations. We are committed to helping you maintain an appropriate standard of living after your divorce.
Complex Property Division Cases
The Law Offices of Mais & Sible, Attorneys at Law are equipped to handle divorce cases that involve complicated asset division concerns, including high-asset marital estates & multi-generational family-owned companies. When a family business represents a large percentage of the marital estate, finding a workable solution that does not involve selling the business can be particularly challenging. We work closely with business valuation professionals and other experts to craft creative agreements that meet each party's needs while protecting the viability of the company whenever possible.
In many situations, our knowledge and negotiating skills allow us to create favorable settlements for our clients. If a negotiated settlement is not possible through mediation, collaborative law, or another cooperative resolution method, we are prepared to protect your interests in the courtroom as well. If you are approaching the divorce process and have questions about asset or debt division, then contact our office today to schedule an appointment.