Divorce doesn’t just take a toll on your emotions — it can seriously hurt your finances, too, and not just in terms of the hefty cost of court proceedings.
In most cases, your assets are at stake, and if you’re not careful, you might end up with less than your fair share.
No matter how amicable your divorce might be, protecting your assets is crucial to coming out on the other side unscathed. Having a skilled family lawyer in your corner means you’ll get a fair property division and protection for your financial future so you can focus on rebuilding your life instead of starting from scratch.
1. Knowing What They’re Worth
You might have a ballpark sense of what your assets are worth, but it’s easy to lose sight of that when you’re dealing with the emotional and psychological pressures of divorce.
A family lawyer’s first step is identifying all marital assets. This goes beyond the obvious, like your house and car, and may even encompass items you hadn’t thought about. Assets generally include:
- Financial Accounts: Bank accounts, investment portfolios, and retirement funds
- Real Estate: Primary residence, vacation homes, rental properties, commercial or business properties, and land
- Business Interests: The assessed value of any businesses you own
- Personal Property: Jewelry, art, collectibles, and even family heirlooms
- Intangible Assets: Patents, copyrights, and even goodwill in a business
Once you know what you’re working with, you need to find out what it’s all worth. A good lawyer will have experts, like appraisers, financial analysts, and accountants, on call to help you get an accurate valuation — because you can’t divide assets fairly until you know their value.
2. Negotiating on Your Behalf
If you can skip the drawn-out court battle and resolve your divorce through negotiations, that’s ideal. This is where your lawyer’s skills are necessary, as they work to:
- Protect your interests, advocating for you to receive your fair share of marital assets and retain your right to your individual property
- Negotiate strategically with the other party’s attorney to find a mutually agreeable settlement
- Consider tax implications, helping you find the most tax-efficient settlement option
- Craft a comprehensive agreement, leaving no ambiguity about how your assets will be divided
If negotiations are successful, you can avoid the drain on your time, wallet, and peace of mind that usually comes along with court.
3. Fighting for You in Court
Unfortunately, sometimes negotiations break down, and going to court becomes the only option.
Having a seasoned lawyer on your side here is make-or-break. They’ll not only present your case and fight to protect your assets but also help you understand your options and push for the best possible outcome — something that’s difficult, if not impossible, to do on your own.
Have a Family Lawyer on Your Side
You don’t have to go through a divorce alone. The attorneys at Gucciardo Family Law are ready to support you, secure your assets, and protect your financial future.
