Division of Property

Fifty percent of all marriages end in divorce. If you have questions about divorce, child custody, child support or alimony, contact our firm to schedule a consultation with an experienced family law attorney for straightforward answers.

Huntsville, Alabama, Divorce and Property Division Lawyer

Although every divorce issue presents its own particular set of challenges, there are certain issues that routinely cause serious disputes. One of the most common is the division of marital property, assets and debt.

If you need help to resolve a property division matter in northern Alabama, contact the Huntsville law firm of Shelly L. Bilbrey, P.C. You should schedule an informative consultation with an experienced divorce and family law attorney.

No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.

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Experienced Alabama divorce and property division attorney Shelley L. Bilbrey favors a negotiated resolution to disputes regarding marital property, business assets and debt. If a fair and workable property settlement cannot be found through mediation or collaborative methods, however, she is fully prepared to litigate on your behalf. Contact us to schedule an initial consultation.

In the division of complex marital estates, it is essential to have an attorney on your side who can help you obtain an accurate valuation of closely held business interests and a determination whether assets like retirement accounts are divisible. Huntsville, Alabama, attorney Shelley L. Bilbrey has substantial experience in these matters. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment to discuss your case.

When a couple has little or no marital property, no children and no disagreement on spousal maintenance/alimony, their divorce usually goes very quickly. Most couples, however, have numerous issues to work out during the divorce process. These issues may involve children or significant marital property: personal property, real estate, a family business, large or concealed debts, trusts, real property in other states, joint and separate accounts, investments, insurance, pensions and other assets. In any divorce, especially one involving complex property matters, an experienced family law attorney from Shelley L. Bilbrey, P.C. in Huntsville, Alabama, can offer valuable guidance and advocacy.

Non-Community Property States

Most states are non-community property states. This means that the courts must make an equitable division of property during divorce proceedings. Although the specific definition of equitable division of property varies from state to state, it is generally the division of marital property in a fair and just manner according to the specific circumstances of the divorce/dissolution of marriage. Equitable, however, does not always mean equal.

When one spouse obtains property in a community property state, generally the other spouse automatically gains a half-interest in it. In non-community property states, on the other hand, the other spouse only has an interest in the property upon filing for divorce or upon the death of the other spouse.

Courts in non-community property jurisdictions consider numerous factors in allocating property; the factors vary from state to state. However, the courts agree on a few basic, non-financial factors that are appropriate to consider:

Spouse's homemaking activities, including child care, food preparation, cleaning and laundry
Spouse's forgone opportunities, including not pursuing further education/degrees or a career opportunity
Spouse's social obligations, including hosting or attending social events in support of the other spouse's career

Prenuptial agreements can go a long way toward shaping the outcome of property distribution decisions.

Marital Property

Property that must be allocated upon divorce is usually property that was acquired during the marriage — in other words, marital property. In most cases, property acquired before the marriage, property acquired after the divorce and gifts or inheritances received by one spouse during the marriage are not considered marital property.

Once the court decides which property is marital property, it must determine the value of the property. Then, it allocates the property between the spouses. If you and your spouse are able to agree upon the allocation of property and other important matters, you will have a far greater influence over the court's ultimate decision.

Certain kinds of property continue to create controversy during divorce. Divorcing couples should be aware of the issues these assets present.

Family Home. The primary residential property owned by the divorcing couple is often the marriage's largest asset. Dealing with its division can be complicated, particularly when there are children involved. Courts often favor allowing the custodial parent to retain the home. Doing so may require complicated arrangements to ensure that the spouse who does not live in the home receives adequate compensation for the home's value, as well as provisions for ongoing mortgage payments, tax liabilities and upkeep of the home. When these issues cannot be resolved, the couple may be forced to sell the home and divide the proceeds.
Pensions. Pensions often are the second-largest marital asset. A court in a divorce case may enter a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) requiring the administrator of the ERISA-regulated pension to make payments to both the worker and the former spouse.
Family-Owned Businesses. When spouses work together in a family-owned business, division of the business presents complex allocation and valuation problems. As with family homes, if there are not enough marital assets to compensate the non-retaining spouse adequately, a forced sale or long-term buyout may be necessary.

Speak to a Divorce Lawyer

Many couples have a difficult time reaching an agreement about how to divide their property. Because the rules in each state vary significantly and because the ultimate division of property depends on the complexity of your assets and liabilities, it is important to consult with an experienced family law attorney at Shelley L. Bilbrey, P.C. in Huntsville, Alabama, for assistance.

DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter.

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