Ogden Divorce Planning Attorney
How are Assets Split in a Divorce
We will do whatever is necessary to achieve a fair and just result as you and your spouse divide the property. This often requires that we subpoena records; use certain tools called interrogatories, requests for production and requests for admission; perform an investigation, and depose witnesses. That may sound extensive, but going through this process thoroughly and strategically can save you thousands, tens of thousands, and sometimes hundreds of thousands of dollars in marital assets. Here at Red Law of Ogden, Utah, we have the experience and ability to successfully carry you through this process. However, we also have the skills to negotiate a fair settlement of your case so your divorce can conclude quickly if your spouse is willing and reasonable.
Splitting Specific Assets
- The Home. If divorcing individuals cannot agree on who should receive the home, the court may do one of several things: (1) allow one individual to buy out the other individual’s interest in the home; (2) order that the home be given to one party and award the other party other marital assets equal to the value of his/her share of equity in the home; (3) order that the home be sold and the equity split between the two individuals; or (4) order that the home remains in possession of the parent who will have custody of the children until the children move out of the home.
- Other Real Property. Real property refers to land, homes, condominiums, and other structures attached to land. If the divorcing individuals cannot agree on who should receive the real property, a court may: (1) order the property be sold and the equity divided between the two individuals; (2) allow one individual to buy out the other individual’s interest in the real property; (3) order that the real property is given to one party and award the other party other marital assets equal to the value of the real property.
- Retirement & Pension Plans. Suppose only one of the divorcing individuals has a retirement or pension plan. In that case, the other individual is typically entitled to half of the amount generated during the course of the marriage (i.e., if the marriage lasted ten years, the retirement accrued during that 10-year period will be divided, but anything accrued before the marriage will not be divided). Suppose both individuals have retirement or pension plans. In that case, the court could either (1) order that each of the parties retain the full value of their own plans or (2) order an equitable division of all retirement accounts (i.e., ensure both parties have an equal amount of income if both parties retirement was generated during the marriage). Whenever a retirement account is going to be divided, a special document needs to be prepared called a “Qualified Domestic Relations Order.”
- Personal Property. Personal property includes anything movable, such as cars, clothes, furniture, etc. Courts in Utah divide personal property equitably (fairly). Most judges do not like to deal with individual items of personal property. To avoid dealing with parties disputing over personal property items, some judges simply order that everything be sold (perhaps at a yard sale or an auction), and the parties divide what money is left over. Other times, a judge may order that one party draft two lists of personal property and then let the other party choose which list they want. The court’s goal is to ensure personal property is divided fairly.
General Rules the Court Usually Follows
If a divorcing couple cannot agree on how to split their marital assets, a court will decide for them. Three basic rules will help you understand how your assets will be split in a divorce: (1) Utah courts will divide assets equitably (fairly) between spouses; (2) all marital property will be divided between the two spouses; and (3) separate property (i.e., property that was gifted, inherited, or owned before the marriage) will not be divided between the two spouses. We’ll discuss each of these three rules in more detail below.
Utah Courts Distribute A Couple’s Assets Equitably
Courts will use an “equitable” approach to dividing property between spouses in a Utah divorce. This means that the courts, above all, want the property to be divided fairly. An equitable property division between spouses doesn’t necessarily mean that each spouse will receive 50% of the couple’s assets—although that also occurs. Courts will not only consider the monetary value of the couple’s assets, but they will also consider all of the circumstances of the divorce and the circumstances of the individual spouses. For example, a court may find it is equitable for the parent who will have physical custody of the children to be awarded the couple’s home or that the spouse who owns and operates his/her own business be awarded sole ownership of that business.
Marital Property
Marital property is property acquired or earned during the marriage, so long as the property is not acquired by gift or inheritance. Anything that is not classified under “separate property” (see below) will be considered marital property.
Separate Property
Three main categories of property will not be split and distributed between spouses upon divorce:
- Inherited Property. Inherited property is any property left for the benefit of one spouse after another person’s death.
- Gifted Property. Gifted property is any property that was given to one spouse.
- Premarital Property. Premarital property is any property that one spouse accumulates before the marriage and is brought into the marriage.
These are simplified versions of these rules. As is often the case with law, there are caveats and additional explanations needed based on the specific facts of a case.
Divorce Lawyer in Ogden
We have extensive experience working through property disputes, assessing the value of marital assets, and aggressively pursuing favorable results for our clients. Contact Red Law Utah today for a consultation.