Things to Bring to Your Attorney to Divide Property

Midtown Attorney Helps Clients Prepare for Property Division

One of the most extensive and detailed facets of my practice is helping my clients prepare for property division.

There are several different things that clients can do to make this process more manageable and effectual.

Comprehensive List of All Property

It is necessary that clients make and bring a detailed and comprehensive list of all of their property to my office.

It is helpful to separate property into specific categories:

Separate Property
- Any property owned by the parties before marriage, inheritances, gifts received individually from third parties, and funds received from personal injury awards.
Marital Property
- All property procured after the marriage (excludes gifts and inheritances)
Personal Property
- Includes property acquired after marriage that belongs to one party: cars, jewelry, stocks, pension accounts, furniture, etc.
Real Property
- All real estate property

Evidence of Property Value

Providing evidence of property value is very important. Courts will make property division decisions based on the value of the property.

Any property of value should be appraised and documented and accompany the larger property list. I can help you hire an appraiser and determine which property should be appraised.

Marital and Personal Debt

Most divorcing couples have both marital and personal debts. These debts, such as mortgages and other loans, have a significant effect on property value and will be considered during settlement.

Clients should bring documentation of all of their debts, both personal and joint. We will need to organize and allocate this debt to the appropriate party to prepare for the divorce proceedings.

Time Lines and Goals

Clients can benefit by formulating time lines and setting goals for their property division and overall divorce settlement. Bringing this information to your attorney will help set the tone and scope for the settlement process.

Each divorce is different and the outcome is contingent on the goals of the parties involved. My practice is devoted to helping clients reach amiable property settlements through civil and organized proceedings.