Gulfport Attorney For Property Division In Divorce
After filing for divorce, one of the most complex issues you will need to resolve revolves around your property. Dividing your assets is not always black and white. These cases tend to get emotional and disruptive which is why it is important to have an attorney by your side who can provide you with reasonable options.
Perry Law Firm, LLC, has worked with clients throughout Mississippi. With more than 15 years of experience, our founder, attorney Jane Harris-Perry, takes the time to discuss your family law options in depth. When you retain our services, you can rest assured that your concerns will be heard every step of the way.
What’s The Difference Between Separate Property And Marital Property?
Anything acquired before your marriage is considered separate property. This belongs to you, and you alone and is generally not subject to division. Marital property, on the other hand, is generally any assets you acquired during your marriage, and it is marital property that has to be split. While this may seem cut and dried, things can sometimes fall in the gray area. Say, for example, you purchased a home on your own. Your spouse moved in and over the last 10 years, you’ve put money into renovations. So who gets the house?
To determine this answer, the first thing you must know is that Mississippi is an equitable distribution state, and that means that a judge will not divide your assets in half. Instead, they will determine what is a fair distribution of the assets based on factors such as:
- Contributions to the marital estate
- Length of the marriage
- Personal resources post-marriage
- Emotional value of the assets
In the house scenario mentioned, there is a potential situation where this home you purchased yourself is considered part of the marital estate. This is where a knowledgeable family law attorney can step in. Our lawyer can provide resolutions to the most complex situations, including all aspects of property division. Know that it is possible to reach your own terms, without having to go to court, if you are able to negotiate with the other party.
Call Today For Experienced Legal Counsel
As your representation, our job is to find you the best solution possible. We are compassionate yet aggressive and will do everything we can to help. If you are working through a dissolution of marriage and have questions about property division, don’t hesitate to get the assistance you deserve. Call our office in Gulfport to schedule a consultation today at 228-280-3413. You can also fill out our contact form online.