Tacoma, Washington, Property Division in Divorce
When a husband and wife decide to separate or divorce, the division of assets and debt (“property division”) can be as legally complex as it is emotionally challenging. Whether you have been married for less than a year, or more than 40 years, it is important that you are able to leave the marriage with your share of property that was acquired during the marriage, and to protect your right to any property that belonged solely to you prior to the marriage. At Scholl Law Firm, P.S., we provide our clients with informed legal advice and advocacy to protect their assets at the time of divorce.
Property division includes both personal property (cars, boats, bank accounts, etc.) and real property (houses, real estate, etc.). The assets must be located and identified, and characterized as either “community property” (owned by both husband and wife) or “separate property” (owned by just one spouse). Similarly, all debts of either or both spouses must be fully identified and allocated between the divorcing husband and wife.
Contact us to protect your property rights in a divorce.
Washington community property law
Washington is a community property state. As a general rule, all assets acquired and debts incurred during a marriage are community property. Exceptions may consist of inheritance, gifts, and compensation for personal injury, as well as assets or debts brought into the marriage by either spouse. The law is full of exceptions to these general rules, however, and anyone contemplating or going through a divorce should obtain the advice or representation of an experienced family law attorney to protect their legal rights as to assets and debt.
Marital property to be divided at the time of divorce may include:
- Real estate
- Retirement accounts
- Military pensions
- Family business
- Savings accounts
- Stocks and bonds
Complex property division
While some cases involve the division of simple savings accounts, other divisions may become more complex. Our family law attorneys has extensive experience in complex property division cases involving significant assets, real estate, family businesses, retirement accounts, and other investments. We will provide you with the strategic legal advice and advocacy you need to protect your interests in a divorce or legal separation.
Contact us by e-mail or call 253.579.1126 for advice or representation from an experienced Tacoma, Washington, divorce and family law attorneys. For your convenience, we accept all major credit cards, and we can be available for evening or weekend appointments.
