Property Division A Fresh, Modern Approach to Law

Centennial Property Division Attorney

Guidance Regarding Asset Division in Arapahoe County

The division of property can be one of the most difficult and contentious aspects of a divorce. Particularly if you feel you have a lot to lose, it is important to have thorough and personalized legal guidance as you deal with issues related to asset division. At the Law Office of Alexandra White, PC, we will help you understand your rights and options.

We concentrate a significant part of our practice on high-asset divorce and family law, providing outstanding service, honest counsel, and a focus on practical solutions to complex problems.

Every divorce is different. In Colorado divorces, it is very common for the court to divide assets equally between the spouses. However, where there are sufficient assets, the court may divide assets disproportionately in lieu of a maintenance payment so as to sever the financial ties between the parties. In many cases, the division of assets and debts is settled outside of court. Parties who settle outside of court usually experience less stress and acrimony.

Call (303) 647-4245 today to request a free consultation with an experience property division attorney in Centennial. We also represent clients throughout Denver.

Is Colorado an Equitable Distribution State?

Yes, Colorado is an equitable distribution state. That means the court is compelled to distribute property in a matter that is "just and right," but not necessarily equal (as we mentioned before).

For example, let's say that you and your spouse share children, but you get sole custody of them. The court may award you the marital home and disregard your spouse's investment in that property to make caring for your children easier.

Property division is often the most contentious aspect of a divorce because it can impact other divorce-related processes, such as child custody, support, and alimony.

How Do Arapahoe County Courts Handle Property Division Cases?

How your property division case proceeds largely depends on whether you choose to handle it in or out of court.

If you want to file for an uncontested divorce, you'll need to agree on how to divide property with your spouse outside of the courtroom. If you can reach an arrangement with your spouse that both parties are happy with, you set forth those terms for your property division in your divorce agreement.

Even if you want to file for a contested divorce, you can draft an agreement stating how you wish to distribute property, although it will be separate from the divorce agreement you'd use to finalize an uncontested divorce.

If you choose to rely on the court to handle the property division process, your case will look different.

During a divorce, spouses have a "fiduciary duty" to one another, meaning neither party can tamper with, destroy, or sell property during the divorce. Additionally, attempting to hide property can be penalized by the court with either criminal charges or a less favorable property division outcome (depending on how the offending spouse tries to hide assets).

You and your spouse will both need to provide the court with an exhaustive inventory of your finances and property. If you're worried your spouse is hiding assets in an attempt to garner a more favorable outcome, speak with your lawyer about your concerns. They can help you put forth a request for your spouse's property holdings or work with a third-party professional such as a forensic accountant to determine whether your spouse is hiding assets.

The court may issue a temporary order dictating how you'll share property during the divorce before holding the final trial and officially declaring the outcome of your property division dispute.

Courts consider the following factors during property division cases:

Each party's health and age;
The presence of other court orders such as child custody, alimony, or child support;
Each party's finances and employability;
Each party's role in the marriage;
How each party contributed financially to marital property (property acquired during the marriage);
Whether certain separate assets transformed into marital assets throughout the union (this is common with property such as houses purchased before the marriage that both parties shared or contributed to financially);
How a proposed property division arrangement would impact each spouse;
Any other factors the court considers relevant to the case.

Helping Clients Navigate Complicated Divorces

Divorce is difficult financially and emotionally. Your circumstances may seem incredibly complicated, and it can be daunting to think about losing or dividing assets you have worked hard to accumulate. Having an objective, empathetic ear can make a big difference. Having proper legal advice is critical.

Our attorneys can help you address important questions about:

Real estate assets, including your home, vacation property, and/or commercial property
Business assets, including professional practices and family businesses
Retirement assets and investments
Stock holdings and equities
Personal belongings
Assets that are inherited or owned prior to the marriage
Prenuptial agreements and property division
The connection between asset division and spousal support

What Are the Tax Implications of Property Division on Arapahoe County?

The advantage of a disproportionate award for the recipient (in place of spousal maintenance) is that it is generally not taxable. On the flip side, the person who is receiving fewer assets in lieu of maintenance payments is losing the tax benefits of paying spousal maintenance.

The tax implications of property division should be contemplated before a divorce. When cases go to trial, courts don't always factor in the tax ramifications in your asset division. You and your lawyer should do so before making any important decisions.

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Contact Our Centennial Attorneys Today

It is important to understand your legal rights and your options for proceeding with marriage dissolution and asset division. Contact us to schedule a free consultation or in-office free consultation. You can also reach us at (303) 647-4245.

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Stories From Our Clients

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"Very nice professional team"
Very nice professional team, Krista took the time to listen to me vent, helped me every step of the way and gave me an alternative solution for my complicated situation. As well as gave me a few referrals for the right law firm that will be able to provide me with the best representation.

- Angelica L.
"Great Lawyer"
Kevin was an awesome attorney. He took my case when I was at the end of my rope, I couldn't figure out where to turn, what to do, and had a court date pending. Mr. Murphy exceeded every expectation I had of him, and of any lawyer. He always had time to talk to me, he was quick with response, and even after it was all over he went above and beyond with the final issues I had. I can't recommend him enough, I feel like he was able to handle all attorneys involved in the case and didn't take any of their posturing. After months of being told what to do, how to do it, when I can see my kids and when I can't all at the whim of my ex and her lawyer, someone stood up and fought for me, and kept fighting for me. Kevin is definitely the lawyer I want in my corner for any future issues that come up.

- Clint
"Very satisfied with his services."
Kevin Murphy is a reliable lawyer. He understands the law and worked diligently on my case. I felt comfortable with decisions that were made, and Kevin always kept me updated on a regular basis. He responded promptly to my calls and emails; and he made me feel comfortable and secure during a child custody process that is, in most cases, stressful. I would definitely recommend Kevin Murphy for all Family and child custody cases.

- Havilah
"Great Attorney"
Kevin is a very knowledgeable attorney that always keeps his clients informed. He knows how important these legal issues are to his clients and is a wonderful advocate. I would highly recommend him to anyone who needs an attorney.
"They made the process smooth and painless as it could be."
Megan and Christian were so helpful with my case. They were timely in responses and listened to all my concerns. They made the process smooth and painless as it could be. Thanks so much! Highly recommend.

- Julia U.
"They help you stay calm and in control so you can make the right decisions."
I worked with Megan Fiesinger and Christian Cunningham extensively over the course of almost a year in order to resolve issues that arose during my separation and divorce. I couldn’t imagine a more competent, diligent, and supportive team than the two of them, and at the end of the whole process, I found that everything they said and did was for the best. In the end, divorce is never positive, but Megan and Christian helped me secure THE most favorable outcome that was even possible.

Beyond that, they understand how emotional and chaotic the whole process can be, which is why they provide more than just legal support - they help you stay calm and in control so you can make the right decisions.

Additionally, they were supremely thorough in explaining my options and tradeoffs. That meant I spent way less on legal fees than I expected because they were perfectly willing to advise me NOT to give them money that wouldn’t ultimately contribute to a better outcome for myself. Their advice was always solely for my benefit.

I couldn’t recommend a better team than the folks at Alex White’s firm, and specifically Megan and Christian.

- Andrew R.

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