Fairly Dividing Marital Assets
Collaborative Law in Texas Property Division
Property division can be a major sticking point in any divorce. But it doesn't mean you have to litigate to get your fair share of the marital property. The Denton County law firm of Coorpender & Ramirez can represent you in a solution-oriented process that allows both parties to walk away satisfied.
Our Lake Texas practice emphasizes collaborative law — a formal process for making sure all parties are taken care of without battling it out in court. Our attorneys have the sophisticated understanding of Texas law to protect your interests while finding creative, workable settlements. We represent men or women throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Call us at 940-321-0265 for a free initial consultation.
Fair and Practical Settlements
In collaborative law, both of you sign an agreement not to litigate. It's an open and cooperative process; everything is on the table as we work together to come to agreement. But rather than adding up the raw numbers and dividing by two, we consider the needs and interests of each party.
For example, a mother who will have custody of the children often insists on staying in the house. That may be impossible, depending on the financial situation; it might be necessary to sell the house and split the proceeds. Or there may be "horse trading" involved — a greater share of the retirement funds to the husband, or giving up her right to alimony.
Our lawyers rely on financial experts to identify whether assets are jointly owned or separately owned to decide what "goes into the pot." We also hire appraisers and other professionals to determine accurate valuations of all marital assets (and debts):
- The family home
- Business valuations
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for splitting the 401(k), pensions, IRAs and stock options
- Stocks, bonds and other investments and accounts
- Vehicles, boats, jewelry and other valuables
We consider future cash flows, credit card debts and outstanding loans, liquidation and lump-sum payoffs — in short, all the options — before hashing out the agreement that best fits the desires and ongoing needs of each party.
Fighting over the assets in court only drains your assets through high legal fees, and litigation can take many months. There is a better way, whether you have few assets to divide or a considerable marital estate. Contact Coorpender & Ramirez today to discuss collaborative law, a growing alternative to the adversarial approach to division of property. We offer a free in-office consultation.
