Ventura Property Division Attorney

The Necessity for Legal Representation

Dividing property during a divorce may seem as if it would be relatively straightforward. However, when you consider all that is involved, including pension plans and employment benefits, the family home or business, and costs associated with an educational degree, you start to realize the daunting task you face. However, with the assistance of a seasoned divorce attorney, the process becomes much more manageable.

The Process

During the divorce process, couples are free to decide for themselves how to divide their property. If they are able to come to a consensus, the proposal is submitted to the judge for approval. However, if they are unable to come to an agreement, the matter will be taken to court.

There are three main concerns involved in the division of property:

• Clarifying which property is marital and which is separate
• Determining the value of the marital property
• Agreeing how to divide the shared property

Why Legal Counsel Is Necessary

Because most people do not plan for a divorce, it can be nearly impossible to distinguish which assets are communally owned and which are separate. Consider, for example, a spouse putting money into a retirement account both before and during the marriage, or, consider a spouse investing labor and funds into the business their partner owns.

In both cases, the property is partially communal and partially separate. Ascertaining how to split these mixed assets can become complicated very quickly. It is important to recruit a seasoned attorney to assist in this process. Attorney Paul Zahn has over 15 years of experience and has been the recipient of several notable honors such as the Avvo Top Divorce Attorney Award. Make sure your assets are handled with care.