Spokane Property Division Lawyer

Experienced in Complex Marital Property, Asset & Debt Division

With all of the many other decisions that attend divorce, the division and distribution of marital assets and debts can be one of the most complex and disputed. This is especially true in marriages that have a high asset value and/or a family business, investment or business interests, complicated retirement accounts, real estate, and more. In many cases, financial experts, appraisers, and evaluators must be used in order to identify and value the marital assets and liabilities.

If you are involved in a marital property division issue at any level of complexity, you can turn to Ellen M. Hendrick PLLC, my family law and divorce firm. As your Spokane property division attorney, I provide experienced legal representation with complex property valuation and distribution issues. I have been practicing in this field since 2003, which has given me an abundance of experience handling cases of property division in the courts. I offer strong negotiation and litigation skills to help you resolve this issue while defending your rights and pursuing your best interests.

Contact Ellen M. Hendrick PLLC at (509) 402-2248 to discuss your case today.

Marital Property & Debt Division in Washington State

Under Washington State law, courts are required to make a series of determinations before property is distributed between parties in a divorce or legal separation action. In so doing, it is first necessary to locate and identify marital property as opposed to separate property, which is property that a spouse owned prior to the marriage. In some cases, separate property commingled with community property may be considered as marital property. Following this, all of the marital property must be valued. Professional opinion as to value may need to come from appraisers and financial experts in the case of business valuation, professional goodwill, real property, and retirement accounts.

Once all the above has been completed and any financial liabilities have been paid, the court must decide how to divide the property in a fair and equitable manner. The award of spousal maintenance will likely influence how property is divided.

Large asset distribution may involve:

• Government benefits
• Retirement benefits
• Investment accounts
• Stock portfolios
• Real estate, whether residential or commercial
• Professional practices (medical, dental, accounting, etc.)
• Business valuation
• Personal property
• Hidden assets

With over 16 years of experience as a Spokane property division lawyer, I can provide capable assistance with all of the above.

Is Washington a Community Property State?

Yes, Washington is one of the few remaining west coast states that still uses the community property approach when it comes to property division. This means that any property or assets acquired during the marriage that are considered marital assets will be split evenly upon divorce.

Separate property can include inheritances, gifts, and property owned by one spouse before the marriage. Property division can be a difficult process. Make sure you have an aggressive Spokane divorce attorney on your side.

Help is just a phone call away. Contact me at (509) 402-2248 today.