Equitable Distribution Attorney in St. Petersburg, Florida
Divorce is a multifaceted and stressful process that often involves more than many couples realize as they begin their dissolution proceedings. One of the most contentious aspects of many modern divorce cases is property division, determining separate ownership rights over shares of the divorcing spouses’ marital property. Attorney Garth R. Goodman, PA, has almost 30 years of professional experience in Florida family law. His team provides responsive legal counsel for complex divorce cases where property division is a major point of contention.
Legal Representation for St. Petersburg, FL, Equitable Distribution Determinations
Many people assume that property division is relatively simple when a divorcing couple owns minimal assets. However, many factors can come into play in an equitable distribution determination in St. Petersburg. If you are preparing to divorce in the near future and have any concerns about the potential outcome of your property division determination, it’s vital to speak with an experienced St. Petersburg property division attorney as soon as possible. Your legal team can help you understand the proceedings you face and assist you in making informed decisions as your case unfolds.
Attorney Garth R. Goodman, PA, has helped many St. Petersburg, FL, area clients navigate their divorce cases more easily, including cases where the couple cannot compromise on any aspect of their divorce. Florida’s equitable distribution law may seem fair and reasonable but determining the “fairest” division of marital assets is more open to interpretation than many may realize. Having a trusted attorney guide you through property division proceedings is more likely to yield results you deem appropriate.
Why You Need a St. Petersburg Property Division Attorney
There is no strict legal requirement to hire an attorney to represent you in a divorce. Many people assume that the cost of legal representation isn’t worth the expense in the face of divorce, which is likely to dramatically shift their personal financial situation. However, the right attorney can have a tremendously positive impact on the outcome of your divorce, especially when it comes to property division. If you’re hesitant about the cost of legal counsel, remember that you stand to lose more than you could save if you tried to handle the case on your own.
Your legal team can leverage the state’s equitable distribution laws in your favor, potentially securing a better result than you could have obtained on your own. Your St. Petersburg property division lawyer can help you complete your financial disclosure statement, a crucial component of the property division process. Divorcing spouses must submit complete financial records and provide proof of ownership over any separate property they intend to claim in their property division proceedings.
Hiring a St. Petersburg property division attorney means you can approach this aspect of your divorce with confidence and peace of mind. Some couples aim to take advantage of alternative dispute resolution, resolving property division privately by negotiating mutually agreeable terms. Others cannot reach compromises on their own and must litigate property division. Whatever your case entails, Attorney Goodman can offer individualized counsel and responsive communication throughout your case.
How Does Equitable Distribution Work in Florida?
Every state has different laws pertaining to property division in divorce, and Florida adheres to the equitable distribution standard. Under the equitable distribution rule, divorcing spouses must divide their marital property in the fairest possible manner. This may sound relatively subjective, and it truthfully is. What one person deems fair could easily conflict with another person’s definition of fair.
When you must resolve property division under the equitable distribution statute, an experienced attorney is an invaluable asset who can help you secure a favorable outcome. Your attorney can help you complete the financial disclosure process as swiftly as possible. If you and your spouse intend to claim separate property, you both must produce appropriate ownership records. In equitable distribution states, “separate property” is anything a married spouse owns that is exempt from property division in divorce, such as an inheritance from their parents, gifts, and anything provided to them in a “donatory” capacity.
Some couples can reach privately negotiated settlements for property division. They present their negotiated agreements to family court judges for final review and approval. When a divorcing couple cannot resolve property division on their own, a judge has the final say regarding the division of marital assets and debts. It’s important for divorcing spouses to remember that responsibility for debt could be “separate” or “marital” depending on how and when the debt was acquired and whether both spouses agreed to assume the debt.
How Your St. Petersburg Property Division Attorney Can Help in Property Division Disputes
Property division under the equitable distribution rule can potentially be an opportunity to avoid the need for long-term financial agreements between divorcing spouses, such as alimony (spousal support). Property division can also influence other aspects of divorce and vice versa. For example, if one divorcing parent assumes sole custody of the couple’s children in divorce, the judge may deem it best for the custodial parent to assume ownership of the couple’s marital home, compensating the other spouse for half of the home’s value.
Your St. Petersburg property division lawyer can help you address any unexpected issues that could arise with your financial disclosure statement. In addition, if you have any suspicions regarding your spouse’s financial disclosure, they can address these as well. Attorney Garth R. Goodman, PA, takes time to learn as much as possible about every client his team represents. Then, when you need a St. Petersburg property division attorney, Attorney Goodman can provide the flexible representation and honest legal counsel you expect from a leading St. Petersburg family lawyer.
Property division is commonly cited as one of the most contentious and stressful aspects of the modern divorce process. Therefore, it’s understandable to have many questions and concerns about how this process could unfold in your divorce. The right attorney can provide the answers you need to your most pressing legal questions regarding property division in your impending divorce. To discuss your upcoming divorce case with an experienced and reliable St. Petersburg property division attorney, contact Attorney Goodman today and schedule your case review.