Are you getting a divorce? Do you own lots of properties with your partner but don’t know how to divide assets in a divorce?

Whether your marriage ended due to irreconcilable differences or a mutual agreement, you and your spouse need to divide your assets properly to ensure you both get what you want. There are a few simple steps you can follow to complete your divorce and distribute assets quickly and amicably.

Want to learn more? Not sure how to begin?

We’re here to help. Consider this your guide to the ins and outs of the divorce process and dividing assets.

Splitting Assets Down the Middle

Splitting assets down the middle is the simplest way to divide assets in a divorce. It entails each party to the divorce receiving half of the assets acquired during the marriage.

Beginning the process of dividing assets can be difficult and unlikely to be accomplished in a single day, as it involves gathering records of all assets, liabilities, and income. 

It is important to document the fair market value of all assets, as well as who currently owns them. Once both parties have reviewed all the assets, they can then split them down the middle and move on with the divorce process.

Alternating Assets

When dividing assets in a divorce, alternating assets is often the preferred option. This means that both parties alternate keeping assets until each has received an equal share.

To determine who gets which assets, each item of the property division is identified, valued, and a list is generated in order of importance. Then, starting at the top of the list, one party claims the asset, and the other party claims the asset after them, and so on, until all assets have been distributed.

Alternating assets also may help to ease one’s emotional feelings toward the other, as it allows them to choose which assets they wish to keep. This option does, however, require that each asset be divided fairly. It may have a direct effect on other parts of the divorce process.

Fair Trade-Offs

Divorcing couples may be able to divide assets without a battle, through the process of fair trade-offs. Both parties should come to the table with an understanding of what assets they would like to split equally. It can help the process move quickly and amicably.

It is important to have an open and honest conversation about what both parties are hoping to gain. Both parties should make a list of assets and determine which items are more important to them. Or make mutual decisions on items listed as non-negotiable.

Open communication can help keep the process fair and balanced. Planning can help with determining which assets have sentimental value and if one or both parties are unable to settle on an agreement. It is best to refer to a third-party mediator if necessary.

Independent Evaluation

When couples are facing a divorce, dividing marital assets is often a difficult and tedious task. One of the best ways to avoid contention between both parties is to have an independent evaluation done.

This will involve a third-party evaluator that both parties can agree on and who is experienced with asset property division during a divorce. Through the divorce process, the evaluator will analyze the various assets that both parties own, such as:

  • real estate
  • bank accounts
  • investment funds
  • business interests

If the value of the marital assets is disputed, the evaluator can offer an independent opinion on them. Ultimately, the evaluator’s findings enable both parties to make an informed decision about how to divide assets in the divorce.

Offset Agreement

This agreement takes each spouse’s assets and liabilities into account and finds an equalization figure or ‘offset’ where each spouse receives comparable assets and liabilities that add up to the same amount.

From this amount, each party will select the assets they would like to receive from the other spouse. Both parties will need to make sure that all of the assets they receive are equal in value to the amount they are paying out to the other spouse.

If spouses are unable to agree on how to divide their assets, they may need to consider a court-ordered division of property. This is usually done taking into account each spouse’s contributions to the marriage and other factors.

Selling Off Assets

When it comes to asset division in divorces, one of the primary strategies is to sell off the assets. This could include the sale of the house, cars, jewelry, furniture, and other assets.

First, a married couple should review assets and liabilities and make an informed decision about what to sell off. They should work together and determine the best course of action. This could include creating an estate agent or considering a Minnesota divorce lawyer to manage the sale.

Then, each spouse could negotiate the sale of the asset or assign to each other the asset to keep. Afterward, they should determine how the proceeds will be distributed between them.

Lastly, it should be made clear in the divorce settlement how the proceeds will be divided. This way, even after the divorce, both parties should have the money they deserve.

Exchange Future Earnings

When dividing future earnings, it is important to consider the source of income for each of the spouses, how long the marriage lasted, and the financial need of each spouse. Additionally, the court may also decide to include any retirement accounts associated with either of the spouses’ employers.

Attempting to do the distribution of future earnings on your own is not generally recommended because of the complexities that can arise. It is advised that guidance from an attorney is sought when making any division of assets in a divorce.

Understanding of How to Divide Assets in a Divorce

How to divide assets in a divorce? Divorce can be a difficult process, but asset division does not have to be complicated. With proper planning, legal guidance, and clear communication, both parties can fairly and respectfully divide their assets during divorce proceedings. If you are still uncertain how to proceed, a family lawyer at Law Offices of Tina Sharma can help you determine the best course of action.

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