Lawyer in Greensboro, North Carolina
Helping Men and Women to Divide Property in Divorce
In divorce proceedings, often the most technically difficult issue to resolve is the equitable distribution of the assets and debts of the marriage. Frequently, the assets of a marriage are concentrated in a few items, such as real property, financial accounts, retirement accounts, or investments. You want an experienced attorney to protect your interest in a property settlement dispute, one who will help you understand your options so that you make informed decisions.
At the law office of Nicholas S. Ackerman, we have over 10 years of experience handling family law matters, including the division of marital property and marital debt. If possible, we will try to work with opposing counsel and other parties to find the fairest way to divide the marital estate. If necessary, we will pursue your claims vigorously through the courts. We will always be an aggressive advocate for you, protecting your long-term interests as much as possible. For a private meeting, contact our office or call us at 336-402-3131.
In North Carolina, the courts start from the assumption that marital assets and marital debts are to be divided evenly. To do this, the total value of assets will be added together, minus the size of your debts. From there, either the parties will agree or the courts will determine who receives what assets, as well as whether assets need to be transferred or sold.
An unequal distribution might be appropriate, depending on your circumstances.
Property settlement issues can get complex very quickly. For example:
- What is the value of the asset? That may be relatively simple for a financial account, securities, a retirement account, a car or a debt - but valuing real property, collector's items, rare objects, or art is more complex. We can help assist appraisers to determine the fair market value of items in your marital estate.
- What about property I owned prior to our marriage? Those items may be free and clear of the marital estate, but there may be circumstances that affect that. We can counsel you on that as well.
- I have been paying on our debts since we separated. Should that count? Yes, it should.
- I helped my spouse develop a lucrative career, just in time for separation. Now what? This might be a factor for an unequal division of property in your case.
- What if we have only one big asset? There might have to be a sale in order to make an equitable division possible.
Even more questions are raised if a spouse is hiding property or if there is a risk that the property will be lost if nothing is done.
An attention to detail is critical. So is having a knowledgeable attorney to review your specific situation in light of the laws of North Carolina and the practice of its courts. At our office, we work closely with you to help reach the best outcome under the circumstances.
To set up a confidential meeting, contact us or call us at 336-402-3131. Our office is located in downtown Greensboro, close to the University of North Carolina campus and near Blandwood Mansion. We are open Monday through Thursday, from 8:30 am until 6 pm, and Fridays from 8:30 am until 2:30 pm. Evening and weekend appointments are available upon request.
Nicholas S. Ackerman
Attorney at Law
425 Spring Garden Street
Suite 100
Greensboro, NC 27401
Phone: 336-402-3131
Fax: 336-285-0329