Marital Property Division
Texas courts must divide the community estate in a manner that results in a just and right divison. Community property includes all property that was obtained throughout the course of the marriage. In some cases, marital property division becomes more intricate when the marital estate consists of extensive property and assets - these matters are often referred to as high-asset divorces or high net worth divorces. Investments, pension plans, real estate and business holdings may be vital components of your community estate, and you need an experienced legal team to assist you in making sure that you receive or protect your share.
Wilhite & Lea, P.C. provides legal assistance for the following marital property division related matters:
When the issues surrounding the division of property in a divorce case, it's important to have an attorney on your side who is familiar with properly handling each and every detail to ensure that your interests are protected and the divorce is resolved without the risk of future property disputes.
Houston Marital Property Division Attorneys
Whether you have a relatively simple community estate or a complex one, The attorneys at Wilhite & Lea are successful at assisting our clients in all aspects of dividing marital property. Contact us for legal representation in Harris County including Houston, Northwest Houston, Champions, Spring, Tomball, Klein, FM 1960 area, or The Woodlands and Conroe in Montgomery County.
Texas Marital Property Division Cases - The Important Details
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Marital Property Disputes
Before property can be divided, you must know whether it is separate or community property, and you must know its current value. Distinguishing the type of marital property (i.e., community or separate) is called characterization. Determining the current value of the assets is also called valuation. When disputes arrise in a divorce case, it's important to have an experienced attorney on your side to help you sort through all the details.
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Characterization of Property
Determining whether property is considered separate property or community property is contingent on various factors such as whether it was attained before or during the course of the marriage. Other factors are much more complex such as when an asset (e.g., a 401(k) or pension plan) has a mixed character.
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Valuation of Property
Stock in publicly traded companies and checking and savings accounts can be easily valued. Other assets such as stock options, retirement plans, pension plans, business interests, and professional practices have value that is not easily determined. Many times, valuation of more complex assets requires a team of experts working together, including your attorney, accountant, certified appraisers, and other professionals.
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Divorce | Property Division Settlements
Our Houston family law attorneys have experience in all areas of family law and divorce. Our law firm has been successful, in part, because we personalize legal representation for our clients and listen to your goals.
As part of that personalization, we pursue negotiated and mediated settlements to achieve cost-effective and efficient solutions. However, when a marital property division settlement that meets our clients goals cannot be reached, we will stand firm to protect your rights in court.
Wilhite & Lea, P.C. routinely works with other professionals such as expert investigators and accountants to ensure the best possible results for you. These professionals assist our attorneys in locating, evaluating, and appraising your complex marital property. A team of professionals is most often needed in high asset and high net worth divorces, but even a simple residential appraisal in the most basic divorce may help to resolve contested issues in the case. For over 40 years Wilhite & Lea, P.C. has had experience with networking with skilled and qualified professionals to better assist our client with marital division of property settlements.
Often our client’s property, assets and debts include:
- Closely-held businesses
- Partnerships
- Corporations
- Limited Liability Companies
- Family trusts
- Professional practices
- Advanced degrees
- Real estate
- Ranches
- Securities
- Livestock
- Oil wells
- Overseas holdings
- Executive compensation packages
- Estates
- Student loans
We provide the expertise and know-how to deal with all types of marital property, including those listed above.
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Wilhite & Lea, P.C. | Houston Family Lawyers
Contact Wilhite & Lea, P.C. Attorneys at Law, no matter how simple or complex your marital property may be. Our Houston family lawyers are waiting to assist you in achieving an equitable settlement or to fight for your fair share in court. Contact us by providing us with your case details in our online form or call (281) 537-2171. Wilhite & Lea, P.C. handles cases in Houston or surrounding areas, including Harris County, Montgomery County, Washington County, Grimes County, Fort Bend County and Waller County.