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Protecting Your Financial Future In Divorce

One of the most important elements of any divorce is the division of marital property and debt. The outcome of these proceedings will have a significant impact on your overall financial picture going forward.

As a Liberty divorce lawyer with more than 20 years of experience, I am prepared to protect your rights in all aspects of divorce, including the division of the marital estate. I represent clients from all walks of life, from people with relatively simple property division needs to those facing the division of businesses, professional practices and other items in a high-asset estate.

Property Division Basics

Under Missouri’s equitable distribution laws, marital property and debt are to be divided in a manner that is fair and equitable, not necessarily equal. Courts consider many factors when ruling on property division cases, including:

  • Each spouse’s financial circumstances
  • The contributions of each spouse to the marital estate
  • The conduct of each spouse during the marriage
  • Child custody and visitation arrangements for minor children

With a few rare exceptions, all property acquired during the marriage, including houses, vehicles, investments and retirement accounts, is subject to division upon divorce. The same applies to debt, including medical bills and unpaid credit card balances. Property acquired prior to the marriage remains separate.

Working For What Is Best For You

In handling property division matters, I give my clients realistic expectations and fight for what matters the most to them. When emotions run high, a divorcing couple may spend thousands fighting over “pots and pans,” just to prove a point. This type of litigation is expensive and counterproductive, and I steer my clients away from it whenever possible.

I offer an objective perspective focused on obtaining what truly matters for my clients’ long-term financial well-being. Sometimes giving ground on one item results in obtaining another item of greater financial and sentimental importance. By working closely with my clients and getting to know what is important to them, I can make these determinations and negotiate toward an outcome that makes them happy.

I apply creative solutions designed to minimize conflict and obtain favorable results efficiently. When the other party refuses to be reasonable, however, I am always prepared for aggressive litigation.

Talk With An Experienced Divorce Lawyer

If you are seeking an experienced attorney for a property division matter in Liberty or a surrounding Missouri community, I am here for you. To arrange your confidential consultation, contact my law office online or by telephone at 816-781-4403.