Equitable Distribution of Property

Marital Property Division Lawyer in Westchester County

Divorces involving families with substantial property and money require a consideration of a variety of legal, taxation, and business issues. You will need guidance to classify and valuate your marital assets. Equitable distribution of marital property is often the most difficult issue in a divorce where no children are involved. If your divorce involves complex property division issues, contact an attorney at the Law Offices of Joy Y. Frank.

Our firm, located in Westchester County and White Plains, New York, works with valuation experts, appraisers, tax professionals, and accountants to determine the net worth of your marital estate. We locate and examine your family's financial holdings, securities accounts, investments, bank accounts, and properties.

Marital versus Separate Property

For anyone with financial and real estate investments, the process of determining whether property is marital property or separate property may be complicated. Commingling, inheritance, and gifting of spouse's property can complicate the distinction. Lawyer Joy Y. Frank assists spouses with divorce settlement and the division of:

• Premarital property holdings
• Inheritance and gifts
• Pensions, stock options, 401ks, retirement plans
• Businesses and investments
• Real estate holdings and vacation properties
• Bank and securities accounts
• Overseas accounts

Property Division and Valuation

Property valuation can delay the resolution of divorce proceedings. However, in the long run, taking the time to determine the proper value can save and earn a client more money. When a spouse buys out the business share of another spouse, the court must determine a fair business valuation. Valuation of executive and professional compensation plans, stock options, and retirement plans, deferred compensation and financial and real estate division may also be necessary.

We encourage you to sit down with an appraiser, business expert, and your spouse to reach an amicable resolution of these issues. Sometimes, this proves impossible. When mediation, collaborative law and arbitration fail to produce an appropriate agreement, we will advocate for your property interests in litigation.

For more information about a divorce settlement, marital property division, or asset division and valuation, contact the Law Offices of Joy Y. Frank to schedule an appointment, or visit our divorce information center. Our firm represents families throughout New York, including people in White Plains and Westchester County.