Your Fair Share of the Marital Assets
Experienced Divorce Lawyer in Macon, Georgia
Divorce is not only emotionally complicated, but often involves complex financial issues in dividing your jointly owned assets. As a veteran divorce and family law attorney, I protect my client’s interests in property division and alimony while working for fair and efficient solutions.
My family law practice in Macon serves women and men in Bibb County and surrounding areas of Middle Georgia. With 21 years of experience in divorce law, I guide clients to workable settlements that address their unique circumstances Contact me today to arrange a confidential consultation.
Property Division
Most Georgia counties will order pre-trial mediation if you cannot reach a settlement. A courtroom battle over property is rare — and expensive. An out-of-court agreement is almost always preferable to a divorce judge's ruling as to who receives which assets.
Still, there are important considerations to ensure that you get your fair share:
- I make sure that assets are correctly characterized as separate property (e.g. premarital property, or inherited property) or marital property. Marital property is divided evenly, no matter whose name is on the deed or title.
- As necessary, I hire experts for property valuation (a closely held business, market value of the home, retirement funds) to determine the true value of certain assets.
- If there are significant credit card debts, I will determine who incurred the debt and who should be responsible.
- If you are staying in the house, for example, I can negotiate trade-offs of other assets as compensation for the home equity. I protect your interests regarding refinancing costs, taxes, liens and other considerations.
Alimony
Spousal support usually applies (a) in marriages of 15 or more years, (b) when there is great disparity in income or earning capacity, or (c) if one spouse is disabled or never worked outside the home. Judges have wide discretion when deciding whether or not to award alimony. I can advise whether alimony is likely in your case. One option is to negotiate a greater share of assets in lieu of alimony payments.
Divorce is difficult enough without fighting needlessly over property — the court will divide the assets, and you may not be awarded the assets you desire. Contact me online or call (478) 742-7400 for a free initial phone consultation. I will fight for what is right and what is fair.
