Detail Oriented, Highly Responsive And Dedicated To My Clients

Dividing Assets With Care And Creativity

Dividing property during a divorce can be one of the most challenging aspects to tackle. You might be feeling overwhelmed, wishing for a fair outcome without the stress of a courtroom battle. Additionally, you may be worried about the financial uncertainty of dividing assets.

I am attorney Jessica Lashier, and I started Lashier Law, PLLC, to help people in this exact situation. As a skilled property division lawyer, I combine experience, passion and creativity to guide you through this difficult process. Serving Macomb County, I understand the emotional and financial stakes involved. My aim is to help you achieve a fair and peaceful resolution, allowing you to focus on building a positive future.

Make Informed Decisions About Property Division

I am dedicated to helping people handle complex matters in divorces, specifically the division of assets.

Michigan is an equitable distribution state, so the goal is to reach a fair division that reflects the unique circumstances of each case. Several factors can influence what is fair, including the length of the marriage, the contributions of each spouse and their earning capacities.

In any divorce, couples often must divide:

  • Family home: The primary residence where the couple lived
  • Vehicles: Cars, motorcycles and other personal transportation
  • Bank accounts: Checking and savings accounts held jointly or individually
  • Household items: Furniture, appliances and other personal belongings
  • Debts: Any shared debts, such as mortgages, credit card balances and loans

In cases of high-asset division, determining how or if to split specific properties during a divorce can be particularly challenging due to their complexity and value. Here’s why:

  • Real estate properties: These often involve significant financial and emotional investment. Determining their value and deciding whether to sell or transfer ownership can be complicated.
  • Business interests: Valuing a business requires detailed financial analysis. Additionally, one spouse may want to continue running the company, while the other may seek a buyout.
  • Investment portfolios: These can include a mix of stocks, bonds and other assets, each with different tax treatments and growth potential.
  • Retirement accounts: Dividing these accounts can be tricky due to tax considerations and penalties for early withdrawal.
  • Luxury vehicles: High-value vehicles may require appraisals, and their division can be contentious if both parties want to keep them.
  • Collectibles and art: These items often have sentimental value and can be difficult to appraise accurately, making equitable division challenging.

Because these cases are typically more complex and nuanced, working with professionals like appraisers and forensic accountants can be necessary. As your property division lawyer, I can make those connections and explain your rights and legal options, so you can make informed decisions about your settlement.

What Is The Difference Between Separate Property And Marital Property?

Knowing the difference between separate property and marital property in Michigan is essential.

  • Separate property: Assets acquired before the marriage or those inherited or gifted to you alone.
  • Marital property: Assets acquired during the marriage, no matter who earned the money or whose name is on the title.

Understanding this difference is key when dividing assets in a divorce. Separate property usually stays with the original owner, but there are exceptions.

How Do We Divide Separate Property?

While individuals often keep their separate property in a divorce, there are situations where it may be divided. Courts might award a portion of separate property if:

  • The other spouse contributed to the property’s acquisition, improvement or growth.
  • The other spouse’s share of marital property isn’t enough to meet their needs.
  • Separate property has been commingled with marital assets or used for family purposes.

I can help you understand how these factors might apply to your unique situation.

Are Michigan Property Settlements A Public Record?

One of the most common concerns for individuals going through a divorce is the potential impact on their privacy. While divorce is a matter of public record, property settlements in Michigan are not. This means parties can create a stand-alone document for property division that does not go on the public record. This can be a huge relief for business owners, individuals in the public eye and others who value their financial privacy.

Contact Me For Compassionate, Creative Solutions In Macomb County

If you’re divorcing and need an asset division attorney you can trust in Macomb County, contact Lashier Law, PLLC. I offer free consultations for new divorce filings. Call my team at 586-219-1984 or schedule an online consultation to start building a positive future today.

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