Skilled Counsel on Marital Property Division Issues in Arizona
At the Scottsdale law firm of Deloughery & Ruotolo, P.C., our lawyers are experienced with the distribution of marital debts and assets under Arizona's community property laws. Whether or not you can expect your spouse to cooperate with you on property division issues, you can count on us for sound advice, prompt client service and energetic advocacy in both simple and complex cases.
Call 602-639-4618 for Advice About Community Property Division
To learn how you can benefit from our experience with the resolution of property division problems in divorce or legal separation, contact us in The Greater Phoenix Area. We strive to streamline the distribution of your marital estate while making sure that your interests are fully protected.
Because Arizona is a community property state, the general objective is an equitable distribution of marital property. In theory, any asset either spouse acquires during the marriage belongs to a fictitious entity called the marital community. Similarly, debts incurred during the marriage are community obligations. Because divorce terminates the existence of the marital community, it's essential to direct each asset and debt to one spouse or the other.
Not all assets or debts are easy to characterize as belonging to the marital community. Assets owned before marriage are treated as separate property, but sometimes morph over time. How about business assets that were acquired before marriage but appreciated in value afterward? What about payments one spouse made for years on the other spouse's premarital student debts? Or mortgage payments made by both spouses on a house bought by one of them before the wedding?
We work closely with our clients to help them divide the assets and liabilities of the marriage, including homes and other real estate, bank accounts and investments, retirement or pension funds, and business or partnership assets.
Our attorneys are thoroughly familiar with Arizona's community property laws, and we can work to make certain that any assets you brought into the marriage are protected. We will also carefully review any debts of the marriage, such as credit cards or mortgages, to make sure that they are fairly distributed.
Our Trial Experience Can Backstop Your Negotiating Position
It's usually a good idea to resolve all marital property division issues through negotiation, most often at the same time alimony matters, if any, are being resolved. We can always back up a strong negotiating stance with solid courtroom skills and trial experience if a contested hearing appears on the horizon.
Contact us at our Scottsdale location to learn how our detailed understanding of community property law can benefit you and protect your interests.
