Central Texas Divorce | Complex Property Division
One of the most complex issues in any divorce is property division. In cases involving large marital estates or high-income spouses, complex property division issues may include:
- Valuation of a family-owned business
- Division of retirement accounts
- Property owned in trust
- Community property vs. separate property disputes
- High-earner child support issues
- Spousal support
- Concealment of marital assets
- Tax implications of divorce
- Disproportionate division
Property Division in Texas
Texas is a community property state. With limited exceptions, property and income received during a marriage belongs jointly to a husband and wife. Separate property includes property owned prior to marriage, gifts to one of the spouses, inheritance and certain parts of personal injury settlements or recoveries.
Separate property of one spouse cannot be divided at the time of divorce. When a divorce involves community and separate property, it can be difficult to determine which spouse owns certain property and whether there are any rights of reimbursement. Determining whether a couple's property is separate or community property, and the value of that property, is significant in every divorce.
Just and Right Division of Property
Although separate property will not be divided by a Texas court, community property may be divided in a manner deemed just and right by the court. Therefore, community property may be divided by the court in a disproportionate manner — there is no guarantee that community property will be divided on an even 50/50 basis. As such, your attorney's ability to craft an effective settlement agreement, or argue persuasively to the court on your behalf at trial, is essential to the protection of your financial rights.
Why People Choose Our Firm
The Law Office of Janet McCullar is the firm of choice for many individuals throughout Central Texas who are involved in a high-asset divorce where complex property division issues are present. People choose our firm because they know we have the experience, expertise and dedication necessary to effectively defend their financial rights and interests.
Our attorney, Janet McCullar Vavra, has been board certified in family law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization for more than a decade. She has been selected as a fellow in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and has previously been listed for inclusion in Texas Super Lawyers magazine.
Contact Us
To speak with our Austin complex property division lawyer, call 512-371-6505 or contact us by e-mail.
