Division of Marital Assets 

New York Division of Marital Assets Attorneys

In the State of New York, assets acquired during the course of a marriage are subject to an "equitable division" upon divorce. This includes assets such as equity in a home, pension funds, bank accounts, automobiles, and investment portfolios.  At The Law Firm of Steven J. Mandel, our attorneys protect the financial and legal interests of clients in divorce proceedings and negotiations involving the division of marital assets. Since divorce is a stressful time that creates a great of deal of uncertainty about the future, we take the time needed to ensure you're informed about the financial consequences involved. We also explain how any outstanding debt on credit cards or loans figure into the division of marital assets and what can be done to protect you from being saddled with debt that isn't truly yours.

Be prepared for life after divorce. Protect your financial and legal interests today - contact The Law Firm of Steven J. Mandel today to learn how we can help you.

What Property is Subject to Division in a Divorce?

In general terms, any assets you or your spouse has acquired during the course of your marriage up until the day you file for divorce may be subject to division. These could include any of the following:

• Equity in a home
• Pension fund
• 401k
• Retirement savings
• Savings account
• Stock portfolio
• Automobiles
• Real estate investments
• Closely held business
• Professional licenses
• Educational degrees

What does "Equitable Division" Mean?

"Equitable distribution" does not mean "50/50 - straight down the middle;" rather, it refers to what the court believes is an equitable distribution, or "fair distribution" of marital assets, given the circumstances, earning potential, duration of the marriage, future earning capability, as well as the health, age, and income of the parties involved.

What if I want to keep the House? My Pension Fund? My Baseball Collection?

When couples are willing to enter into negotiation, both sides have a better chance of avoiding a divorce settlement they'll regret for the rest of their lives. If your divorce goes to court, a judge could impose terms on you neither of you would want. In negotiation, however, you're in control of your own fate: you can propose and arrive at terms mutually agreeable to both of you. That means you can reach a compromise on the division of marital assets as well. For instance, if your spouse wants to keep the family home, you can sign it over to him or her in exchange for your pension being excluded from divisible marital assets. Or, if you own property in the Poconos, you can agree to give the cabin to your spouse in exchange for other marital assets of value to you.

At The Law Firm of Steven J. Mandel, we will help you distinguish between what you want, and what you need, to be happy - and will help guide you in obtaining these assets that are most important to you.

Keeping Our Clients Balanced and Focused on What Matters Most

A divorce is almost never a pleasant experience. When people attempt to use a divorce to exact revenge on their soon-to-be ex-spouse, this often results in lengthy litigation and can exact an emotional toll on children and other family members. Our attorneys go the extra mile to keep our clients focused on what is important. We prepare them for life after divorce and take steps to diffuse potentially explosive situations that could lead to a breakdown in communication that results in a divorce settlement they'll regret for the rest of their lives.

We're in your corner every step of the way. Contact our office to speak with our division of marital assets attorneys and learn what we can do to help you and protect your rights and interests.