High Value Property Division
High-value property is often one of the most divisive aspects of a divorce. When it comes to property division in a divorce, Florida is an “equitable distribution” state, meaning marital property is divided fairly rather than equally. Instead, the court evaluates several factors, including the length of the marriage, income disparities between spouses, the circumstances leading to the divorce, marital debts, and other relevant considerations.
For spouses who are dividing high value property, it’s imperative to work with a skilled Fort Lauderdale family law attorney who understands the complexities of divorce and property division. Bacchus Law Firm has extensive experience handling hundreds of divorce cases and is recognized by many clients as the best divorce attorney in South Florida.
High Value Property Division Attorney, Fort Lauderdale FL
If you’re in the middle of divorce proceedings and share high-value assets with your ex, you need experienced legal representation to protect your financial interests and advocate for what’s rightfully yours. At Bacchus Law Firm, family law attorneys Nisha E. Bacchus and Russell J. Williams have provided trusted legal guidance to hundreds of Floridians navigating divorce, complex asset division, and child support in South Florida. We do the same for you.
Going through a divorce is not an easy process so you should not try to face it alone. Call (954) 500-5555 to schedule a consultation with one of our Fort Lauderdale high value property division lawyers. Bacchus Law Firm accepts Miami-metropolitan area in counties such as Broward County, Broward County, Hendry County, Palm Beach County, and Miami-Dade County, FL.
Information Center
- Equitable Division of Marital Property
- Marital Property and Separate Property in Florida
- Hidden High Value Assets
- Additional Resources
Equitable Division of Marital Property
As stated previously, the state of Florida follows equitable distribution rules. Florida judges weigh the following factors when diving marital property in a fair and equitable manner:
- The contribution to the marriage by each spouse, including contributions to the care and education of the children and services as homemaker
- The economic circumstances of the parties
- How long the marriage lasted
- Any interruption of personal careers or educational opportunities of either party
- The contribution of one spouse to the personal career or educational opportunity of the other spouse
- The desirability of retaining any asset, including an interest in a business, corporation, or professional practice, etc.
- The contribution of each spouse to the acquisition, enhancement, and production of income or the improvement of, or the incurring of liabilities to, both the marital assets and the nonmarital assets of the parties
- The desirability of retaining the marital home as a residence for any dependent child of the marriage
- The intentional dissipation, waste, or destruction of marital assets after the filing of the petition or within 2 years prior to the filing of the petition
- Any other relevant factors
Marital Property and Separate Property in Florida
Marital property in Florida is property acquired by either spouse during the marriage. Under Florida Statute 61.075, marital property or “marital assets and liabilities” is constituted as:
- Assets acquired and liabilities incurred during the marriage, individually by either spouse or jointly by them
- Enhancement in value and appreciation of non-marital assets
- Interspousal gifts (i.e., from one spouse to the other) during the marriage
- The paydown of the principal of a note and mortgage secured by nonmarital real property
- All vested and nonvested benefits, rights, and funds accrued during the marriage in retirement, pension, profit-sharing, annuity, deferred compensation, and insurance plans and programs.
It’s important to note that the statute also clarifies that real property held by the parties as tenants, whether acquired before or during the marriage, is classified as a marital asset subject to equitable distribution. Understanding how marital and nonmarital assets are defined under Florida law is critical to protecting your financial interests during a divorce.
Separate property, also known as nonmarital property, refers to assets a spouse owned before the marriage and is generally not subject to division in a Florida divorce. Section 61.075 states that “nonmarital assets and liabilities” include specific categories outlined by statute. Because asset classification can directly impact financial outcomes, including spousal support, working with an experienced alimony law attorney in South Florida can help ensure your property rights and potential support obligations are properly evaluated and protected.
Separate property, or nonmarital property, is property that a spouse owned before the marriage. This type of property is not subject to division when a couple pursues a divorce in Florida. Section 61.075 states that “nonmarital assets and liabilities” include:
- Assets acquired and liabilities incurred by either spouse before the marriage
- Income derived from nonmarital assets during the marriage unless the income was treated, used, or relied upon by the parties as a marital asset
- Any liability incurred by forgery or unauthorized signature of one spouse signing the name of the other spouse
- Assets and liabilities excluded from marital assets and liabilities by valid written agreement of the parties
- Assets acquired separately by either party by non-interspousal gift, bequest, devise, or descent, and assets
Hidden High Value Assets
Hiding high value assets is common in cases where property is divided. A husband or wife can hide cash, jewelry, bank account statements and many other types of assets. Unfortunately, if one spouse is unaware of the other spouse hiding assets, the court will not be able to properly divide those assets.
In Florida, any couple filing a dissolution of marriage must comply with mandatory disclosure requirements which require spouses to provide tax returns, exchange bank account statements, pay stubs, and more. A mandatory disclosure can be beneficial in discovering hidden assets.
If you feel that your spouse may be hiding assets in your divorce, a skilled family law attorney can help you discover them and achieve a fair distribution of property.
Additional Resources
Florida Statutes: Equitable Distribution of Marital Assets – Access the official website for the Florida Statutes to read about equitable distribution of marital assets and liabilities. You can learn how Florida law constitutes marital assets and nonmarital assets. The statute also discusses how property is divided when a couple files a divorce.
Florida Bar: Divorce in Florida – Click the link provided to access the official website for the Florida Bar. The site offers a consumer pamphlet on divorce which discusses different topics such as domestic violence, collaborative law, child support, alimony, and tax considerations. You can also read about restoration of former name.
Fort Lauderdale Property Division Lawyer, FL
High value property division is a complex area of family law and can be one of the most stressful challenges involved when a couple file for divorce. Therefore, it is advisable to acquire an experienced Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer who can help you navigate this stressful process. At Bacchus Law Firm, family law attorneys Nisha E. Bacchus and Russell J. Williams have many years of experience fighting for clients in high value property division cases, including matters requiring a skilled property division attorney, complex property division lawyer, or timeshare lawyer in South Florida. Allow us to pursue your best interests.
Bacchus Law Firm has an office in Ft Lauderdale, just minutes from the Broward County Central Courthouse. We also serve clients in Broward County, Palm Beach County, Collier County, and Miami-Dade County. Call (954) 500-5555 to secure a confidential consultation and have one of our high-value property division lawyers help you through this difficult time.
Protect Your Financial Future with Trusted Legal Guidance
When divorce involves significant assets, the outcome of property division can have lasting financial consequences for you and your family. Working with an experienced Florida property division lawyer ensures that your rights are protected and that marital assets are divided fairly in accordance with state law. A skilled property division attorney in Florida can also help address related matters, including future financial obligations and coordination with a child support attorney in South Florida when support issues are involved, so no critical issue is overlooked. With the right legal guidance, you can move forward with confidence and clarity toward a more secure future.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does a Florida property division lawyer do in a divorce?
A Florida property division lawyer helps identify, value, and fairly divide marital assets in accordance with Florida’s equitable distribution laws. They protect your financial rights in both simple and high-asset divorce cases. - How is property divided after divorce in Florida?
Florida follows an equitable distribution approach, meaning property is divided fairly, not always equally. A property division attorney in Florida considers factors such as income, the length of the marriage, debts, and contributions made to the marriage. - When should I hire a property division attorney in Florida?
You should hire a property division attorney in Florida as soon as divorce proceedings begin, especially if high-value assets, businesses, or real estate are involved. Early legal guidance helps prevent costly mistakes. - Can property division affect child support in Florida?
Yes, asset division can directly impact income calculations used for child support. A child support attorney in South Florida can work alongside a property division lawyer to ensure accurate financial assessments. - Do I need a lawyer if we agree on property division?
Even when spouses agree, a Florida property division lawyer can review the settlement to ensure it is fair, legally sound, and enforceable, helping you avoid future disputes.
