Washington County Divorce Attorneys Protect Your Fair Share in Division of Assets Disputes

Safeguarding your property as if it were our own in Washington County, Dakota County, Burnsville, Stillwater and Woodbury, MN

When the time comes to divide the marital assets during your divorce, consult an experienced family lawyer to protect your interests. At Appelhof, Pfeifer & Hart, P.A., we understand the complex financial issues that arise when dividing real estate, personal property, investments, retirement funds and business assets.

Types of assets divided in divorce

In Minnesota, marital property is subject to equitable distribution in a divorce. Equitable in this sense means fair — not necessarily 50/50 — and includes the division of debts as well as assets. In an equitable division, all of the couple’s property should be considered, including:

  • House
  • Furniture and other household goods
  • Investment real estate
  • Vehicles
  • Bank accounts and cash
  • Investment accounts
  • Retirement plans
  • IRAs
  • Stock options
  • Cash value of life insurance
  • Closely held business
  • Country club and other memberships
  • Tax refunds

We use every legal discovery tool to get a full picture of your spouse’s financial affairs.

How do I know the value of the assets?

Property valuation is an important stage of the divorce process. Each spouse is obligated to inform the other spouse and the court of the identity and value of all assets and debts.

Assets, including furniture, personal property and other household items, should be listed at their fair market value, which is the amount each item would bring if sold on the current economic market.

Vehicles are valued using the Kelley Blue Book, National Automobile Dealers’ Association estimates or by seeking an expert’s appraisal. When valuing homes, rare items or collectables, it is wise to use an appraiser.

The parties also must disclose any financial holdings, such as bank accounts, retirement accounts, stock options, club memberships and trust interests.

In cases where one or both spouses own a business, a business valuation expert typically is retained. We work with appraisers and other experts to present a clear picture of your financial circumstances to the court.

What if I suspect that my spouse is hiding assets?

Hiding assets from a spouse is not uncommon, especially in high-net-worth divorces. At Appelhof, Pfeifer & Hart, P.A., we use every available tool to uncover assets your spouse may attempt to hide, such as:

  • Cash
  • Stocks and options
  • Bonds
  • Annuities
  • Traveler’s checks
  • Mutual funds
  • Cash value of insurance policies

Contact an experienced Minnesota divorce firm to discuss your case today

With an office in Lakeville, Appelhof, Pfeifer & Hart, P.A. serves clients throughout Minnesota, including in Washington County, Dakota County, Burnsville, Eagan and Woodbury, MN. Let us be your aggressive advocate in family law disputes. Contact us online, or call us at 651-379-3024. We are committed to protecting your interests.

Contact the Firm

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Appelhof, Pfeifer & Hart, P.A.

Address

20856 Holyoke Avenue,
P.O. Box 369,
Lakeville, Minnesota 55044

Phone

651-379-3024