Washington County Divorce Lawyers Explain Complex Asset Division

Helping clients navigate complex asset division cases in Washington County, Dakota County, Burnsville, Stillwater, Oakdale and Woodbury, MN

Divorces involving complex asset division tend to create more than their fair share of disputes and complications. Achieving an equitable property division in such cases requires the assistance of an experienced family law attorney. At Appelhof, Pfeifer & Hart, P.A., we use the knowledge we’ve attained through more than 50 years of combined experience to help you achieve your goals.

Types of assets in complex asset division divorce

Our veteran legal team helps clients with a broad array of issues related to complex asset divisions in divorce proceedings, including:

Trusts
Bank accounts
Investments
Stocks
Bonds
Inheritances

Real estate valuation
Business valuation
Pensions
Retirement plans
Savings accounts
Deferred compensation

Factors courts consider when dividing marital property

When dealing with the division of assets, Minnesota courts consider many factors. Some factors that influence courts’ decisions are:

The length of the marriage
Any prior marriages
Age of the spouses
Health of each spouse
Station in life of each spouse
Occupation of the spouses
Amount and sources of income

Vocational skills of each spouse
Each spouse’s employability
Each spouse’s separate estate
Each spouse’s separate liabilities
Needs of each spouse
Income of each spouse
Each spouse’s likelihood of acquiring assets in the future

Courts also consider each spouse’s contribution to the acquisition, preservation, depreciation or appreciation of marital property, as well as the contribution of a spouse as a homemaker to the overall benefit of the family.

What is a qualified domestic relations order?

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, a qualified domestic relations order (QDRO) creates or recognizes an alternate payee’s right to receive all or a portion of the benefits payable under a retirement plan. Simply put, a QDRO is a court order allowing a spouse, an ex-spouse, a child or other dependent to collect money from a retirement account, 401(k) or other savings plans as part of the distribution of martial property in a divorce.

QDROs generally describe how retirement assets are to be divided between the retirement plan holder and any alternate payees. QDROs are required for any retirement plan covered by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).

Contact our Minnesota divorce attorneys to discuss your case today

Contact a Minnesota family law firm with more than 50 years ‘ combined experience. Appelhof, Pfeifer & Hart, P.A. serves clients throughout Minnesota, including in Washington County, Dakota County, Burnsville, Eagan, Woodbury and throughout Minnesota. Let us help you overcome obstacles and regain your stability. Contact us online, or call us at 651-760-7524. There is no charge for initial consultations, and parking is free.

Our Attorneys

Tori M. Appelhof

Partner

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Mary A. Pfeifer

Partner

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Kathy K. Hart

Partner

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Client testimonials

"Tori had a thorough understanding of my situation and made excellent recommendations to resolve my concerns. She was persistent on communication and handled everything in a very timely manner. I would definitely hire her again in the future if needed." - M.K.
"With Appelhof, Pfeifer & Hart, P.A., it is like having a family physician. They are all knowledgeable, thorough, comforting, and the only call I need to make for all my legal needs for many years to come. No matter what the matter, I totally trust their advice and commitment to me and my family." - J.N.
"Mary from APH Law helped me thru a difficult divorce. She and the entire staff was there for me every step of the way helping me on what to do next. They listened to what I wanted and helped me achieve what matter the most to me in the divorce settlement." - Dana C.
"I chose APH after my initial consultation with Mary. I felt my best interest would be represented. The entire process went excellent, the attorneys and staff communicated effectively and efficiently with me throughout the process as they needed to. Being new to the legal process and verbiage, they walked me and talked me through the next steps and the jargon, I felt completely comfortable and represented. I hope I never have to use legal services again but if I do I will call Mary at APH Law and know that I will be taken care of." - Jeff M.
"Divorce is a time of emotion and stress. Mary Pfeifer , My lawyer was professional and compassionate. She was very informative through the process. Her insight helped me in my decisions. She worked hard to obtain a settlement which was fair to both parties. Though, I hope I won't need her help again. It is reassuring to know a good person that is willing to help." - Rod S.
"I first came to Ms. Jacquelyn Lutz of Appelhof, Pfeifer and Hart in October of 2016. It was definitely the worst time in my life and she compassionately spoke with me about my options. Ms. Lutz thoroughly explained the laws, statutes, process and what to expect going forward. What was supposed to be one case, turned into three intricate cases that took a huge toll on me and my family. Ms. Lutz represented me in court on all three cases with a vast knowledge of the laws and how to proceed accordingly. During all three cases she kept me informed, calm, gave me resources to utilize, and (most important) gave me a realistic view of what may come next. Ms. Lutz knew each case required a great deal of knowledge and creative thinking on how to legally proceed forward with each case. My family and friends are forever grateful for the amazing representation by Ms. Lutz. I highly recommend Ms. Lutz for anyone needing or considering superb representation for any kind of family law. " - M.H.

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