Washington Property Division Attorney
Experienced Bellevue Property Division Attorney Serving King County, WA
One of the primary objectives of divorce is dividing property. Property includes not only assets, but also liabilities. When a couple chooses to divorce in Washington, the court is tasked with dividing all property equitably.
The experienced property division lawyers at McKinley Irvin are here to help guide you through this process to secure a fair division of assets.
To speak to our experienced Bellevue property division lawyer, give us a call at (206) 625-9600 or contact us online today.
How Does the Court Divide Property in Washington?
Washington is a community property state. Some community property states require that community property be divided equally upon divorce. In Washington divorce cases, the court is required to divide all property equitably, whether the property is characterized as community or separate.
Under Washington law, assets and debts accrued during the marriage are typically considered as belonging to the marital community, while assets and debts acquired pre-marriage or post- separation are considered separate property and usually remain with the respective spouse. However, a court may sometimes choose to award one spouse's separate property to the other spouse in order to achieve a fair and equitable distribution of property.
How a Property Division Attorney can Help
Our Bellevue property division lawyers understand that dividing assets and debts can be a difficult issue in divorce. Frequently, our approach is to negotiate a property settlement and reach a fair agreement outside of court. However, in the event an agreement cannot be reached, we are always prepared to litigate to protect our client's best interests.
We are also experienced in cases with complex property divisions, which often include valuable assets, high-net worth community estates, business interests, or international investments.
What Factors can Determine How my Property is Divided?
There are a variety of factors that can influence how your property is divided in divorce. Some of those factors include:
- How long you were married.
- The ages of both spouses.
- Current income and income potential.
- Education level.
- The existence of non-marital resources (ex: a trust).
- Financial needs.
- Medical conditions that create a financial need.
- Prenuptial agreement.
- Whether the couple lived together before marriage.
Types of Assets Divided in a Divorce
Assets divided upon divorce differ drastically from case to case. However, certain assets characterize most property division cases. Including:
- Money - Financial assets that can include funds in your checking, savings and investment accounts, for example.
- Home - The family home is considered real property and an asset that is commonly divided upon divorce. Vacant land or other owned buildings are also real property that may be divided upon divorce.
- Retirement - This includes funds such as 401(k) accounts and pensions.
- Business - Any businesses owned, as well as business-owned property and the business's accounts receivable.
- Taxes - This includes tax refunds and any other tax credits.
- Investments - such as brokerage accounts and interests in closely held business.
Other common assets divided in divorce include deferred compensation, credit cards, patents/copyrights, art and related valuables, insurance policies, and household furnishings. Property division questions may be more complex when dissolving longer marriages.
Valuation of Assets
Understanding the true value and scope of your property in divorce is paramount to achieving a fair division of assets between you and your spouse. The value of certain assets may be fairly simple to determine, while other assets require value appraisals or input from certified accountants. At McKinley Irvin, our divorce attorneys take the necessary steps to prove the value of your property in order to properly prepare for negotiations, or for presentation to the court.
Selecting a Washington Property Division Attorney
Consulting with a divorce lawyer who has extensive experience in complex property division cases is essential to ensuring that your divorce results in an equitable distribution of assets. We invite you to contact McKinley Irvin. Our client service representatives will assist you in identifying the lawyer best suited to meet your family law needs, and will help you schedule a consultation appointment. We represent clients throughout the state of Washington, including Seattle, Bellevue, Everett, Tacoma, Puyallup, and Vancouver as well as Portland, Oregon.
To speak with our Washington property division attorney, give us a call at (206) 625-9600 or contact us online today.
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Client testimonials
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"I knew I had a great team looking out for my best interest."My daughter is the sunshine of my life. I felt despair and a sense of helplessness on the day I was served. On the first appointment day when I arrived at the office and sat down with my lawyer, I knew I had made the right decision. From the beginning of my case to conclusion, I knew I had a great team looking out for my best interest (and the best interest of my child). Thank you McKinley Irvin!- Christine P.
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"Thanks for all the work for our family over the past year."Thanks for all the work for our family over the past year. We’re really glad you are on our side.- P.O.
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"I always felt my specific needs were very well represented and that I could count on David to be a trusted adviser."David remained very level headed and family focused throughout our proceedings. That said, I always felt my specific needs were very well represented and that I could count on David to be a trusted adviser during an otherwise difficult time.- T.M.
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"We would highly recommend the knowledgeable and dedicated law firm of McKinley Irvin to anyone who might be seeking legal services."In our search for a reputable law firm to handle my sister’s divorce case, we explored our options until we found the McKinley Irvin law firm. McKinley Irvin has, through our experience, proven to be compassionate, understanding and patient during the long term process of my sister’s case. Due to her disabilities she needed more than the legalities and McKinley Irvin was able to provide their knowledge as well as the assurance to my sister that her case would be handled in her best interest. We cannot begin to express our gratitude for all that the McKinley Irvin law firm has done for us. We would highly recommend the knowledgeable and dedicated law firm of McKinley Irvin to anyone who might be seeking legal services.- P.M.
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"I cannot imagine two people better able to represent me."Without David and Sam, there is no way I could have made it through this exceptionally difficult time in my life. I cannot imagine two people better able to represent me, nor a better firm to handle my affairs. You all have been wonderful!- M.L.
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"My attorney was very good in and out of the courtroom. Always kept me up to date on any issues that came up."My attorney was very good in and out of the courtroom. Always kept me up to date on any issues that came up and was very knowledgeable on custody issues.- R.R.
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"You all stood by me no matter how trying my case got. I always felt at ease knowing that you were there to guide me through this."I would like to give my sincere appreciation to Jennifer Payseno and staff. You all stood by me no matter how trying my case got. I always felt at ease knowing that you were there to guide me through this most difficult time. Thank you for not only being my attorney but becoming part of our extended family.- M.F.
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"Thank you very much for doing such a wonderful job. It has been a pleasure working with you."Dave, thank you very much for doing such a wonderful job. It has been a pleasure working with you.- R.C.