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Division of Marital Assets

Milwaukee Attorneys Guiding Wisconsin Citizens Through Difficult Times

Trusted legal representation helping you safeguard your assets after a divorce

Not only is divorce difficult emotionally, but dividing your marital property and assets can be complicated and stressful. At Hart Law Office, we understand the law and what it means for your property. Our knowledgeable and experienced divorce attorneys work with you and your spouse to achieve a fair distribution of property.

Helping you protect individual property and equitably divide marital property

During divorce, property is considered to be one of the following:

  • Individual property: Individual property is anything you acquired before the marriage or during the marriage as a gift or inheritance. This property belongs to you and is not subject to a claim of ownership by your spouse.
  • Marital property: This is property that you, or you and your spouse together, acquired during the course of the marriage. Wisconsin law presumes that all property is marital property, meaning that it is your responsibility to prove otherwise if an item or asset is in dispute.

Your rights differ regarding individual and marital property, so it is important that you consult an attorney right away to safeguard what is yours.

How is our marital property divided between us during the divorce?

If you and your spouse do not have a valid prenuptial agreement dictating what is to happen with assets upon divorce, Wisconsin is a community property state, meaning that you and your spouse are each entitled to half of the marital property. What this means from a practical standpoint is that one spouse may receive property while the other is entitled to a cash distribution. While the law provides for an equal distribution, the judge may divide the property another way, based on consideration of factors such as:

  • Length of the marriage
  • Property brought into the marriage by each party
  • A party’s individual property and assets
  • Each party’s contribution to the marriage
  • Age and emotional health of each party

The amount and duration of spousal maintenance, or alimony, must also be considered. There are many factors that may alter an equal distribution of property, and our experienced Milwaukee attorneys can explore those with you.

Should I be worried about losing part of my pension during my divorce?

Retirement plans can be subject to division during divorce, and it is important that you inform your divorce attorney about any and all retirement assets that you and your spouse currently hold. The court may look to divide your rights to a retirement plan by using a qualified domestic relations order or by assessing the expected benefits of a pension plan. These are often complicated determinations that require significant thought and consideration. Our attorneys are experienced in this process and can advise you on which option is best. Additionally, there are implications for members of the military holding a retirement plan, so you should be sure to inform us as to your service status.

Sorting your debt during the divorce

Just as assets must be divided during a divorce, so must debts that you and your spouse accrued during your marriage. When you are disclosing assets and property, you must also disclose any and all debts, regardless of whether you believe you should be responsible for paying them. The judge determines how responsibility for the various debts should be allocated between you and your spouse. Because many couples have marital debt, this can become a significant issue, and Hart Law Office can work to get you a fair distribution.

Trust our Milwaukee legal team to help you keep your valued property

Divorce can have a substantial financial effect on you, and we can help you safeguard your valued assets and property while keeping debt allocations equitable and fair. Call 414-271-1775 or contact us online today for your free initial consultation. We proudly serve divorcing families in southeast Wisconsin and look forward to meeting with you to explore your case. Our office is located in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward. Weekend and evening appointments are available.

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    Divorce FAQs

    Q: What is a divorce?

    A: A divorce is the legal termination of marriage. All states require a spouse to identify a legal reason for requesting a divorce when filing the divorce papers with the court. The reasons given when filing are referred to as the grounds for divorce.

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      5.0/5.0

      Eric Hart is an experienced attorney who thinks and acts outside the box.  For those who have been falsely accused and are fearing the worst, Eric Hart has your back.  If you’re looking for a criminal defense or family law attorney, you should co...

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      I had a great experience working with Hart Law Office. Attorney, Eric Hart, was very professional, helpful, and thorough in assisting me with my sensitive matter. I highly recommend this law office for legal advice and assistance.

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      I have found Richard to be fair over all with both parties in the capacity of a GAL. There is sometimes where he should not be as lenient in his recommendations, but that is just him using all his options.

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      Jennifer Holtslander

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      The Hart law firm is extremely professional and very consistent in successful results. All the attorneys at the firm have strong relationships with DA's and judges in both major SE Wisconisn counties. Would highly recommend.

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