West Des Moines Divorce Attorneys Assist with Property Distribution

Capable representation for modest to high net worth marital estates

Your future financial security depends in great part on the fair share of marital property you obtain during your divorce. Iowa is an equitable distribution state, which means that the court divides marital property according to rules and guidelines designed to ensure a fair, but not necessarily equal, outcome. Because this is another area where the court has broad discretion, you need an experienced attorney who knows the law and can present your circumstances in the most favorable light. The Hope Law Firm, P.L.C. can manage the most complex property disputes, asserting our clients’ rights in negotiations and at trial to help ensure a positive result.

How courts in Iowa practice equitable distribution

When divorcing in Iowa, you are entitled to keep all of your separate property and a “fair” share of your marital property. The steps in the process are as follows:

• Identify all property — Full financial disclosure from both spouses is imperative if the court is to reach a fair result. Our attorneys use the discovery process to make sure no assets are transferred or hidden to avoid being counted.
• Categorize property as separate or marital — Generally, items like gifts and inheritances are separate property (unless they’ve been commingled and treated as marital), as are items specifically excluded in valid prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. All other assets and debt, including retirement savings, are marital property and subject to distribution.
• Place a value on marital property — Assets must be assessed at their fair market value. Certain holdings, such as real estate and family businesses, can be difficult to put a price on, and can require expert appraisal. We consult with experts in this field to help ascertain true value.
• Distribute the property equitably to the parties — The court applies numerous factors in determining how much of the marital estate is fair for each spouse to receive. Your attorney’s ability to argue on the basis of these factors can play a key role in the court’s decision. The court’s judgment on the amount of property a dependent spouse receives can also affect the court’s ruling on alimony.

The distribution of property is one element of divorce for which a post-judgment modification is not allowed (unless you can prove fraud), so you have to get it right the first time. That starts with selecting to right attorney to manage your divorce. We work in good faith to negotiate settlements that are acceptable to both sides, eliminating the risk of an adverse judgment. But we litigate aggressively when a trial is necessary to ensure a fair outcome.

Contact the Hope Law Firm for capable assistance in marital property division

The Hope Law Firm, P.L.C. has extensive experience in complex property cases. Whether you have a modest or high-value marital estate, you can rely on our quality representation. Call us at 515-255-3559 or contact our West Des Moines office online to schedule an appointment.