We Help You Fight for Fair Marital Property Distribution in the Tampa Area
Hillsborough County is home to diverse landscapes, from the bustling cosmopolitan nature of downtown Tampa to historic Ybor City to tranquil Egmont Key State Park.
Our neighborhoods and living situations are just as diverse, with recent census data showing families of all shapes and sizes. Different ages. Different income levels. Different cultural backgrounds.
No matter who you are or where you come from, if you are going through a divorce, one of the most stressful parts is always trying to deal with marital property division. In Florida, this is the process used to split up the assets, income, and liability of both spouses when they get divorced.
As an equitable distribution state, Florida law requires fair division of property between formerly married parties, which sounds great. After all, you want to be treated fairly, right? However, it is important to understand that when the state says “fair,” it does not necessarily mean that there will be a 50-50 split.
Before you and your former partner begin the complex and often distressing process of dividing your marital property during divorce, talk to one of the experienced attorneys at Florida Family Law Clinic. We can provide you with insider guidance throughout your marital property division proceedings, while working to protect your finances and future.
How Florida Family Law Clinic Can Help You with Equitable Property Division in Hillsborough
Choosing the right law firm to represent you can make a dramatic impact on your equitable property division settlement. When you are working with marital property matters, do not underestimate the value of having a lawyer who is experienced, responsive, and dedicated to the wellbeing of both you and your family.
Florida Family Law Clinic began with the goal of offering Floridians the security of high-quality legal representation at a reasonable price. In our years of practice, our lawyers have managed all kinds of divorces and helped people of every income bracket to navigate marital property division.
If you do not have a lot of money, you may believe that it is not worth hiring a lawyer to help you protect your assets, but this is a mistake. In many ways, the stakes are even higher when both spouses have to split a smaller pool of assets.
Our attorneys have guided both men and women in how to divide all kinds of complicated assets. Everything from real estate and automobiles to professional practices, valuable collections, stock options, pension plans, and more.
At Florida Family Law Clinic, we are dedicated to safeguarding your property and obtaining the results you deserve.
Lawyers Who Won’t Charge an Arm and a Leg to Protect Your Marital Property in Tampa
For far too many Florida families, divorce can be a huge financial drain. Not only are you splitting up your household and potentially losing an income stream, you have to start over. Find – and pay – for a new place to live. Possibly get a new car. Buy your own groceries and medications.
On top of this, there are the legal costs. At Florida Family Law Clinic, we believe you should not have to go into debt defending your finances and rights during a divorce case. That is why we provide comprehensive, top-notch legal services at a significantly lower price than other family law firms.
While other Hillsborough-area lawyers may charge more than $300 per hour, we offer representation at the low rate of $175 per hour, without sacrificing quality or attention. Moreover, we offer an initial consultation completely free of charge. During this consultation, you can learn about your rights and options regarding property division in Florida without paying a dime and with no obligation.
Understanding Equitable Property Division in Hillsborough County
Under Florida equitable distribution law, marital property is divided equitably between divorcing spouses. What does that mean though?
As we noted before, equitable does not necessarily mean equal, but fair. Courts may decide that equal division would be unfair based on factors such as:
- The duration of the marriage.
- Each party’s financial situation.
- Each party’s contributions to the marriage, including contributions to the care and education of the children and homemaking.
- Any interruption of personal career or education of either party.
- Each party’s contributions to the career or education of the other spouse.
- Each party’s contribution to acquiring or increasing income or assets.
- Debts accrued by each party.
- Each party’s dissipation or destruction of marital assets within two years prior to filing for divorce.
- The desirability of retaining any asset – such as interest in a professional practice – whole and free from interference from the other spouse.
- The desirability of retaining the marital home as residence for any dependent children of the marriage.
- Any other factors necessary to find equity and justice between the spouses.
Under Florida law, only marital property is subject to division during the divorce process. Marital property generally includes assets, liabilities, and income earned during the marriage.
Assets may include real estate, bank accounts, vacation pay, stock options, businesses and business interests, and tangible personal property, such as automotive vehicles, collector’s items, and pets. Liabilities may include any kind of debt, such as credit card debt, tax liens, auto loans, and mortgages.
Alternatively, separate or “non-marital” property is not subject to division during the divorce process. Nonmarital property may include any assets and liabilities acquired prior to the marriage that has not increased in value due to marital money or labor. Nonmarital property may also include assets or liabilities acquired by a non-interspousal inheritance or gift, or assets and liabilities excluded from being considered marital property in accordance to a valid written agreement, such as a prenuptial agreement.
A spouse who claims that an asset or liability is non-marital has the burden of proving that it is non-marital in court. Determining whether property is marital or non-marital is often the most challenging part of dividing property.
Fight for What Is Rightfully Yours in Tampa – Contact Florida Family Law Clinic Today
The complex issues surrounding equitable property division in Florida can add undue stress and confusion to an already-complicated situation. Fortunately, you do not have to go through the process alone.
At Florida Family Law Clinic, we’ve helped countless clients protect property that is valuable and meaningful from division during divorce. We can help you, too. All you have to do is reach out to us through one of our convenient methods.