How do I Protect My Assets in a Divorce?
Divorce requires a division of assets acquired during the marriage, so you can’t keep every asset you own out of your spouse’s hands. Knowing that, is there any way to protect your assets in Divorce?
Obtain a Prenuptial Agreement
A prenuptial agreement is an agreement between future spouses that sets forth the rights and obligations of each spouse upon divorce, death, and even during the marriage. In your prenuptial agreement make sure you designate your business as non-marital property. If you’re currently married, you may be able to achieve the same result by obtaining a post-nuptial agreement.
A postnuptial agreement is an agreement drafted after marriage but serves the same purpose as a prenuptial agreement. Having said that, if you’re currently contemplating divorce, a postnuptial agreement will likely not be very useful to you. Once a divorce is imminent a postnuptial agreement becomes a separation agreement, which doesn’t mean you’re business will be protected.
Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements are very specific documents that require experienced legal insight when drafting. Simply missing one essential element in drafting and executing a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement can render the entire thing void – and for you useless.
Consider a claim for an unequal distribution
Florida is an equitable distribution state which, based on some factors requires spouses to divide their assets “fairly.”
However, where one spouse rightly deserves total ownership of a business that is subject to division in divorce, the court must consider whether it is actually more equitable to allow one spouse to retain a “business, corporation, or professional practice, intact and free from any claim or interference by the other [spouse].”
If your business is at risk in your divorce, this could be one way to protect it. Be sure to speak with an experienced family law attorney to determine whether or not unequal distribution applies to your case.
Reconcile with Your Spouse
Now, don’t get this wrong. We are not suggesting you stay married just to protect your business. But maybe the challenges you’re facing as a result of your prospective divorce can serve as a catalyst for evaluating whether or not you want to sever the very things you and your spouse have built together?
Perhaps your marriage is salvageable?
Perhaps with the right help it could thrive?
Reconciliation isn’t always an option, but you should be sure it isn’t before you pursue the path of divorce. As strange as it that sounds coming from divorce lawyers – take our word for it.
To learn more about how you can protect your business if you’re facing divorce, click here to request a consultation or call 407-872-3161 to speak with one of our Orlando Divorce Attorneys today.
