Experienced Columbus and Central Ohio Divorce and Dissolution Lawyer
You are probably concerned about what is going to happen to your home, the cars, as well as your investment and retirement accounts. What happens if one of you is part of a closely held business, or has a professional practice? Property division in divorce or dissolution requires an experienced and knowledgeable family law attorney. There are so many issues to consider when managing the assets and liabilities of a couple who have decided to end their marriage in Ohio.
In many instances it can be a challenge to identify all of the specific accounts and assets involved. It is important to put a reliable value upon business ownership in private or closely held companies, as well as establishing the value of a doctor or professional who has their own private practice, or is part of a partnership or corporation. In rare instances, we must use forensic accounting to track down assets, and to establish the actual value of real property or assets and accounts.
How do you decide who gets what?
This is a complex question, and can be the source of genuine disagreement between parties in a divorce or dissolution. It can be important to come to a fair and equitable distribution of these assets, while maximizing the actual cash benefit to each party, and minimizing the tax consequences involved. There are several ways to offset the value of a business ownership in trusts or other property, and to carefully balance the pre-tax and post tax consequences of child support versus spousal support or alimony.
There are many factors which go into the formula for the division of assets including:
- When the asset was acquired, and the source of funds utilized
- The length of the marriage
- Inheritances and pre-marital property
- Employment histories and incomes for both spouses
- Present and future needs of the children
- Tax implications of asset division
- Established rules for the division of retirement vehicles (QDROs and DOPOs)
At the Kelly Law Offices, we apply our experience and legal skill to help find the right balance for each situation. Whenever possible, we encourage the couple to work through these issues together to keep costs down, and to provide a stronger working relationship which will extend past the end of their marriage. In cases of genuine principled disagreement, or if our client's spouse is being unreasonable or contentious we will work to aggressively protect our clients best interests, and to seek the best possible outcome based upon their unique circumstances.
Reasonable Fees
Our fees are reasonable. In fact, many of our family law, criminal and other services are offered at flat rates, so you will know up front how much your case will cost. If your case is billed on an hourly basis you will be kept apprised of your expenditures with itemized statements on a monthly basis or any other periodic basis at your request.
Free Initial Telephone Consultations
Are you ready to discuss your case with an experienced Columbus family law attorney? Call us at 888-678-3075 or send us an e-mail.
