How do I protect my personal property during a Virginia divorce?

There are several ways you can protect your personal property during a Virginia divorce. While there will inevitably be some fallout in regards to your favorite possessions or even some assets, property in a divorce that is rightfully yours can and should be protected.

This includes property that can be considered yours personally, such as important personal documents, things you owned before the marriage that only you use, or even family heirlooms and gifts. Since there are so many things to be concerned with during your Virginia divorce, it may be difficult to find the time to identify property in a divorce that is considered separate, as opposed to marital. A Newport News divorce attorney can best help with this task.

To protect your separate property in a divorce, you’ll want to:

• identify your property; and
• photograph and document your property.

For instance, if you know you have valuable collections or jewelry in a storage unit, talk to your attorney about how best to safeguard those possessions, particularly if you are concerned your spouse might plan to clean out the unit during the course of your Virginia divorce.

For valuable gifts and heirlooms you’ll need proof that you were given the object as a gift. Getting an appraisal from a professional will also help your case.

Since so many things can slip through the cracks during your Virginia divorce, talk to your Newport News divorce attorney as soon as possible about possible property disputes you think may come into question.

In addition to helping you come up with a plan to protect your separate (non-marital) property in a divorce, your Newport News divorce attorney will also help you discern that the possessions actually are yours, and do not fall under the classification of community, or marital property.

Contacting a Newport News Divorce Attorney

There are very specific rules governing divorce in Virginia. At Hofheimer Family Law Firm we are committed to providing you with the experience and compassion you deserve and the successful results you need to move on with your life. Request a FREE copy of our divorce guide for women in Virginia, or reserve your seat at our monthly divorce seminar – 757-231-9474.