Property Dispute

There is no shortage of things to worry about in the event of a divorce. If you have children, you have to worry about custody arrangements that suit them the best. If you were a stay-at-home mom, you have to worry about getting back into the work environment as well as your finances. These are all valid concerns, but one issue that is the most complex and crucial to your future is the issue of property.

The questions involving the fair and proper divisions of homes are numerous, and each one has multiple answers:

• What is your stake in the house or houses? Did you help with the mortgage payments? Did you contribute financially to any repairs or construction costs?
• Are you being offered the house in a settlement as opposed to monetary compensation? If so, should you accept it?
• How does the division of property work under Virginia law?
• What about cars? Furniture? Valuables? Vacation homes in other states?

Property disputes between divorcing couples are almost always contentious and time consuming. Many women find themselves having to delve into subjects of which they know precious little. Accurately determining your stake in a property is certainly a difficult proposition in the best of times, so it goes without saying that it can be nearly impossible when a woman is going through the stresses of a divorce.

While some states have laws that require all property to be split equally, Virginia divorce law states that property has to be divided equitably, which is a very important difference. What that means is that the property gets divided according to who contributed what to each property. This doesn’t just mean money. It could also mean labor towards upkeep or improvements, or just managing the household in general.

This is not the sort of issue that you want handled by an inexperienced attorney, or by an attorney that doesn’t specialize in divorce. This is not just the end of a marriage that is being discussed and negotiated. It’s a determination as to how your future is going to go. And what is being negotiated are some very important points:

• Will you be left with your fair share of the property or will you be left with nothing?
• Will your contributions to the household and the upkeep of the properties be acknowledged or ignored?
• Is what you are being offered something that seems good now but could prove harmful in the long run?

At Hofheimer Family Law Firm, it is our job to make sure that our clients are informed and educated about all of their options. To that end, we encourage our clients to meet with financial planners to create a clear picture of the goals that we should be working towards. Once those goals are established, we work diligently towards achieving them. Whenever possible, we do this with negotiation, but if necessary we use litigation to help our clients secure a bright future for themselves and their children.

After years of practicing as a divorce attorney, Charlie Hofheimer grew frustrated with the inconsistencies of representing the husband in one case and the wife in the next. He also realized that the deck was unfairly stacked against Virginia women in divorce cases. As a longtime practical advocate for women’s rights, Charlie decided to start a Virginia firm that only represents women in divorce cases.

Since then, Hofheimer Family Law Firm has earned a national reputation as experienced and tough divorce firm, with lawyers that are vastly experienced in all facets of divorce law. Whether your divorce involves child custody, spousal support or property disputes, we can provide you with experienced and aggressive legal counsel.

If you are considering filing for divorce, consider attending one of our divorce seminars in the Norfolk area, or contact our offices for a legal consultation today.