Equitable Distribution Lawyers in Wake County

Separating Your Marital Property through Equitable Distribution During Divorce in Raleigh & the Triangle

During the life of a marriage, couples typically acquire assets and debts which may be divided upon separation and divorce. A party who seeks the division of marital property or property acquired during the marriage must file a claim with the help of an experienced Raleigh equitable distribution lawyer. Generally, a court will distribute the property to each party equally based on the net value of marital property.

For legal options regarding equitable distribution in divorce, call us at (919) 838-7160 or complete our online form today. 

What Is Marital Property in North Carolina? 

Marital property is real and personal property acquired by either spouse or both spouses during the marriage and before the date of separation. Once certain property is classified as “marital property,” it is then subject to an equal division by the court. For example, if you and your spouse bought a home during the marriage now valued at $800,000, each party would be entitled to a value of $400,000. 

Parties should be aware that there is a presumption that all property acquired after the date of marriage and before the date of separation is marital property subject to division. This presumption may be rebutted by the greater weight of evidence, but the party opposing the classification of the asset as marital property has the burden to show that such property is in fact separate property.

What Is Separate Property? 

Separate property is real and personal property acquired by a spouse before marriage or by device, descent, or gift during the marriage. Separate property is not divided upon equitable distribution. For example, if one party bought a $150,000 boat prior to the date of marriage, the boat would be considered separate property and not subject to division by the court. If one spouse receives a gift or inheritance of property during the marriage, that property is also considered separate property and not subject to division. The increase in value of separate property and the income derived from separate property remains separate property during the marriage and thereafter unless an exception applies.

How Do You Determine Which Property Is Divisible? 

Generally, divisible property is real and personal property that comes into existence after the date of separation of the parties. Courts value marital property as of the date of separation. Divisible property does not fall under this rubric because it comes into existence after the date of separation. For example, you may have passive income from marital property received after the date of separation, such as interest and dividends. The interest and dividends are divisible property which the court shall equitably divide and distribute.

Mixed Property in Wake County

Mixed property is property that has a dual character in that it is part separate property and part marital property. Mixed property is property that was separate property, but during the marriage, the spouses changed the property in such a manner as to create a marital interest in the property. For example, if one party owns a home prior to the marriage, but the couple adds several rooms to the home, there is a marital interest in the improvements to the home.

To learn more about how we can help with equitable distribution during divorce, contact us today.