Property division is one of the most important parts of a divorce because it determines how marital assets and debts will be divided. Florida follows the rule of equitable distribution, meaning the court seeks a fair outcome rather than simply dividing everything down the middle.
At Gonzalez & Associates PLLC, we’ve represented clients in Florida divorce cases since 1996. Attorney Orlando Gonzalez works with clients in West Palm Beach to address property division issues, whether they’re negotiating a settlement or resolving disputes before the court.
Property Division Backed by Decades of Experience
Property division often involves questions that aren’t easy to answer, especially when significant assets, business interests, or separate property are involved. Attorney Orlando Gonzalez has represented clients in Florida family law matters since 1996, including divorces involving complex property division.
At Gonzalez & Associates PLLC, we take the time to understand your financial situation before developing a strategy tailored to your goals. We represent clients in West Palm Beach in both English and Spanish, helping them address property division issues with practical advice backed by decades of family law experience.
How Does Property Division Work in Florida?
Florida follows the rule of equitable distribution. In most cases, the court begins with the presumption that marital assets and debts should be divided equally. However, a judge may decide that a 50/50 split isn’t appropriate and divide the property differently.
For that to happen, the court has to determine which property is marital and nonmarital.
- Marital property: Assets and debts acquired during the marriage.
- Nonmarital property: Property owned before the marriage, inheritances, and gifts received from a third party.
Property division isn’t just about who keeps certain assets. Debts acquired during the marriage may also be divided between the spouses.
What Factors Can Affect Property Division?
Florida law allows courts to consider several factors when deciding whether an equal division is appropriate, including:
- Each spouse’s financial situation.
- Contributions to the marriage, including earning income, raising children, or managing the household.
- Whether dividing a business would affect its value or ability to continue operating.
- Whether certain assets are better left intact rather than divided.
- The length of the marriage and whether one spouse gave up educational or career opportunities during the marriage.
- Whether one spouse intentionally wasted or improperly spent marital assets before the divorce.
It’s also important to understand how property is classified. Nonmarital property can become marital property if it is mixed with joint assets or treated as shared property during the marriage. This is known as commingling and can affect whether an asset is subject to division.
Accurately valuing property is equally important. Real estate, retirement accounts, businesses, and other valuable assets should be properly valued before they are divided.
Talk to a West Palm Beach Property Division Attorney Today
Property division can have a lasting impact on your financial future. Before making decisions that become part of your divorce judgment, it’s important to understand how Florida law applies to your situation.
Since 1996, attorney Orlando Gonzalez has represented clients in Florida divorce and family law matters involving property division. Gonzalez & Associates PLLC represents clients in West Palm Beach in both English and Spanish. Call 561-500-4529 or go to our contact page to schedule a consultation.
