Under Connecticut law, all assets and liabilities that exist at the time of divorce are subject to equitable distribution, including assets brought to the marriage by either party. The name in which a particular asset is titled is not a determinative factor. Property will be equitably divided based on numerous statutory factors, and working with an experienced Westport property division lawyer can help ensure that your financial interests are protected throughout this process.
Broder Orland Murray & DeMattie LLC, in Westport and Greenwich, Connecticut, is adept at handling property distribution for individuals with complex asset configurations. Our firm’s clients include professionals, investors, managers, entrepreneurs, public figures, and CEOs, as well as their spouses. In every case, our dedicated family attorneys will seek a property settlement that fully recognizes our client’s contribution to the marriage.
When appropriate, our firm will assemble the necessary experts in order to assist in areas such as business valuation, identifying hidden assets, and other potentially complex issues. We also assist clients in dividing retirement assets, stock options and restricted stock, and other employment benefits. These assets may have specifications regarding when a former spouse can access them. We make certain our clients are fully informed with regard to gaining access to these assets. In any property division agreement, tax concerns are paramount. Our lawyers fully consider all relevant tax implications when devising any property division agreement.
Connecticut General Statutes § 46b-81 primarily governs property division. Pursuant to the statute, Courts may assign either spouse all or part of the estate of the other spouse after considering the following factors:
State law does not distinguish between marital and separate property in the same manner as many other jurisdictions. The Court may also consider premarital assets, inheritances, and gifts when entering financial Orders. This often adds additional complexity to high-asset divorces with commingled property.
An asset division attorney in Westport will work with forensic accountants, valuation professionals, and tax advisors to analyze your financial records and determine the value of your disputed assets. Discovery is particularly significant in cases involving executive compensation or shared business interests.
Property division proceedings with substantial wealth require careful evaluation of financial structures that may not be immediately transparent. Common considerations may include:
Valuation often becomes a central issue during settlement discussions or Trial proceedings. Determining the fair market value of an asset may require expert opinions, document review, and financial tracing. Liquidity concerns and tax consequences may also affect the distribution of your assets.
Our Westport attorneys regularly represent clients in complex property distribution matters during a divorce. We will analyze the legal and financial implications of proposed settlements while preserving your confidentiality and long-term financial security.
In complex divorce proceedings, discovery frequently determines the direction and value of your case. Financial disclosures must be comprehensive and supported by documentation. When one spouse controls sophisticated financial accounts or business operations, identifying all relevant assets and liabilities may require substantial investigation.
Our Westport property division lawyer may use subpoenas, depositions, business record analysis, and forensic accounting to evaluate potential assets and their value. Discovery may also uncover hidden income sources, transfers to third parties, offshore accounts, or improper dissipation of assets.
Accurate financial analysis is crucial, as property division Orders may substantially affect your future support obligations, tax exposure, and long-term financial planning. The early evaluation of complex assets can strengthen your negotiating position during Mediation and settlement discussions.
Our Westport and Greenwich property distribution attorneys resolve property division issues through a range of tailored strategies. For some clients, mediation offers a more amicable path forward. For others, litigation provides the most effective way to pursue a favorable outcome. As cases evolve, the strategy may shift to reflect new developments. At every stage, we adapt our approach to each client’s needs and remain attentive, tenacious, and creative in pursuing their goals.
Property division often becomes one of the most complex and contentious aspects of divorce, especially when the parties hold significant assets or maintain unique financial structures. At Broder Orland Murray & DeMattie LLC, our attorneys have extensive experience representing professionals, executives, entrepreneurs, and their spouses in high-stakes property distribution matters. Whether your case involves business valuations, hidden assets, stock options, or retirement accounts, we will work to protect your financial interests and secure a fair outcome.
Schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced Westport property division lawyer.