How Does Property Division Work In Ohio?
Ohio is an equitable division state. This means that all marital assets and debts must be divided fairly during the divorce or dissolution process.
At the Law Office of Kristen L. Campbell, LLC, we assist clients throughout Butler County with property division matters. Our attorney takes pride in meticulously preparing each case and educating clients about their options. You can count on her to explain everything you need to know to safeguard your financial interests. Call us today for an initial consultation at 513-895-0030.
Our Hamilton, Ohio, law firm assists clients with the equitable division of:
- The marital home
- Cars, boats and other vehicles
- 401(k)s, IRAs, pensions and other retirement assets
- Credit card debts and other liabilities
Not Everything Is Up For Grabs
Even if your spouse thinks that he or she is entitled to part of everything, that may not be the case. We can help you trace certain assets and determine if they should be considered separate property. You may have the sole right to it if:
- You owned it prior to getting married.
- You received it as a gift or inherited it.
- You purchased it with premarital funds.
Do You Believe Your Spouse May Be Hiding Assets?
If you are concerned about the possibility of hidden assets, we can conduct a thorough discovery, which includes looking at bank records and credit card statements. If necessary, we retain forensic accountants and other financial experts to trace the other party’s expenditures or uncover concealed information.
Answering Your Property Division Questions
If you are considering divorce in Ohio, you probably have many questions about how the property you and your spouse own will be divided. Here are some answers to the property division questions our Butler County family law firm hears most often.
What does “equitable” division mean?
Ohio law states that couples will have equitable division of marital assets if they divorce. Equitable does not necessarily mean equal. Equitable in this case really means fair.
What is marital property?
Marital property is defined as any personal or real property that is owned by either of the spouses, including real estate interests.
What if I owned the property before we got married?
If you bought the property or interest in a property before the marriage, then that is yours to keep and would not be considered as marital property.
Is anything I own safe from being called marital property?
Some items are excluded from the marital property division. The items that are excluded are inheritance if designated to only one spouse, gifts designated for only one spouse, property interests or real estate you purchased before getting married and any items listed in a prenuptial agreement.
Is my retirement account at risk in divorce?
Yes, unfortunately, retirement accounts are considered to be marital property.
What if I suspect my spouse of hiding assets?
If you suspect your spouse is hiding assets, we can have an investigator look for them. These hidden items such as boats and cars will also become part of the marital property as long as they were purchased after the marriage.
Seek Knowledgeable Legal Guidance First
Law Office of Kristen L. Campbell, LLC, in Hamilton offers an initial consultation about your divorce and property division issues. Our attorney is experienced in family law matters and is known for being compassionate in assisting clients, but tough when it comes to court proceedings. Call Kristen L. Campbell at 513-895-0030 to arrange your first meeting. You can also email the firm to request a consultation.