A tough, no nonsense divorce and custody lawyer for women only who reside in Virginia Beach and Newport News.
Keeping your Personal Property Safe
After you've taken an inventory of all your personal belongings, it's prudent to move items of value to a secure location away from your home, excluding community property. This will help make sure that they remain protected until the time comes to finalize a property settlement agreement that a Newport News divorce attorney has reviewed and counseled you on. Secure your personal belongings in a safe place such as a friend or family member's house where they cannot be easily accessed by your husband. Items that you'll want to secure until your Newport News divorce attorney has helped you finalize a property settlement agreement can include:
intangibles (non-marital bank accounts);
valuable personal property (heirlooms, collections); and
personal papers and records (birth certificates, diplomas, and copies of joint accounts, deeds, and tax returns).
Securing your Belongings with a Property Settlement Agreement
A Newport News divorce attorney can help you devise a property settlement agreement that fairly divides the personal property that you and your husband own. This agreement, generally a part of a separation agreement, aims to protect you and your assets and sets clear guidelines on who gets to retain ownership of marital possessions.
It's vital to discuss your property settlement agreement with a trusted Newport News divorce attorney to avoid relinquishing your rights and ownership of your belongings. You don't want to unwittingly give away your valuable possessions, so make sure that you understand all the legal implications of your property settlement agreement. When safeguarding your possessions and working with a Newport News divorce attorney to devise a property settlement agreement, it's helpful to keep in mind that:
you may only remove items from the marital home that are yours personally;
it's your responsibility to carefully document your belongings;
you'll need proof if gifts were given to you personally; and
an appraiser may be necessary to assign value to your possessions.
Although going through a divorce weighs on your emotional and mental well-being, don't neglect securing your financial future and taking care of what's rightfully yours. Collaborate with your Newport News divorce attorney to negotiate a fair property settlement agreement that can help bring you closure and help you protect your valuable assets. Contacting a Newport News Divorce Attorney
At this vulnerable time, it's critical that you have exceptional legal representation that not only understands the specifics of your case, but is dedicated to your best interests and that of your family.
The Newport News divorce attorney team at Hofheimer/Ferrebee represents Virginia women who wish to file for divorce. We are committed to fighting for your rights, assisting in child custody disputes, and advocating that you receive everything you are entitled to and need in order to start your new life. You can learn more by requesting one of our FREE divorce guides for women, or reserving your seat at our monthly divorce seminar - 757-425-5200.
What Every Virginia Woman Should Know About Divorceis full of thoughtful steps and practical tips that will help you during your separation, divorce, or child custody case including:
-- 20 guidelines for "separation under the same roof"
-- 13 critical factors used to determine spousal support
-- 3 types of property classification recognized by Virginia courts
-- 10 factors your judge must consider in a contested custody case
-- a formula to determine your percentage share of his retirement benefits