Equitable Distribution

Princeton Attorney: Equitable Distribution

When you are going through a divorce or dissolution of a civil union, the quality of your legal counsel during the process of equitable distribution of combined assets and debts can have a substantial impact on your long-term financial health. In New Jersey, equitable distribution does not presume an even division of assets, although orders decreeing 50/50 splits are not uncommon. The family court judge will base the decision in your case on a number of subjective factors, and the equitable distribution order is permanent. Lawyers at our family law practice, Hanan M. Isaacs, P.C., have extensive experience in complex property settlements. If you would like to speak with a member of our firm about your situation, please contact our Princeton office to arrange a consultation.

Separate and combined assets

Generally, the partnership estate consists of all property acquired by either spouse from the date of the marriage or civil union until the dissolution complaint is filed or a settlement agreement is signed. There are some exceptions, including an inheritance received by one party during the marriage or civil union and maintained as separate property. Combined or marital property includes such assets as real estate, savings accounts, IRA and 401k accounts, personal property, business interests and often the increase in value of a business or professional association during the relationship.

If the combined assets include real estate, a business interest, or a substantial retirement account, and one party wishes to buy out the other's interest in one or more of these, then it is critical to obtain an expert appraisal of the assets' value. To assure that our client receives maximum benefit from sale or purchase of such assets in a large or complex estate, our attorneys will call upon the services of professional appraisers and certified public accountants before finalizing property division and distribution. Also, the issues of property division, alimony, and child support can be overlapping and interrelated. Our attorneys use a sophisticated, multi-disciplinary approach in analyzing, evaluating, negotiating, mediating, arbitrating, or litigating these related subjects. We work hard to protect, defend, and preserve what are often our clients' most significant financial concerns in the dissolution process.

Information related to equitable distribution

• Family law
• Alternative dispute resolution
• Divorce and dissolution of civil unions
• Child custody and relocation
• Child support

If you would like to speak to a member of our firm about property division issues in your pending dissolution or divorce, or have any other question about our practice, please contact our office to arrange a consultation. We accept credit cards and offer general appointments from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, plus evening appointments during the week by pre-arrangement only.