Asheville, NC Property Division Attorney

As married couples advance through life together, they often acquire property and assets. When it comes time to divorce, these items must be divided in a process called “equitable distribution.” This can be a highly complex process, as there are many factors to consider to ensure that the distribution is fair to both parties. With a highly vested stake in the distribution of the couple’s most prized possessions, both parties want to ensure that their attorney is well-versed in North Carolina’s equitable distribution laws.

At Parsons Law, PA, our family law firm understands how critical it is to our clients to divide their property and assets fairly in a divorce. It’s an emotional time that would only be made worse by an unjust outcome. We hone in on the details of each client’s unique situation to create a personalized legal strategy that sets clients up for success. Our team of knowledgeable property distribution lawyers in Asheville, NC has the experience and compassion to help you through this tough time.

What Is Equitable Distribution in North Carolina?

To understand how property will be divided during a divorce, it is important first to understand the state’s laws on equitable distribution. North Carolina is classified as an “equitable distribution” state, which means that the court will divide the couple’s property fairly and equally, taking into consideration various factors. The court does not necessarily split the property 50/50, as it would in a “community property” state.

Some common factors that the court will consider in an equitable distribution case include:

• The duration of the marriage
• The couple’s ages and health
• The couple’s earning capacity
• The couple’s standard of living during the marriage
• Any prior marriages
• The couple’s contributions to the acquisition, care of, and increase in value of the marital property
• The couple’s relative needs
• The tax consequences of the distribution
• The couple’s child-rearing responsibilities
• Any waste or dissipation of the couple’s marital property
• If there will be any post-marriage arrangements like spousal support/alimony

To determine what an equitable distribution would be, the court will first classify the property as either “marital” or “separate.” Marital property is anything acquired during the tenure of marriage, regardless of which spouse owns the title to the property. Separate property is anything acquired before the marriage or was acquired by gift or inheritance during the marriage.

The court will then value the marital property and determine how to distribute it between the two spouses fairly and equitably. The court does have broad discretion when it comes to distributing the couple’s property, so having an attorney by your side can help protect your rights and interests.

What Property Is Subject to Equitable Distribution in North Carolina?

Common items that are subject to equitable distribution in North Carolina include:

• The family home
• Cars and other vehicles
• Bank accounts and investments
• Retirement accounts
• Furniture and other household items
• Business interests

Sometimes the court may also consider distributing “non-marital” property, which is property that would typically be considered separate property. For example, this can happen if the court finds that there was a “commingling” of the couple’s property, or if the property has increased in value due to the efforts of either spouse.

Tips For Dividing Property in a North Carolina Divorce

If you are going through a divorce, there are a few things that you can do to help protect your property rights:

• Keep good records. Keep track of all property that was acquired during the marriage, as well as any property that was acquired before the marriage. This will be important in determining what property is subject to equitable distribution.
• Get a professional evaluation. If you have any property subject to equitable distribution, such as a business or a rental property, it is important to get a professional evaluation of the property. This will help ensure that the property is accurately valued for distribution purposes.
• Understand your rights. Make sure that you understand your rights and obligations under North Carolina’s equitable distribution laws. An experienced attorney can help you to understand how the law applies to your specific situation and can help to protect your rights during the divorce process.