how do i prepare a equitable distribution statement for my husband's attorney

by Prof. Schuyler Weber PhD 10 min read

How is equitable distribution determined in a divorce?

Despite negotiations between parties, Equitable Distribution can still be determined by a judge. This means that an Equitable Distribution, which your attorney negotiates with the opposing party’s attorney, can still be determined by a judge without taking into consideration what you or your spouse initially agreed upon.

How do I fill out an equitable distribution inventory affidavit?

Equitable Distribution Inventory Affidavit [Form 22I]. In the blank beside Date of Separation, put the last day that you and your spouse lived together as husband and wife. Then, fill out the Columns as indicated by the Column letter and title, as follows:

When can a defendant file a motion for equitable distribution?

First, G.S. § 50-11 (e) provides that a defendant in an action may bring an action or file a motion in the cause for equitable distribution within six months after entry of judgment for absolute divorce if service of process in the divorce action was by publication and defendant failed to appear.

What states follow the principle of equitable distribution?

All states except for Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin follow the principles of equitable distribution. If my spouse and I agree on how we should divide our property, do we have to rely on equitable distribution laws?

How do you calculate equitable distribution?

An equitable division of marital property is not always an equal division. Rather, the court will divide property between spouses in a way that it considers fair. In the majority of cases, a fair division will be an equal (50/50) division.

How do I file an equitable distribution in NC?

You can file for equitable distribution as soon as you and your spouse are separated. To do so, you should talk to the Charlotte divorce law attorneys of Remington & Dixon. You can contact us online or by calling (704) 247-7110.

How do I hide money in case of divorce?

Trusts and gifts to friends – A common method of hiding money for those who don't own a business is to set up a trust or “gift” money to someone who will return the money after the divorce is finalized.

What is meant by equitable distribution?

Equitable distribution is a principle in divorce law governing the allocation of marital property between spouses. In states that use equitable distribution, courts try to achieve a fair allocation of property based on a list of factors or guidelines set forth by state law.

When can you file for equitable distribution in NC?

The couple must be married but separated and living apart. The claim for equitable distribution must be filed before the divorce is final. There cannot be a valid separation or property settlement agreement that divides the marital assets, including a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement.

How does adultery affect divorce in North Carolina?

While adultery by husband, wife, or both may destroy a marriage, but you can't use it as a ground for your divorce in North Carolina. North Carolina is one of only a few states that permit a spouse to file a civil lawsuit against the spouse's lover or anyone who interfered with the marriage.

How do I find hidden bank accounts in a divorce?

How to find hidden bank accountsHire a reputable divorce attorney who is knowledgeable about finding hidden assets. ... With the help of an attorney, you can subpoena many valuable records, including employment records, bank statements, loan applications and other account records.More items...

Do you have to show bank statements in divorce?

If you are going through a divorce, separation or attending mediation, there is a duty of full and frank financial disclosure. This means that it is necessary for you and your spouse/partner to completely and honestly disclose your true financial positions.

Can you hide bank accounts in divorce?

Because each party is required to divulge all assets, hiding assets during a divorce amounts to contempt of court. A judge may issue sanctions and require the spouse who is found to have hidden assets to pay the other's legal fees. The judge can even grant higher alimony payments.

How Should equity be split in a divorce?

The cleanest way to divide the home's equity is to sell the house. Once the couple retire the mortgage debt, pay taxes and the sale-related expenses, they split the remaining money. By selling the house, the two exes can more easily untangle from each other's lives, Ballin says.

What is difference between equal and equitable distribution?

Equal means 'same', whereas equitable means 'fairly'. That way, equal distribution means every individual gets a name share in country's national income.

What is equitable distribution benefit?

What is it? Equitable distribution of income ensures distributing welfare to ensure fairness and allowing members of the economy to have the same opportunity to accumulate wealth. The Government redistributes tax revenue to ensure equitable distribution of wealth.

What is equitable distribution?

Equitable distribution is a method of dividing property at the time of divorce. All states except for Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada...

If my spouse and I agree on how we should divide our property, do we have to rely on equitable distr...

No. A court will only engage in equitable distribution if a divorcing couple is unable to negotiate a property settlement. If a couple is able to a...

Is all property subject to equitable distribution?

No. Equitable distribution applies only to marital property. Marital property is all property acquired during the marriage. Marital property does n...

Are gifts given to me by my spouse during marriage considered my separate property?

No. While gifts given to one spouse by a third party are considered that spouse's separate property, gifts given by one spouse to another spouse ar...

If I hold title to an asset, is that asset my separate property?

Not necessarily. While a court may consider title as evidence of separate property, title in and of itself does not determine whether an asset is s...

Does equitable distribution mean that a court divides marital property equally?

No. An equitable division of marital property is not always an equal division. Rather, the court will divide property between spouses in a way that...

How does a court establish a fair division of marital property?

A court will review a number of factors in determining how to divide marital property. For example, a court may consider:The financial condition an...

My spouse was unfaithful to me. Will a court consider this and award me a greater percentage of our ...

No. A court typically will not consider adultery, alcohol and drug abuse, domestic violence, or involvement in other criminal activities when makin...

How and when does a court value marital property?

Marital property is typically valued by its fair market value at the time the marital litigation is filed or commenced. However, because a period o...

What is not considered in equitable distribution of marital property?

A court typically will not consider adultery, alcohol and drug abuse, domestic violence, or involvement in other criminal activities when making an equitable distribution of marital property. A spouse's behavior will be relevant, however, if it impacts the couple's finances.

How to divide property?

A court will review a number of factors in determining how to divide marital property. For example, a court may consider: 1 The financial condition and earning power of each spouse. 2 The value of each spouse's separate property, including a spouse's business, business interests, retirement plans, 401 (k) plans, stocks, bonds, etc. 3 The degree to which each spouse contributed to the acquisition of marital property. 4 The degree to which each spouse contributed to the education and earning power of the other spouse. 5 Future financial needs and liabilities of each spouse. 6 The ages and overall health of each spouse. 7 The liquidity of marital property. 8 Premarital and prenuptial agreements. 9 Spousal maintenance or alimony obligations.

What is fair division in divorce?

Rather, the court will divide property between spouses in a way that it considers fair. In the majority of cases, a fair division will be an equal (50/50) division. In other cases, however, the judge may decide to award one spouse a greater percentage of the marital property.

What is the financial condition of each spouse?

The financial condition and earning power of each spouse. The value of each spouse's separate property, including a spouse's business, business interests, retirement plans, 401 (k) plans, stocks, bonds, etc. The degree to which each spouse contributed to the acquisition of marital property.

Does equitable distribution apply to marital property?

No. Equitable distribution applies only to marital property. Marital property is all property acquired during the marriage. Marital property does not include, however, property obtained during marriage by gift, bequest, devise or descent, or property otherwise provided for in a written agreement. Such property, along with any assets acquired ...

Is marital property subject to equitable distribution?

Is all property subject to equitable distribution? No. Equitable distribution applies only to marital property. Marital property is all property acquired during the marriage.

Is a gift to a third party considered separate property?

No. While gifts given to one spouse by a third party are considered that spouse's separate property, gifts given by one spouse to another spouse are considered marital property subject to the laws of equitable distribution. If I hold title to an asset, is that asset my separate property?

When do equitable distribution cases settle?

For most attorneys, there is little comparison. Equitable distribution cases usually settle at some point after a lawsuit is filed and before a trial. How long and how much money the parties are willing to spend to get to a reasonable settlement varies.

What is equitable distribution?

The terms “Equitable distribution” are just big words for the division of marital property, or property acquired during a marriage. More often than not, most counties (to include Mecklenburg County and Union County), the parties are required to attempt to settle the issue of equitable distribution prior to a trial.

What is the law for equitable distribution in North Carolina?

The North Carolina General Statute governing equitable distribution states, “There shall be an equal division by using net value of marital property and net value of divisible property unless the court determines that an equal division is not equitable.

What is the presumption that a judge should divide all property equally?

Not only does the judge start by trying to divide all property equally, there is also a presumption that the judge should divide all property “in-kind.”. That means one party shouldn’t get all of the cash (or liquid) assets while the other party gets all household goods and retirement. This presumption that an in-kind distribution is equitable ...

When the judge divides up the parties' property equally, as presumed by statute, should the husband and wife be

When the judge divides up the parties’ property equally, as presumed by statute (keeping in mind that husband and wife should each get close to the same value of the same types of property), then the judge may have no choice but to give the husband the art collection in order to make everything equal.

Can you pay attorney fees to spouse in equitable distribution?

It is important to note that there is no statute allowing for attorney’s fees to be paid by one spouse to the other in an equitable distribution case. Even a simple marital estate can make for a costly equitable distribution claim if the issue is taken to trial.

What is equitable distribution?

Definition of equitable distribution: The fair, but not necessarily equal, division of marital assets and liabilities acquired during a marriage.

What is equitable division in divorce?

The equitable division of the assets in divorce is just one piece of a larger picture. In the example above, we discussed the “assets” side of the equation. But also included is the equitable distribution of liabilities. And for many spouses, the debts accumulated during or brought into the marriage is greater than the assets.

What happens if you hire a divorce lawyer?

If you hire divorce lawyers who can’t help you and your spouse come to agreement, you’ll have no choice but to battle it out in family law court. And in a litigated divorce, the division of assets and liabilities is determined by a judge.

How to mediate a divorce?

If you and your spouse have both agreed to divorce and want to mediate, take the next step and book an initial meeting for the two of you. Book an Initial Meeting.

Which states are equitable distribution states?

"New Jersey, Illinois, Pennsylvania, New York, Michigan, and 36 other states are equitable distribution states, so whatever the parties deem to be fair and equitable is how their marital property and liabilities will be divided.

Is all assets and liabilities created equal?

But not all assets and liabilities are created equal. Some may be pre-tax, while others are post-tax. Some may change in value frequently, while others are quite static. So what may appear fair on the surface doesn’t necessarily mean it is. And there’s a lot more to this topic than splitting everything down the middle.

Is it fair to split your credit card with your spouse?

What you think is fair to you might not be fair to your spouse, and vice versa. Not only that, but your definition of fair might var y from issue-to-issue. For example, you might think a 50-50 split of your joint checking account is fair but you want your spouse to take on 75% of the credit card debt.

How to Make Your Husband Pay for Your Divorce Lawyer

There are some situations in which a wife can make her husband pay for her divorce lawyer. A spouse’s wrongdoing or income disparity can compel a judge to award attorney fees. Getting a court order through a Request for Attorney Fees (Form Fl-319) is the only way to legally obligate your spouse to cover your attorney fees.

FAQs About Attorney Fee Awards

A husband does not have to pay for his wife’s divorce lawyer unless a court order says otherwise. In some situations, a judge may order a husband to pay his wife’s divorce attorney fees.

When is the last day of the year to determine a married person's marital status?

An individual’s marital status is determined as of the last day of the calendar year – December 31 st. Married individuals can file jointly or married filing separate. When the parties file jointly each is jointly liable for the tax obligation, regardless of what a divorce instrument may say.

What are the exceptions to alimony?

Here is a short list of some of these exceptions: Fees related to tax advice related to a divorce, Fees to determine or collect alimony, Fees to determine estate tax consequences of property settlements, and. Appraisal and actuary fees to determine tax liabilities or to assist in obtaining alimony.

What are the most disputed issues in a divorce?

1. Taxability of Assets Distributed Incident to Divorce. In many instances one of the most disputed issues in a divorce is the distribution of the marital assets. This is commonly referred to as “equitable distribution” or “ED”.

How much is the exclusion for a single taxpayer?

This exclusion is $250,000 for a single taxpayer and $500,000 for a married couple. Because of the significant difference in tax treatment, the tax consequences related to the sale of the marital home should be considered early on in the divorce settlement negotiations.

How long does it take to transfer a property after divorce?

Under the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 1041 (a), no gain or loss is recognized on the transfer (acquisition or distribution) incident to divorce provided such transfer occurs within one year after the divorce or related to the ending of the marriage.

Is divorce legal fees tax deductible?

Tax Deductibility of Professional Fees. Legal and other professional fees related to getting a divorce are generally not tax deductible. These non-deductible costs include expenses related in arriving at financial settlements and retaining income-producing property.

Do spouses file separate taxes?

When spouses file separate returns they both must utilize the standard or itemized deductions. The first one to file establishes the requirements for the other to follow. When married individuals file their tax returns separately we often find other critical issues being considered.