When it comes to protecting your financial future after your divorce, it starts with property division. Shows & Smith Law Firm PLLC helps clients throughout Mississippi reach property settlements in divorce.
Our property division lawyers represent clients from diverse economic backgrounds and we are prepared to handle all types of challenges that may arise, including taking your case all the way through litigation if necessary to protect your rights and ensure fairness.
More Than 60 Combined Years of Divorce Representation
Mississippi is an "equitable distribution" state. The courts look at the marital and non-marital estates of each spouse, and adjust the division of property for each spouse with the idea that the parties should leave the marriage in an equitable position based on a number of factors, including:
- Non-marital estate: those assets which were acquired prior to the marriage or had nothing to do with the other spouse during the course of the marriage. Examples include inheritances, pre-marital earnings, and accounts built prior to marriage.
- Marital property: Assets which were accumulated during the course of the marriage through the joint efforts of both spouses.
In each case, the court will determine which property falls under which category. Setting the non-marital property aside, the court looks at dividing the marital assets equally, while keeping in mind the value of each party's separate non-marital estate.
This entire process can be avoided by the parties entering into a property settlement agreement during the divorce process, determining on their own how they want their property divided.
Prenuptial Agreement Lawyers
There may not be any need for a property settlement arrangement if the couple has a prenuptial or post-nuptial agreement in place. The court is bound by law to enforce a valid agreement between the parties. We represent many parties who want to develop a prenuptial agreement or post-nuptial agreement. In addition to coming up with a property division plan in the event of a divorce, prenuptial agreements are also an estate planning tool.
Contact a Mississippi Property Division Lawyer: Free Consultation
Getting a divorce can be complicated with many factors to consider, but we can help you come up with a plan that works. Shows & Smith Law Firm PLLC helps individuals throughout Mississippi find workable solutions to their family disputes. Contact our Jackson divorce attorneys online today or call 601-326-1199 to schedule a FREE 30 minute divorce consultation.
Most recent publication by attorney Connie M. Smith
