Divorce is stressful enough without the added uncertainty of not knowing what you’ll walk away with. Our family law attorneys at Laubshire Law represent clients throughout Columbia and the Midlands in all aspects of marital asset and debt division, ensuring the outcome reflects your actual contributions and needs.
How South Carolina Divides Marital Property
South Carolina is an equitable distribution state, meaning the family court divides marital property fairly, but not necessarily equally. Under South Carolina Code § 20-3-620, judges weigh a specific list of factors when apportioning assets and debts, including:
- Duration of the marriage
- Each spouse’s income and earning potential
- Contributions to marital property, including homemaking
- Health and age of each spouse
- Marital misconduct
- Tax consequences of the proposed division
- Any existing agreements between the parties
Asset Identification and Valuation
Before anything can be divided, every marital asset and debt must be identified and accurately valued. In high-conflict divorces, one spouse will sometimes attempt to conceal property or understate the value of business interests or retirement accounts. Our attorneys know how to find what’s there and present it clearly to the court. We assess:
- Real estate: Family homes, rental properties, and vacation properties all require accurate appraisals.
- Retirement and pension accounts: Often among the most valuable marital assets, and dividing them requires careful legal and financial analysis.
- Business interests: If either spouse owns a business, its value must be assessed through a detailed financial review.
- Personal property: Vehicles, art, jewelry, and other valuables are subject to division.
- Debts and liabilities: Mortgages, credit card balances, and loans accumulated during the marriage must also be addressed.
Trusting Our Property Division Attorneys
Property division at the Richland County Family Court can hinge on how well your attorney prepares and presents your financial picture. Our team has 12 years of combined legal knowledge, handling complex asset cases in the Columbia area. We negotiate hard for fair outcomes at the table and are fully prepared to argue your position before a judge a when settlement is not possible.
Contact Our Property Division Lawyers in Columbia
The decisions made in your divorce will shape your financial life for years. Contact us online or call 803-708-4755 to schedule a consultation with our property division attorneys in Columbia. We are ready to protect your interests and pursue a fair outcome.