Equitable Distribution of Property:
Protecting Your Financial Interests
Amherst/Williamsville/Clarence • Buffalo, New York, and Erie County
After divorce, you both will live on less. A court won't approve a lopsided division of marital property, so it doesn't make sense to further drain your assets through bitter litigation.
I am Keith Schulefand, a divorce lawyer with 19 years of experience. I believe an out-of-court solution of your making is preferable to a division of assets dictated by a judge. I work to make sure my clients are treated fairly in property settlement negotiations, while resolving their divorce with the least time, expense and hostility. If litigation is required, I keep it focused and brief.
Call Me at 716-568-4453 to Arrange a Confidential Consultation
I sit down with clients to identify all assets, debts and postdivorce obligations. I advise on which assets are separate property, and are therefore not subject to marital property division. Before negotiations, I take the time to explore (a) what's most important to you, and (b) what you're willing to give up or accept as offsets.
We don't want any surprises later. As your attorney, I make sure the property division and separation agreement covers:
- The marital home and other real estate
- Personal property
- Closely held businesses
- Life insurance and health insurance
- Stocks, investments and accounts
- 401(k), pensions, IRAs, deferred compensation
- Allocation of credit card and other debt
- Medical bills not paid by insurance
- Dependency exemptions for children (only one parent can claim this exemption)
- College expenses (if agreed upon or ordered by a court)
Retirement funds are often the largest assets and the biggest sources of contention in marital property division. A qualified domestic relations order (QDRO) allows each spouse to take a designated share and hold it in their own name. I draft or review QDROs to ensure the transfer is not taxed and to verify the QDRO is divided consistent with the divorce agreement.
Bankruptcy is a common outgrowth of divorce. I can advise on whether it would be better to discharge marital debts before or after the dissolution (or to file at all).
I can provide the personal attention to see that your marital property division is settled in a fair and timely way. Contact my Williamsville office at 716-568-4453 to arrange a free initial consultation.
