Family Lawyer

You can technically sell your business before filing for divorce, but the proceeds remain marital property subject to division, and selling to avoid property division constitutes fraudulent transfer. Once divorce proceedings begin, automatic temporary restraining orders (ATROs) prohibit selling without court approval or spouse consent. Courts scrutinize pre-divorce sales timing and can reverse transactions, impose…

No, you don’t automatically own your spouse’s business simply because you’re married. Legal ownership belongs to the person whose name is on the business documents. However, you may have a claim to the business’s value during divorce if it’s classified as marital property—which depends on when it was created, whether marital funds were invested, and…

Trust protection from divorce depends on trust type, creation timing, and control level. Irrevocable trusts created before marriage with independent trustees generally receive protection, while revocable trusts are typically treated as marital assets. Courts examine whether the beneficiary controls distributions, whether marital funds were used, and whether the trust was created to defraud a spouse….

An LLC can be treated as marital property subject to division if formed during marriage or funded with marital assets. Courts classify LLC interests as marital or separate property based on formation timing, funding sources, and spouse contributions. Even pre-marriage LLCs can become marital property if marital funds were invested or the non-owner spouse contributed…

In most US states, cats are legally treated as personal property during divorce, similar to furniture or vehicles. However, ten states—Alaska, California, Illinois, New York, New Hampshire, Maine, Washington DC, Delaware, Rhode Island, and Washington—now authorize courts to consider the cat’s wellbeing when determining custody. Courts evaluate who was the primary caregiver, who paid for…

You have the right to legal representation, an equitable share of marital property, potential spousal support, child custody arrangements that serve your children’s best interests, and a transparent divorce process under state family law. You cannot be forced into an unfair settlement. Your spouse initiating divorce doesn’t diminish your legal rights or entitlements under federal…