Asset Division Attorneys Serving Tempe & Chandler, AZ

When a marriage ends, the division of assets can become a major point of contention, especially for high-net-worth individuals and business owners. Arizona is a community property state, meaning that most assets acquired during the marriage are considered jointly owned and subject to equitable division. This includes businesses, investments, and other complex holdings. Jointly owned real estate is also subject to division by the court in a divorce case.

If you’re facing a divorce and are concerned about protecting your hard-earned assets, you must work with an experienced Arizona asset division attorney who can guide you through the process and fight for your interests. Our law firm represents individuals across the state of Arizona. With offices in both Tempe and Chandler, we’re conveniently located when you need us most.

At the law firm of Blake & Pulsifer, we believe in making the client the central focus of the representation. We believe this philosophy of client centered lawyering fosters integrity, communication, and long term relationships. We are located at 2177 E Warner Rd., Suite 107 • Tempe, AZ (Open in Google Maps).

Google Review:
“Sarah Randolph is the attorney that helped us with our estate planning documents. She is very knowledgeable as well as personable, even charming at times. The firm is obviously one of the leading firms in the estate planning area. This is probably why their fees and rates are high.“
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Dividing Assets in Arizona During a Divorce

As a community property state, Arizona law requires that all marital assets be divided equitably between spouses in a divorce. This means that almost any property, income, and debts acquired during the marriage are considered jointly owned, regardless of who earned the income or whose name is on the title.

However, equitable division doesn’t necessarily mean a 50/50 split. The court will consider various factors to determine a fair distribution, including but not limited to:

• Each spouse’s earning capacity and financial resources
• The length of the marriage
• Each spouse’s age and health status
• The standard of living established during the marriage
• Each spouse’s contributions to the marriage, including as a homemaker
• Any wasteful dissipation of marital assets by either party

Certain assets may be considered separate property and not subject to division if owned before the marriage or received as a gift or inheritance during the marriage. However, if separate assets are commingled with marital funds or if the value appreciates during the marriage due to the efforts of either spouse, they may be subject to division.

Dividing complex assets like businesses, professional practices, investment portfolios, and real estate can be challenging. For this reason, you must work with an experienced Arizona divorce lawyer to help protect your assets and business interests.

Business Valuations and Division

If you own a business, obtaining an accurate valuation is a critical first step. This helps ensure you receive your fair share in the divorce settlement. Your attorney may work with forensic accountants and business valuation experts to analyze financials, assess goodwill, and determine an appropriate value.

In some cases, one spouse may attempt to hide income or downplay the value of a business to gain an advantage in the divorce. At Blake & Pulsifer, our skilled divorce attorneys know how to uncover these discrepancies and present the evidence in court to help ensure a fair outcome.

Complex Asset Division

High net worth divorces often involve a tangled web of assets – multiple real estate properties, investment accounts, stock options, pensions, art and collectibles, and more. Tracing the source of funds and ownership of these assets can be challenging.

Our Tempe and Chandler divorce lawyers will work to identify, value, and characterize all marital assets to pursue an equitable division. To do this, we may explore strategies like trading assets to achieve a fair split while allowing you to hold onto what matters most, like a beloved vacation home or family heirloom.

Uncovering Hidden Assets

Here’s an expanded section on hiding assets in a divorce:

Uncovering Hidden Assets in a Divorce: It’s an unfortunate reality that some spouses attempt to hide assets during a divorce to keep them out of the marital estate and avoid sharing them with their soon-to-be ex. This unethical and illegal practice can take many forms, such as:

• Transferring property, money, or investments to family members, friends, or business associates
• Squirreling away cash in a safe deposit box or hidden location
• Concealing bank accounts, credit card accounts, or lines of credit
• Underreporting income on tax returns and financial statements
• Overpaying the IRS or creditors to receive refunds after the divorce
• Delaying promotions, raises, or business deals until after the divorce
• Purchasing expensive items that can be easily undervalued or overlooked
• Creating false debt or colluding with others to establish phony loans

If you suspect your spouse is hiding assets, you must act quickly to protect your interests. A knowledgeable Tempe divorce attorney at Blake & Pulsifer can work with forensic accountants, private investigators, and other experts to uncover discrepancies and trace hidden funds.

Forensic accountants are specially trained to analyze complex financial records with a fine-tooth comb. They can scrutinize tax returns, bank statements, business ledgers, and other documents to look for red flags such as unusual transactions, unexplained losses, or sudden decreases in account values.

If significant assets appear missing or your spouse refuses to disclose certain records, your attorney can file subpoenas to gain access to private financial information from banks, employers, or other third parties. Depositions may also be used to question your spouse under oath about their financial dealings.

The key is to be vigilant and proactive. If something doesn’t add up, don’t ignore your instincts. The sooner you raise these concerns with your divorce attorney, the better your chance of securing your fair share in the divorce settlement.

Contact Our Marital Asset Division Attorneys

If you’re concerned about receiving your fair share in an Arizona divorce, contact our law office today to discuss your situation and how we can help safeguard the assets you’ve worked so hard to build.

At Blake & Pulsifer, we know the stakes are high when you divorce. If you have large marital assets or a business, your entire future may be uncertain. That’s why we’re committed to offering sound legal guidance and support at every phase of the divorce process.

We have offices in Tempe and Chandler but represent divorced individuals across the state of Arizona. Don’t navigate this path alone. Contact our team of Arizona divorce lawyers at Blake & Pulsifer today to schedule a consultation. Call us today at 1-480-838-3000 or fill out our confidential contact form.

Our Asset Division Lawyers: