One of the major issues a separating couple faces is how to divide their assets and debts. People sometimes feel that their assets are so intertwined that it would be impossible to separate them, or that dividing their assets would leave them financially vulnerable. Our clients usually find that getting legal advice about how property division works and hearing our ideas about how a division can be achieved in their particular situation alleviates some of the anxiety and stress associated with this issue.

Most couples are able to reach an agreement on how to divide their assets and their debts. Frequently, the terms of the agreement are included in a Separation Agreement and Property Settlement, a private contract between a couple that is enforceable by law. In other cases, the terms of the agreement is set out in a Consent Judgment on Equitable Distribution, a court order that is signed by a judge with the agreement of both spouses without the need for an evidentiary hearing. If a couple cannot reach agreement by negotiation, by