Non-marital Assets

Minneapolis Divorce Lawyer: Property Division Issues

When couples divorce, they face the often complex task of dividing the property they once shared. This property division can be difficult and emotional. As attorneys at the law office of Kathleen M. Picotte Newman, located in downtown Minneapolis, we help our clients take a holistic approach to property division, supporting their needs with access to resources, principles of mediation, and knowledge of the law.

"Kathleen does not play below the radar with anything. There were several situations where she and I sat down and discussed pros and cons and possible outcomes. Then she left it in my hands to be decided. I tended to do what she suggested, but not because she told me what to do. She knows that ultimately it's my life." -Charlene J.

In Minnesota, courts divide marital property equitably based on a series of factors. This often means an equal division of assets except in unusual circumstances. Equitable division of assets can become complex, however, when couples argue over the value of property and whether or not that property is "marital" or "non-marital."

What are non-marital assets?

Non-marital property is property that was owned before the marriage, inherited during the marriage, or gifted to a spouse by a third party, like a parent or grandparent. This includes money or investments that were either kept in a separate account or can be traced to an asset in existence at the time of the divorce. Determining what property is non-marital can be difficult when that property has changed, grown, or been used to purchase other property. This can be especially true when the non-marital property was a business.

Contact the law office of Kathleen M. Picotte Newman at 612-424-9477 or toll-free at 888-862-4174.

We advocate forcefully for our clients to help protect their interests during a divorce. To talk with us about protecting your assets or dividing them fairly under Minnesota law, contact our experienced property division attorneys for a confidential consultation.