Marital versus nonmarital property
Assets and liabilities acquired during the marriage are generally marital. Property owned before the marriage, certain gifts and inheritances, and assets excluded by a valid agreement may be nonmarital.
Classification can become complicated when nonmarital assets are mixed with marital funds or increase in value because of marital effort or contributions.
Identifying and valuing assets
Every material asset and debt should be listed and supported by records. Values may require statements, appraisals, or expert analysis, especially for real estate, closely held businesses, and investment accounts.
The valuation date can matter. Fluctuating markets and ongoing business activity may affect what each party receives.
- Marital home and other real estate
- Retirement plans, 401(k)s, and pensions
- Bank, brokerage, and crypto accounts
- Business interests and professional practices
- Vehicles, valuables, and credit card debt
Unequal distribution
Florida law allows an unequal division when justified by statutory factors, such as each spouse’s contributions, economic circumstances, or intentional dissipation of marital assets.
Allegations of dissipation require evidence, so tracing records early can be important.
Practical settlement considerations
Two settlements with the same total value may have very different real-world effects. Taxes, liquidity, retirement penalties, and the cost of keeping a home all matter.
Retirement accounts may require a qualified domestic relations order to divide properly. Final terms should be clear enough to implement without further dispute.