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Spokane Property Division Attorney

Washington's community property law was intended to simplify property division in a divorce. But it only shifted the focus of the battles. As a result, you still face the same bitter disputes over property. Hodgson Law Office provides aggressive representation in Spokane to ensure you receive the property you deserve.
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Our Experienced Spokane Property Division Lawyers Are Ready to Help You

The issues addressed by a divorce can trigger powerful emotions. But property division could determine your economic future because much of your wealth comes from your individual and marital property. And you may have emotional attachments to your personal property, like cars or pets, that will be included in the marital assets.

When you face a divorce in Spokane, Spokane County, Stevens County, Lincoln County, or Adams County, you risk losing some or all of these assets. You could also get stuck with some or all of your spouse's debts. 

We fight to ensure you keep all of your property and take on none of your ex-spouse's debts in accordance with Washington law.

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Community Property vs. Separate Property Division in Washington

Washington is a community property state. All property owned by you and your spouse gets classified as either separate or community property. Separate property includes all of the property acquired before marriage and any property acquired after the marriage by:

  • - Gift
  • - Bequest
  • - Inheritance

It also includes anything acquired using your property. Suppose that you bought a car with money you inherited. That car is considered separate. Separate property and money are usually yours, so you will argue that 100% of this property should go to you.

Community property is any property or debt acquired by the couple during the marriage. It also includes anything acquired by the parties in another state that would be classified as community property locally. These assets get divided equitably between spouses.

Factors that Affect Assets & Debts Division in a Divorce

Property division does not always go smoothly. This difficult process arises because:

  • - Spouses dispute which property was separate or community
  • - Judges divide property equitably, not equally

The first issue must be resolved by a judge.

When spouses dispute property, a judge decides how to classify each piece of property based on:

  • - When the property was acquired
  • - Whether individual or shared assets were used to acquire the property

Your property might not be completely safe even after a judge classifies it as separate. Under the second issue, judges have the authority to dispose of both types of property during a divorce. Factors a judge will consider when dividing property include:

  • - The nature and extent of the community and separate property
  • - How long you were married
  • - Each spouse's economic circumstances

A judge can award more than 50% of marital property as well as the value of separate property based on these considerations.

Washington Is a No-Fault Divorce State

No-fault divorce filings do not need to assert a reason for the divorce. A no-fault divorce allows you to dissolve your marriage for any reason or no reason. The no-fault nature of divorces also influences property division. When dividing property, judges cannot consider misconduct by the other spouse, such as:

  • - Infidelity
  • - Abandonment
  • - Insanity
  • - Impotence
  • - Imprisonment

You do not need to claim that any of these things happened. Similarly, situations requiring a criminal defense lawyer will not affect property division. Instead, judges will focus their decision primarily on economics.

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How Is Property Divided in a Divorce in Washington?

Property division begins by classifying property. Separate assets belong to you. But a court can still take them from one spouse and give them to the other in certain situations.

Community assets that could get divided in case of divorce include:

  • - Homes
  • - Vehicles
  • - Bank accounts
  • - Stocks, bonds, and other investments
  • - Family businesses
  • - Retirement accounts
  • - Pensions
  • - Vacation properties

A property's classification can be subject to change. If you used marital property to make mortgage payments on a home you bought before the marriage, you might have converted its classification.

After classifying each asset, the court needs to know its value. You will present financial data showing how much you paid and how much it is worth. Finally, the court will hear evidence about your relationship and the economic situation of each spouse.

You should present evidence about any inequities, such as working to pay for your spouse's college education while forgoing your own. Based on all this information, the court will make a fair and equitable division of your property interests.

Why Choose Hodgson Law Office as Your Property Division Attorney in Spokane?

When you look for an attorney to represent you during your divorce, you need someone familiar with property division laws. You need an attorney with experience in Eastern Washington courts.

Your asset division attorney will take the time to understand your marital assets and customize a plan to get the best possible distribution when the court divides property.

Schedule Free Case Evaluation with Dedicated Property Division Lawyer

A Spokane property division lawyer from our firm provides experience in Washington family law and property division disputes. Schedule a free consultation to learn how we protect your rights today.
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Contact Hodgson Law Office to Speak with One of Our Spokane Property Division Attorneys

Protecting your property might be more involved and complex than you expect. To discuss how to get a fair and equitable division of property, call (509) 327-1415 for a free consultation.
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Why Choose Hodgson Law for Uncontested Divorce in Washington?

Some reasons to hire our law firm include:
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Testimonials

Reviews from Our Clients

stars
I hired Mark Hodgson for a divorce in Spokane. He was open, friendly, and gave me great advice and counsel. Mark was honest with me about my case and worked hard to resolve all of my issues quickly. He responded to my phone calls and questions every time. He was WONDERFUL in my hearing and got me alimony, child support, and the parenting plan that my children needed. I had two other lawyers before Mark and he is far superior to my previous counsel. He fought hard for me and he knew the law. I would and will recommend him to everyone that i know.
Susan
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These situations are never easy. Deciding to get a lawyer then choosing one was a very hard decision. I spoke to a few people that have been thru divorce and Mark’s name came up more than once. I went and met with him, his business partners and Casey his assistant. They were all friendly, professional and most importantly for me nonjudgmental. He is very educated on divorce with children and keeps in mind what is best for the kids! He answered my questions and didn’t make me feel belittled as other lawyers did. Thank you Mark Hodgson and team you are all very appreciated!
Tricia
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Called Mark Wednesday the day before Thanksgiving. He got us in that Friday the day after Thanksgiving. We decided to hire him and he made the time to start the process of paperwork that Sunday. It was great he did this so my wife and I didn’t have to miss work and our case was a time sensitive issue. The few times I’ve had to emailed him he seem to get right back to us with answers.
John
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Meet Our Attorneys

Our team has over 20 years of legal experience handling every aspect of divorce, including property division. We understand how difficult divorces can be, and our top priority is providing high-quality advice and legal support to our client
Attorney

Mark D. Hodgson

I am committed to helping my clients through one of the most difficult times in their lives....
Mark D. Hodgson
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At Hodgson Law Office, We Help Clients Fight for the Property They Deserve

Our WA asset division lawyer protects your property rights. We guide you through the divorce process. Whether you go to trial or resolve your case through a settlement agreement, we will protect your right to a fair distribution. We bring experts to your case to accurately value your marital estate. Then, we present the necessary arguments to the court.
* Communication through our website does not establish an attorney-client relationship between you and Hodgson Law Offices
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FAQ

Who gets to stay in the house during a divorce in Washington state?

This decision depends on several factors, including:

  • Who stayed in the house during a legal separation
  • Whether staying is in the best interests of the children
  • Who can afford to pay for it

Courts rarely force spouses to sell their family home.

Is Washington a 50-50 state for divorce?

Washington is a 50-50 state. 50-50 is used interchangeably with community property because judges divide community assets equitably. This does not mean you and your spouse will get exactly 50% of your marital property. Instead, the judge will look at each spouse's economic situation, including spousal maintenance, when dividing property.

Am I responsible for my spouse's debt in Washington state?

Your spouse's debts will be considered community property if acquired after the marriage became official. As with the division of property, the court will also distribute the spouse's debts fairly, which may result in a 50/50 or different split depending on the circumstances.