You're Going Through A Divorce: 4 Ways To Take The Headache Out Of Property Division

It's time to divide up the assets so you can proceed with the divorce. You're anticipating a stressful situation. However, it doesn't have to be that way. In fact, there are a few things you can do to make the process easier for both of you. Here are four simple tips that will take the headache out of property division.

Take Turns with the Assets and Debts

When it comes to the assets and debts, if you're like most people, you want the assets and you're trying to avoid the debts. Unfortunately, if the negotiations are going to go smoothly, you're both going to get a little of both. Write two lists – one with your assets and one with your debts. Take turns choosing one off each list. When you're done choosing, you'll both have an even amount of both.

Divide and Conquer

You have to divide your personal property but you want to make sure it's done fairly. The easiest way to do that is to have one person divide the property into two sections. The other person will get to choose which section they want. That ensures that the person dividing the property will do it fairly, especially if they want to make sure that they'll be happy with either section that's left over.

Use Lists

Another easy way to divide up the personal property is to sit down and create a wish list. Each of you will make a list of the things you would like to have. Once you've made your lists, sit down and compare them. If an item only appears on one list, it goes to the person who requested it. If items are on both lists, set those aside until the other items have been divided. Once you're left with the items you both want, you can choose one of several ways to divide those items, such as:

• Have a disinterested third party divide up those items between you.
• Write those items on pieces of paper and take turns drawing from a hat.
• Sell the items and divide the money evenly between you.

Make It Comparable

If you're dividing up an entire house, you may want to go by comparable items or sections. For instance, divide up the rooms in your home. One of you takes the living room furniture and the other one takes the master bedroom furniture. If there are two cars, you each get one. This will help ensure an even distribution of household property.

Dividing your property during a divorce doesn't have to be brutal. Use these simple suggestions to take the nightmare out of your property negotiations. It's also a good idea to contact an attorney, like Harold Jarnicki Attorney At Law, before beginning the divorce proceeding.