Fort Worth Property Division Attorneys

How is Property Divided in a Divorce?

When determining the division of community property, the court takes various factors into account, such as:

• Length of the Marriage: The duration of the marriage is a significant factor. In general, the longer a couple has been married, the more likely the court is to aim for a roughly equal division of community property. A lengthy marriage typically implies that both spouses have contributed to the marital estate over an extended period, and it may be viewed as a partnership in which both parties have shared in the accumulation of assets and debts.
• Earning Capacity: Each spouse's earning capacity is an essential consideration. This involves evaluating their ability to earn income and support themselves after the divorce. The court may consider factors such as education, skills, work experience, and current employment opportunities. If one spouse has significantly higher earning potential, the court might adjust the division to provide the lower-earning spouse with a more substantial share of the community property.
• Financial Contributions: The financial contributions of each spouse during the marriage play a critical role in the property division process. This includes factors like who was the primary breadwinner, who managed the household finances, and who made significant financial contributions to the acquisition of community assets. Courts aim to recognize and reward the financial contributions made by both spouses.
• Health and Age: The health and age of each spouse are also relevant factors. If one spouse has health issues that prevent them from working or earning income, the court may take this into account when dividing assets. Similarly, if there is a significant age difference between the spouses, it can impact the division, as the court may consider the ability of the older spouse to rebuild their financial resources post-divorce.
• Custody of Children: If there are minor children involved, the court may factor in the custodial arrangements. This includes considering who will have primary custody and the associated financial responsibilities. The custodial parent may be awarded a larger share of community property to help provide for the children's needs.
• Wasteful Dissipation: In cases where one spouse has engaged in wasteful dissipation of community assets (e.g., excessive spending or the misuse of marital funds for non-marital purposes), the court may adjust the division of property to compensate for the loss of those assets.
• Pre-marital and Separate Property: The court will also distinguish between community property and separate property. Separate property is not subject to division. If one spouse brought significant separate property into the marriage, the court will make sure it remains with that spouse.