Lawyers for Handling Gifts & Inheritances in Northern Virginia

Northern Virginia Property Division Divorce Lawyers

When a couple gets divorced, property division matters can often be some of the most difficult to resolve. Getting through the process of identifying which property is separate and which property is marital can be a challenge in itself. This process can be further complicated when one of the spouses receives a gift or inheritance during the course of the marriage.

The northern Virginia divorce and inheritance lawyers at the HALE BALL MURPHY, PLC have assisted clients with a broad range of complex property disputes involving inherited or gifted property. We represent spouses on both sides of these disputes, and we know the best approach to helping you reach a favorable outcome.

These cases can become extremely complex and it is important to have a law firm behind you with the skill and the resources to protect your interests. When necessary, we work with forensic accountants and other financial specialists who can help us gather the critical information we need to build a sound case on your behalf.

Helping Clients Resolve All Types of Complex Property Division Matters

Many people wrongly assume that, if their spouse receives an inheritance during the marriage, it automatically becomes part of the marital estate and will be divided as community property if the marriage ends in divorce. The truth is that, with very few exceptions, most inheritances or gifts remain separate property regardless of when they were bequeathed.

Complications can arise when a gift or inheritance is commingled when the recipient spends the money on a community asset or is transmuted when the recipient adds his or her spouse’s name to an account or deed for inherited property. Whether you were the recipient of the property or the recipient’s spouse, we will work to present the most compelling possible argument to support your position. When it comes to business interests, gifts must be considered especially carefully.