When someone gets served with divorce papers, taking the appropriate steps to protect their assets is necessary. Most people dealing with divorce will hire an attorney in Milwaukee, WI to aid in the process ahead. The following are some tips to consider when getting a divorce to help protect personal belongings.
Hire an Attorney Right Away
Having an attorney on your side to represent you when divorcing is the best choice. They will be able to look at the paperwork you received and reach out to the plaintiff’s attorney to find out what specifics are being requested from them regarding the distribution of personal assets. This will be a starting point in determining which items are at risk of being lost, helping the attorney to devise a defense in an attempt to save them from relinquishment.
Take Photos of Items If Possible
If there are joint assets and they are in the possession of the defendant, it is a good idea for them to take photographs of the items to prove their value. These can be given to an attorney as proof of their condition and to come up with a price to request to buy out the items from the other party if possible. Joint banking statements should be printed as soon as possible, and a hold should be placed on being able to withdraw from the accounts if an agreement on the distribution of money cannot be made between parties.
Make a List of Requests
A list of the items should be presented to the attorney for evaluation. If there are specific items that belong to only one person, proof of their purchase will need to be provided if the other party claims otherwise. If there are items one party wishes to retain, this will need to be done in writing and given to the other person’s attorney. Mediation may be necessary to distribute assets if agreements cannot be made.
When there is a need to hire an attorney in Milwaukee, WI, finding one with experience in divorce proceedings is best.
