It is rarely easy for a divorcing couple to decide how to split their assets, even if they don’t have much marital property that needs to be divided between them. When a couple possesses complex marital assets and is navigating a high-income reality, this process can potentially take years to sort out.
One of the best ways to ensure that a complex divorce process progresses as smoothly and efficiently as possible is for each spouse to have a clear-eyed sense of what “equitable” means to them. This clarity can help to ensure that you “fight” for what you truly deserve, whether your divorce is likely to resolve amicably or to turn contentious.
Equal vs. Equitable: Not the same
Connecticut law protects each divorcing spouse’s right to receive an equitable portion of their marital estate. This approach differs from the 50-50 “equal” division approach embraced by many other states. In 50-50 states, the value of all marital property must be divided evenly between spouses. In Connecticut, an unequal division of assets is permissible as long as that division is fair.
It’s time to ask yourself what a fair division of assets – that protects the rights of both you and your spouse – looks like to you. You’ll either need to justify your vision to your spouse when negotiating or to a judge if you and your spouse can’t reach an agreement.
No two couples in Connecticut need to divide their assets in exactly the same way. Carefully considering what “equitable” looks like under your unique circumstances is going to be a critically important effort. You’ll want to understand what you need, what you want, and what you’re willing to part with before committing to an asset division strategy. That way, your approach to your legal situation can be laser-focused and will be more likely to result in the outcome that you desire.