One of the most difficult and sometimes contentious issues to resolve during a divorce settlement is how to divide joint property. Over your marriage, you may not even realize how much property you have accumulated as a couple and a family. Furniture, cars, jewelry and property may come to mind immediately, but things like retirement income, pensions, investment income and even pets must also be divided when you divorce. For the most part, Minnesota law assumes that your marital (joint) property should be divided evenly, equitably and fairly between the two parties.
Using Mediation to Settle Your Divorce
In order to complete this process, you may assume that you have to go through the courts and give a judge the power to make decisions about how your property should be divided. However, in the state of Minnesota, you have another very effective option – mediation. Mediation allows you to help determine the most equitable way to divide your property as you separate and divorce in Minnesota. When you and your ex work with a mediator, you can express any preferences you have and work toward solutions for everyone involved.
AMS Mediation has experience helping couples in Minnesota fairly and equitably divide joint property and come up with a divorce settlement that works best for the long term. We offer mediation sessions virtually so you can choose a time and place that are convenient for you. As a first step, we suggest that both parties make an exhaustive list (spreadsheet highly recommended) of all of your marital assets and debts. Attaching a value to each will be a great start when you begin discussions about how to fairly split up your property. You can also highlight any items that you are especially attached to and want to keep and prioritize that list. This gives you the greatest chance of being able to compromise when it comes to splitting up your possessions.
Dividing Property in a Minnesota Divorce
The mediation process is based on the premise that you and your ex can make decisions that are best for you and your family. A mediator can help facilitate a process that yields a positive and productive discussion and maximize long term success. The Minnesota courts recommend that all couples try mediation before coming through the courts, so working with AMS Mediation is an opportunity to save time and money and arrive at decisions that work best for you.
For more information about using mediation to settle the terms of your divorce including dividing joint assets and debts, give us a call at 952-252-1492.
