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Protecting Separate Property in Arizona: Basic Principles
Cryptocurrency is an increasingly common investment in spouses’ portfolios. While cryptocurrency can present unique challenges due to the various exchanges, different forms of recordkeeping, and new vocabulary, the key...more
Under Virginia law, separation occurs when at least one spouse forms the intent to permanently separate. Consider these practical steps to protect your property interests. Originally published in the February 2025 issue of...more
On December 30, 2024, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit reversed and remanded a ruling from the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi that concerned the denial of Appellant’s motion to...more
Each year, “proposal season” begins around Thanksgiving and ends on Valentine’s Day. Then the planning begins — the date, the venue, the guests — and, for many couples, a premarital agreement....more
The end of the year is upon us, and often parents or other individuals make gifts to their children for the maximum amount allowable to avoid federal and state gift taxes. In the absence of marital bliss, how these gifts are...more
Merriam-Webster defines “defunct” as “no longer living, existing, or functioning.” In Washington, a “defunct marriage” is a term for spouses who have given up any hope of salvaging the relationship, and yet for whatever...more
Contrary to popular belief, the purpose of signing a prenuptial agreement is not just to dictate the division of property in the event of divorce. Signing a prenuptial agreement can also provide significant tax advantages to...more
What you don’t know about your mortgage could hurt you. In Washington State, we are not a “title state.” Accordingly, placing your spouse’s name on the title of a separate real estate does not automatically make it community...more
In 2019, the Amazon founder and former CEO, Jeff Bezos divorced his wife, MacKenzie Scott. Ms. Scott received almost $34 billion in her divorce settlement and became one of the wealthiest philanthropists in modern day. Ms....more
As a divorce lawyer in Washington State, it is common for new clients to come in to our first meeting with the understanding that Washington is a community property state and believing that this means all property and debts...more
Jack Bux and his high school sweetheart, Diane, have been married a few years, but the pandemic has taken its toll on their relationship, and they could soon be parting ways....more
Inheritance is an event that eventually happens in the life of many. When a family member becomes deceased, or even a close friend, an individual may inherit a piece of their deceased family member’s or friend’s estate....more
We frequently represent clients who have engaged in some type of transaction with his or her spouse during the marriage that inadvertently causes them to lose certain rights to property unknowingly. This often happens in the...more
In Arizona, a large percentage of divorces proceed without either party hiring a lawyer. As Arizona is a no-fault divorce state, couples do not need a specific reason to file for divorce – it is sufficient that the parties...more
The family farm is a special asset. The family may have worked hard through decades, maybe even generations, to accumulate and develop the farm’s land, equipment and livestock. The children may be grown and successors to...more
In Weeks v Weeks, Division One of the Arizona Court of Appeals addressed the marital community’s equitable lien against separate property of one spouse. The opinion is a memorandum decision and it is therefore not...more
The number of websites offering “do-it-yourself” divorces has exploded in recent years, with many sites advertising services for less than $200. While these sites may be useful for informational purposes, relying solely on...more
The valuation of a business or professional practice in a divorce proceeding requires the resolution of unique issues. Among the most significant of these issues are the valuation date and the standard of value to be...more
Protecting family assets in the event of a divorce is particularly significant for family business owners, who typically want to avoid sharing ownership with their ex-spouses or their children’s ex-spouses. A prenuptial...more
Loss carry-forward is a frequently forgotten asset in divorces. Whether the loss arises from the operation of a business (Net Operating Loss) or sale of stocks (capital loss), it is a valuable asset which may be used to...more