Legal Question in Family Law in Washington
Angry Spouse
I am contemplating divorce. My husband and I do not have a lot of cash- but a lot of equity in our house, his 401K is funded well, some stock, and an expensive timeshare. We both earn about the same. I know that he will be so angry when I tell him I want a divorce that he will fight me at every turn. Can the court force him to sell assets to pay me what I should be entitled to? Also, what information should I be gathering about our finances now before I start the divorce (i.e. account numbers etc). he does all the family book keeping. We've been married 4 years, but lived together the last 11. Co-mingled assets since marriage.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Angry Spouse
You should get copies of accounting records, documents relating to 401k, IRA, brokerage accounts, mutual funds, bank accounts, sales/purchase documents relating to real estate, and major personal propoerty items and store them in a secure location. The court will make an equitable distribution of property, the court can, but typically will not specifically order sale of property, but may grant a party property (and subject it to an interest held by the other party). Failure to make the ordered payments or dispostions may be cause to go back to court to force the performance of the terms of the decree.