
Do I need a lawyer when buying a house?
Here are a few reasons home buyers and sellers may want to hire an attorney. You’re an out-of-town buyer. You’re buying a property that is a short sale or bank-owned. You’re buying a property that is part of an estate sale. You’re buying a commercial property.
Do I need a property damage attorney for my claim?
Property damage attorneystend to have the most impact on settlements when the case is related to damaged homes or businesses. Home and business owners frequently seek the services of an attorney for claims involving: Hurricane damage Wind damage Fire and smoke damage Water leaks and burst pipes Foundation issues Home sinking (subsidence)
What should I consider before signing a binding property settlement agreement?
Before signing any binding property settlement agreement, you should consult with an experienced family law attorney who is looking out for your best interest to draft the property settlement agreement, review all provisions, and explain the effects of each provision in the agreement.
Do I need a real estate attorney at my closing?
In case any last-minute issues crop up, the attorney will attend your closing along with your real estate agent and possibly a representative from your lender. That all sounds great, but do you actually need one? Many states have laws mandating the involvement of a real estate attorney, often requiring their presence at closing.

How is property divided in NY?
New York is an equitable distribution state, which means the court will divide marital property between spouses in a way that is equitable or fair. The court decides what's fair based on a set of factors that show what each of you contributed to the marriage and what each spouse will need to move forward after divorce.
How is property divided in divorce in NY?
New York courts must divide the marital property “equitably.” That means fairly, considering the circumstances of the case and of the parties involved, but it does not necessarily mean “equally.” There is no statutory requirement of a 50/50 split of marital property.
Is New York a common law property state?
New York is a non-community property state. Like another dozen states in the USA, NY follows the theory of equitable distribution. And while each spouse owns the income they earn during the marriage as well as the right to manage the property in their name, during the divorce one doesn't simply get 50 % of the assets.
What happens to property owned before marriage NY?
Since New York is an equitable distribution state, any property acquired during the marriage, known as “marital property,” must be divided fairly in a divorce. However, spouses' separate property, or property acquired before marriage, remains separate.
Is NY A 50/50 divorce state?
New York is not community property or a “50/50” state. New York is an equitable distribution state for property and debt. Under NY divorce law for property distribution, the court will decide how to divide property and marital debt using the state's equitable distribution laws.
How much is alimony in NY?
For marriages from 0 to 15 years, it is 15-30% of the duration of the marriage. If you've got a 10-year marriage, it would be 1.5 to 3 years of maintenance. If you have a 15-20-year marriage, it is 30-40% of the duration of the marriage. And more than 20 years, it is 35-50% of the duration of the marriage.
Is my wife entitled to half my house if it's in my name?
It depends on who is named on the mortgage. This is called joint and several liability. You are both responsible and liable for paying the mortgage. That doesn't mean you are both liable for half each though – if one person doesn't pay their share, the other can still be held responsible for the whole mortgage.
Does a spouse automatically inherit everything in NYS?
For a New York resident without a will, a surviving spouse inherits the entire probate estate if there are no children or other descendants. If there are descendants, the surviving spouse gets the first $50,000 and the balance is divided one-half to the spouse and one-half to the decedent's descendants.
What are my rights if my name is not on a deed in NY?
In single name cases (as opposed to situations where both owners' names are on the deeds) the starting point is that the 'non-owner' (the party whose name is not on the deeds) has no rights over the property.
Who gets the house in a divorce in NY?
New York is an equitable distribution state. This means, during a divorce in NY, property division is handled in a way deemed “most fair” to both sides. This is not the same as a community property state, which divides marital property split 50/50 between spouses.
How do I protect my assets before marriage?
The most effective way to protect your assets without a prenup is documenting everything clearly. Organizing and keeping important records from the very beginning of your marriage can be helpful later when you observe things like retirement funds or other bank accounts collected prior to your commitment.
How long after divorce can I claim property?
Generally, a former spouse is entitled to claim against your money or assets at any point up until they re-marry unless a financial consent order has been approved by the court.
Who gets the house in a divorce in New York State?
New York is an equitable distribution state. This means, during a divorce in NY, property division is handled in a way deemed “most fair” to both sides. This is not the same as a community property state, which divides marital property split 50/50 between spouses.
What is considered marital property in New York State?
In New York, marital property is considered any property or assets that are acquired by either or both spouses during the marriage with a few exceptions. Gifts, inheritances, compensation for personal injuries, and property either spouse owned prior to the marriage will not be considered marital property.
What is considered marital property in NY?
In New York, marital property is defined as: "all property acquired by either or both spouses during the marriage and before the execution of a separation agreement or the commencement of a matrimonial action, regardless of the form in which title is held...
How do you split house contents in divorce?
Once you or your spouse reaches half of the value of the list, the remaining items go to the other spouse. You and your spouse can also divide the property into what you agree are two “piles” of equal value. Then, flip a coin. Whoever wins, picks the pile they want.
Deciding Who Gets What During A Divorce
Property division is a part of divorce – a time when your marital property may come under scrutiny.
The Division Of Assets And Debts In Divorce
Louisiana is a community property state. That is, unless there is a prenuptial agreement or an agreement to have separate property in the marriage, any property and debts collected during marriage are considered marital property. This division often results in a 50-50 split between husband and wife.
Legal Considerations When Dividing Property
Property division in a divorce can be extremely complex. When spouses were married for a long time, property division can be challenging. Similarly, when assets have comingled, when spouses owned a business together, and other complicating factors can add to the challenges of property division.
Contact Our Asset And Debt Division Attorneys In Baton Rouge
At the Rowe & Manning Law Firm LLC, our community property lawyers will do all they can to not only achieve the results you deserve but to also minimize the fees involved. Contact our family law firm today to schedule your initial consultation.
What does a real estate attorney do, anyway?
The job of a real estate attorney is to negotiate and make a transaction come together in a peaceful manner that’s fair and amenable to all parties.
Why do you need an attorney when selling a house?
You’re the heir or executor of a property whose owner is now deceased. You’re selling a house with an uncooperative partner. You have judgments or liens on the property.
What is the education required for real estate agents?
As part of agents’ licensing education, they’re taught and tested on real estate contracts used within their state, many of which also require continuing education courses and/or certifications on subjects such as ethics, buyer’s agency, distressed property sales, and more.
How much does a scuba diver cost?
If you hire one, it will depend on where you live, but you can expect to pay $800 to $1,000.
Which states require a real estate attorney to be present at closing?
These include Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia. Keep in mind that these rules can vary by region within states, too.
Who attends closing with real estate agent?
In case any last-minute issues crop up, the attorney will attend your closing along with your real estate agent and possibly a representative from your lender.
Who is Julie Ryan Evans?
Julie Ryan Evans is an editor and writer who has covered everything from politics to pop culture and beyond. She loves running, reading, cold wine, and hot weather. Get Pre-Approved Connect with a lender who can help you with pre-approval.
Why Is Bad Faith Insurance Such an Issue?
Insurance companies are businesses, not charities. They fundamentally make decisions intended to maximize their profit, which usually means keeping revenue (the premiums you pay) high while minimizing their costs (the claims they pay you for damages).
What does a property damage attorney do?
A property damage attorney can provide guidance regarding what your policy covers and can give you an honest assessment of the insurance company’s settlement offer. If you don’t believe your insurance company is properly valuing your claim or treating you fairly, a property damage attorney can offer solutions to help you get ...
What is bad faith insurance?
Bad faith insurance cases allow the policyholder to recover the money they deserve or, in the most severe cases, even more money than their claim would have paid had the insurance company operated in good faith.
What happens if a car runs into your house?
However, if a vehicle were to run into your house or business and cause a significant amount of damage and your insurance company isn’t treating your claim fairly, a property damage attorney may be more inclined to intervene.
What type of attorney is most likely to have the most impact on settlements?
Property damage attorneys tend to have the most impact on settlements when the case is related to damaged homes or businesses. Home and business owners frequently seek the services of an attorney for claims involving:
Can property damage attorneys get involved in an auto accident?
Most property damage attorneys won’t get involved with an auto accident claim, for example, unless there were injuries involved, because the value of vehicles would rarely net a large enough settlement to make their time worthwhile. However, if a vehicle were to run into your house or business and cause a significant amount ...
Do insurance companies have to deal with their policyholders?
In the U.S., insurance companies are legally obligated to operate in good faith and deal fairly with their policyholders. The major insurance carriers go to great lengths to give themselves cover by crafting complex policies that contain dozens or even hundreds of exclusions and limitations – meaning your policy doesn’t cover you for a long list of potential damages.
