On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in Unmarried Couples on Thursday, January 28, 2016.
If you have ever known a friend or family member that has gone through a divorce, you probably know just how difficult it can be to reach an agreement when it comes to asset division. Even with legal assistance and mediation, it can take couples weeks or months of deliberation and litigation before any kind of agreement is reached. What is perhaps most alarming about this is that the laws surrounding marital property and asset division are quite clear. For unmarried couples, such an issue can be even more demanding.
Because unmarried couples do not own any property together by default, only detailed records can truly reveal who owns what. If no such records exist, it is not uncommon for heated arguments to ensue between the two parties, both of whom claim that a specific property is theirs. Generally speaking, the person who pays for a property is considered the owner, unless some other written agreement exists, but without receipts to prove who purchased the item, it is often impossible to truly legally determine the owner.
The result of this confusion is often an extensive argument over assets, with very little legal recourse to settle the dispute. That is why it is recommended that unmarried couples that are splitting up enlist the aid of an attorney. Legal assistance can help couples understand their rights and mediate a dispute.
If you are going through a property dispute stemming from the breakup of a relationship, please visit our webpage as soon as possible. A difficult property dispute could lead to weeks or even months of stressful litigation, so it is in your best interests to start immediately. Our legal expertise can help Missouri residents settle property disputes in a fair and efficient manner.
