Vero Beach Business And Divorce Lawyer

When owning and operating a family business and getting a divorce intersect, it can lead to a lot of confusion and challenges. If you and your spouse decide to end your marriage while co-owning a company, you will need a skilled attorney to help you sort through the process of property division.

I am attorney George L. Metcalf, and I have dedicated experience helping business owners navigate the complexities of the divorce process. At George Lambeth Metcalfe, P.A., in Vero Beach, Florida, I can walk you through your divorce, protect your company and secure a fair divorce settlement.

Understanding Property Division As A Business Owner

Protecting your company might be top-of-mind during your divorce. Your company is likely a large marital asset with high value, both financially and perhaps emotionally. In Florida, most of the time, an LLC is treated as marital property. That means each spouse has ownership of the company, regardless of who started the business or whose name is on the letterhead of the company.

According to Florida law, each spouse is entitled to half of nearly everything in a divorce, so in these situations, your business will also be divided. This can make things more difficult, as a family business can be a challenging asset to divide. I can use my insight to help advocate for your rights as a business owner.

First and foremost, you might be wondering what your options are for dividing business assets. There are several ways to settle this during the divorce process:

• Buyout: One spouse can buy out the other’s share of the business. This is where the valuation of your business is particularly important.
• Sell: You can sell the company to a third party and divide the profits equally. This gives both parties a clean break and a fair share.
• Continue co-ownership: If agreeable, you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse can continue to co-own. This requires a lot of open communication and a clear agreement on responsibilities and roles.

Each of these options has its own pros and cons, depending on your feelings and situation. Your divorce attorney can better walk you through your options and help you figure out which option will suit your interests. As your lawyer, I work with professionals who are equipped to assess business assets, property and other valuable elements. My skills and experience can help you strategically navigate this part of the property division process, protecting your business assets and your interests.

In my years of experience as a divorce lawyer, I’ve helped clients negotiate fair property division agreements, including many involving family businesses. I am well-equipped to help guard your company’s health during this transition. I can also assist in creating an arrangement that helps encourage business continuity after your divorce and minimizes the impact on your partnerships and shareholders.

Get The Right Help With Divorce Matters

To learn more about how I can help with a divorce involving a family business, set up an initial consultation. Together, we can evaluate your situation and figure out your options.

Call 772-292-0930 or use the online contact form to set up an appointment.