Property Division
Few things can stir up more emotion than the division of property in a divorce. And for many, the assets they’ve accumulated run far beyond financial. They’re personal. The choices you make during property division will have an impact on your financial well-being years after the divorce is finalized. That is why it’s so crucial to partner with someone who knows the process inside out.
At The Law Office of Brett V. Beaubien, the focus is always on helping people in Warwick navigate divorce with fairness and a strong legal footing. Attorney Beaubien knows that it can be a challenge to split up shared property, especially when the wounds are raw. He isn’t just there to do your legal paperwork — he is there to help you make decisions about how best to navigate one of the most difficult transitions that you will ever have in your life.
What Equitable Distribution Really Means in Rhode Island
There is no hard-and-fast 50/50 rule for dividing assets in Rhode Island. Instead, it follows a system called equitable distribution. What a judge will try to do is be fair, not equal. That works close to a 50/50 division for some, but in many instances, the reality is more complex than that.
The court will consider a number of factors before it divides the marital property: how long the marriage lasted, each spouse’s income and potential earning prospects going forward, contributions to the household, and even who took on caregiving responsibilities. It’s a full assessment, and cases often tend to be unique.
As a property division lawyer in Warwick, Attorney Beaubien walks his clients through what equitable distribution might look like in their specific case. Sometimes, that involves early negotiations and settlement discussions. Other times, the matter goes to court. Either way, his goal remains the same: to secure a fair result based on the realities of each person’s situation.
Understanding Which Property Gets Divided
One of the first hurdles in any divorce is figuring out what actually needs to be divided. In Rhode Island, only marital property—property acquired during the marriage—is subject to distribution. Anything owned before the marriage, inherited individually, or received as a gift can be considered separate property and excluded from division.
However, the line isn’t always clear. For example, if a spouse owned a home before the marriage but the couple used joint funds to remodel it, that home may now be treated as a shared asset. These gray areas are common, and Attorney Beaubien has extensive experience helping people sort through them.
He regularly handles complex property cases that involve shared businesses, retirement accounts, high-value investments, and contested ownership claims. Working with a Warwick property division attorney who understands how courts interpret ownership is critical, especially when emotions cloud what feels fair.
Breaking Down the Property Division Process
Once marital property is identified, the next step is figuring out how much each asset is worth. That could mean hiring appraisers, accountants, or valuation experts. Attorney Beaubien has developed strong working relationships with trusted professionals who help make this part of the process clear and credible.
After valuation, the next step is negotiation. In many cases, former spouses can reach an agreement outside of court. Our family law firm in Warwick encourages constructive discussions when possible, but if needed, our attorney is also ready to protect your interests through litigation if the situation demands it. Not every split ends in conflict, but when it does, having someone who understands the full legal picture is invaluable.
Some couples divide everything evenly. Others find ways to balance the emotional value of a home with the financial value of a retirement plan. Attorney Beaubien helps clients think practically, not just reactively. That approach often leads to more stable outcomes and fewer regrets. As an asset distribution lawyer in Warwick, Attorney Beaubien brings calm to what can be a volatile moment.
Direct Access and Personalized Support
Divorce can leave people feeling uncertain and overwhelmed. That’s why communication is a top priority. From the first consultation through the final court order, our attorney keeps clients informed and supported. If you’re looking for someone who takes time to explain each step clearly, that’s what you’ll find here.
Attorney Beaubien handles every case personally. There’s no handoff to junior staff. That means the person you speak with during your initial call is the same person reviewing your financial documents and representing you in court. For many, that level of consistency is a major relief.
Clear communication doesn’t just reduce stress—it leads to better decisions. Property division isn’t just about who gets what. It’s about creating a stable foundation for life after the divorce. Brett helps people avoid short-term fixes that create long-term problems.
Why Attorney Beaubien Takes a Different Approach
Some attorneys focus only on the legal formula. Attorney Beaubien understands that property division involves more than assets and paperwork. People are deciding who stays in the house, who keeps the family car, or how to split a business they built together.
That’s why he listens before offering advice. Every case involves real lives, not just legal checklists. As a divorce lawyer in Warwick, attorney Beaubien gives each person the time and attention their case deserves. He doesn’t rush clients into decisions or rely on boilerplate strategies. He builds the case around their needs and goals.
Whether a case involves one house or a dozen assets spread across multiple states, attorney Beaubien brings the same level of care. Some people walk in with a list of priorities. Others are still trying to make sense of what went wrong.
If a case involves conflict, hidden assets, or unclear financial records, he knows how to uncover the facts and fight for fair results. He’s been through it before, so you don’t have to worry about being blindsided in court or left out of critical decisions.
Working with a family law lawyer in Warwick who understands the full scope of property division makes a difference. Attorney Beaubien provides steady guidance, honest insight, and strong representation, all grounded in a deep commitment to fairness.
Ending a marriage is never easy, but dividing what you’ve built doesn’t have to be chaotic. If you’re facing difficult decisions about how to split your assets, contact us. Our attorney can help you make sense of the process and protect what matters most.
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Contact The Law Office of Brett V. Beaubien today to get started with our Providence appeals attorney.