Dissolving a marriage can be a complex process and sometimes it might not be easy to know every factor to address while preparing a strategy to protect one’s interests. One factor that could be easy to overlook may pertain to knowing the scenarios in which an inheritance might play a role in the outcome of a divorce. Addressing this topic might be essential to helping individuals in Pennsylvania who face a similar life change better understand what is at stake.
Inheritance Topics
Experts indicate that inheritances may typically be considered separate assets, whether received prior to or during a marriage. An inheritance that retains its separate identity might not be subject to the process of property division and may remain under the sole possession of the inheritor. However, there might be some scenarios in which an inheritance, or at least a portion thereof, might become marital property.
If an inheritance is mingled with marital assets in any way, it could lose its separate identity. Placing an inheritance in a shared bank account or using inheritance funds to make repairs or improvements to the family home are two examples of scenarios that might prompt a similar result. If even a portion of an inheritance is deemed marital property, it could play a significant role during legal proceedings.
Seeking Guidance
When facing a divorce, many individuals may have questions about the role their inheritances might play in this process. Fortunately, there are attorneys in Pennsylvania who can evaluate a person’s situation and provide much-needed insight on what to expect and how best to prepare for what comes next. An attorney can help create a strategy for legal proceedings that focuses on a client’s wishes and needs and guide him or her through every step of the process.
