Property Division Lawyer Tampa
Equitable Distribution Attorney Serving Tampa and Hillsborough County
Property division in a Tampa divorce is one of the most contested and financially significant parts of ending a marriage. Florida uses equitable distribution — meaning marital assets and debts are divided fairly, but not always equally. At Mindy Lasley, P.A., property division attorney Mindy Lasley helps clients throughout Tampa and Hillsborough County protect what they have built and ensure the division reflects the full financial reality of the marriage.
Mindy has handled cases where one spouse had hidden assets in accounts that appeared to be non-marital — and she knows exactly how to identify them and bring them into the distribution. Getting property division right the first time protects you from disputes and litigation years down the road.
What Is Equitable Distribution in Florida
Florida law presumes that all marital assets and debts should be divided equally — but that presumption can be overcome with the right evidence. The court starts by separating marital property from non-marital property before any distribution takes place.
Marital assets generally include anything acquired during the marriage, regardless of whose name it is in. This includes:
- Real estate purchased during the marriage
- Bank accounts — even accounts held in one spouse’s name alone
- Retirement accounts and pension benefits accrued during the marriage
- Vehicles, business interests, and investments
- Marital debts — mortgages, credit cards, loans
Non-marital assets are generally kept by the spouse who owns them. These typically include property owned before the marriage, inheritances received by one spouse, and gifts made to one spouse individually — provided they were kept separate and not commingled with marital funds.
When Equal Distribution Is Not Appropriate
Florida courts can deviate from a 50/50 split when the evidence supports an unequal distribution. Common reasons include:
- One spouse dissipated or wasted marital assets — including spending marital funds on an affair
- Intentional destruction or concealment of marital property
- One spouse made significantly greater contributions to the marriage
- The economic circumstances of each spouse at the time of distribution
- Interruption of one spouse’s career or educational opportunities during the marriage
Property Division and Alimony — How They Connect
Florida courts resolve property division before addressing alimony. The financial outcome of the distribution directly affects whether alimony is warranted and in what amount. Mindy works through both issues together to ensure the overall financial resolution makes sense for her client.
See: Alimony Lawyer Tampa
Related Practice Areas
- Tampa Divorce Attorney
- Alimony Lawyer Tampa
- Contested Divorce Lawyer Tampa
- Uncontested Divorce Lawyer Tampa
- Prenuptial Agreement Lawyer Tampa
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does Florida split everything 50/50 in a divorce? | The court starts with a presumption of equal distribution, but can deviate based on circumstances. It is equitable — fair — not necessarily equal. |
| Is an account in my name alone considered marital property? | Potentially yes. If funds were deposited during the marriage, the account may be subject to equitable distribution regardless of whose name is on it. |
| What happens to the house in a Florida divorce? | The court will determine whether the home is marital property, then decide on sale, buyout, or deferred sale depending on the circumstances — including whether children are involved. |
| Can my spouse get my retirement account? | Retirement benefits accrued during the marriage are marital property. The portion earned before the marriage may be non-marital. |
| What if my spouse hid assets? | Discovery tools, subpoenas, and forensic accounting can uncover hidden assets. Courts take concealment seriously and may award a greater share to the other spouse. |
| Is my inheritance considered marital property? | Generally no — as long as it was kept separate and not commingled with marital funds. Commingling can convert non-marital property into marital property. |
Protect What You Are Owed
A property division lawyer in Tampa who understands how to document, value, and argue for the right outcome makes a real difference in the final numbers. Mindy Lasley, P.A. is ready to help. Call (813) 873-9047 or visit our contact page to schedule a consultation.
About Mindy Lasley, P.A.
Mindy Lasley, P.A. is a Tampa family law firm dedicated exclusively to Florida family law. Attorney Mindy Lasley has handled complex property division, high-asset divorce, and equitable distribution cases throughout Tampa and Hillsborough County. Located at 1005 N Marion St, Tampa, FL 33602.