One of the major components of divorce is the division and distribution of the couple’s assets. In Massachusetts, all assets “whenever and however acquired” are initially considered part of the marital estate, meaning they can be divided (though not necessarily equally) between the parties. Both real and personal property are subject to division and can include not only of those assets acquired during the marriage, but also assets brought into the marriage and assets acquired through gift or inheritance.

Assets subject to division may include the following:

·         Real property

·         Personal property, including  

          antiques, art, and jewelry

·         Collectible items

·         Bank accounts

·         Investment accounts

·         Securities

·         Assets in trusts

·         Business interests

·         Retirement plan benefits

·         Intellectual property interests (patents, trademarks)

·         Personal Injury awards

·         Cars, boats and other vehicles

At Kerstein, Coren & Lichtenstein, we zealously advocate for your interests regarding marital assets. We argue for a division of assets that recognizes your contribution to the marital partnership in all forms, including earnings, assets acquired prior to the marriage or gifted during the marriage, inheritances, homemaking contribution, and child rearing responsibilities.