Is My Spouse Entitled to Half My Business?

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When starting your own business, you may ask yourself, “Is my Spouse entitled to half my business?”

Starting a business can be a huge undertaking. And if you begin a new venture while married, there are certain rights that your spouse has to that business.

If the marriage does not work out, they have a claim to specific assets of the business.

In Nevada, there are laws that you must follow when it comes to community property and marital assets. This is important to consider when you own your business, especially if your spouse is with you when you begin the business.

You can also take steps to protect your business in the event of a Nevada divorce.

What is Community Property?

Nevada is a community property state. Each spouse gets entitled to 50% of assets and debts acquired during the marriage. During a divorce, the court will divide these assets between the couple.

You may wonder, “is my wife entitled to half my income?” In most cases, this is true. This pertains to income acquired during the life of the marriage. Depending on the court’s decision, you may get ordered to pay alimony and child support.

Exceptions include gifts, inheritances, or property covered by premarital agreements. A Las Vegas prenuptial agreement can ensure that your property will remain yours.

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Business Ownership During a Divorce

If my husband owns a business, do I own it too?

The answer depends on when the business started up. If your spouse began the company before marriage, they could claim it is a premarital asset.

Yet, if the business starts during the marriage, it becomes community property. This law applies even if your husband bought it without your input. Under Nevada law, you are still considered a partial owner.

Even if a business begins before marriage, it can still become community property. For example, if you contribute to the company’s growth, maintenance, or other aspects. In that case, you might be entitled to some or even half of the business.

What’s the best way to resolve the split of business assets?

Negotiating a property settlement and asset division is your best move.

With our help, you may be able to determine an acceptable division of business assets. If both parties cannot agree, a judge will decide the division of business assets. These decisions may be unsatisfactory.

So, is my spouse entitled to half my business?

There are three ways to divide business assets if you do not want a 50-50 split on community property.

The first result is one spouse buying out the other spouse. The buy-out could be in cash, either up-front or in payments.

It may also be on an asset basis. This option involves turning over property such as a home or other property to your spouse. In exchange, they give you their interest in the business.

The second option is to sell the business and share the proceeds. This option may include establishing a value for the property. Depending on how long this process takes, it may not be the most viable option.

This option will not be the fastest solution as it takes time to sell a business.

The final option can be for both spouses to continue as business partners. If the divorce is amicable, continuing to own and run a business together can be the best option.

This way avoids the need for a business valuation. Plus, you may include a 50-50 ownership in the divorce agreement. Yet, there is potential for issues if there are disagreements on business decisions.

Protecting Your Business

There are a few ways that you can protect your business and keep complete ownership.

If you own a business before marriage, you can sign a pre-or post-nuptial agreement. If there are provisions for business assets in them, your spouse may not get any of your business.

The court will review the agreements to ensure they are legal. If they do not, then community property regulations will get followed.

Seeking Professional Help

Is my spouse entitled to half my business? On most occasions, the answer is yes. But, as explained, there are options for you to protect your business, and we can help.

When it comes to the division of marital property, you need the help of a trusted divorce attorney.

We can help you navigate Nevada’s complicated community property laws. Call us at (702) 433-2889 today if you seek a prenuptial or post-nuptial agreement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is separate property in a divorce?

Separate property refers to assets or property owned individually by a spouse before the marriage or acquired during the marriage through specific means such as inheritance or gifts. In a divorce, separate property is typically not subject to division and remains with the original owner.

What is equitable distribution in a divorce?

Equitable distribution is a legal principle in many states, including Nevada, when dividing marital assets and debts during a divorce. It means that the court will aim to divide the property fairly and justly based on various factors, such as the length of the marriage, each spouse's financial situation, and their contributions to the marital estate.

How does being a business owner affect a divorce?

Being a business owner can complicate a divorce, as the business may be considered marital property subject to division. The value of the company and the spouse's involvement in its operations may be evaluated. Working with a divorce lawyer with experience dealing with business-related matters is crucial to ensure fair and accurate valuation and division of assets.

Why do I need a divorce lawyer?

A divorce lawyer specializes in family law and can provide invaluable guidance throughout the divorce process. They can help you understand your rights, negotiate on your behalf, handle paperwork, and represent your interests in court if necessary. Hiring a skilled divorce lawyer can increase your chances of achieving a favorable outcome and protect your rights during this challenging time.

What does "fair share" mean in a divorce?

"Fair share" refers to the equitable division of marital property and assets during a divorce. It means that each spouse should receive a fair and just portion of the marital estate based on various factors, including their contributions to the marriage, financial needs, and the length of the marriage. Determining a fair share often involves evaluating the value of assets, debts, and other relevant factors in collaboration with a divorce lawyer and the court, if necessary.

Offsite Resources You May Find Helpful

Here are seven offsite resources that provide information on whether a spouse is entitled to half of your business in a divorce:

American Bar Association: The ABA provides a variety of resources on legal topics, including information on business assets in divorce.
FindLaw: This online resource provides free legal information, a lawyer directory, and other resources on a wide range of legal topics, including division of assets and business in divorce.
Nolo: This site provides legal information for consumers and small businesses, including details on how businesses are divided in divorce.
Justia: A platform that provides free legal information and a directory of attorneys for various legal issues, including the division of business assets in a divorce.
Avvo: This website provides a directory of lawyers, legal advice, and other resources on a broad range of legal topics, including the division of business assets in divorce.
LegalZoom: An online legal technology company providing legal information and services to consumers and small businesses, including guidance on what happens to a business in a divorce.
LegalMatch: This online legal matching service helps individuals find lawyers in their area, including divorce attorneys who can provide advice on the division of business assets in a divorce.

What's Next?

Are you Las Vegas resident who’s facing a divorce?

Keep calm!

The Rosenblum Allen Law Firm is here to save the day. We have expert attorneys who specialize in separation and mediation law.

Whether it’s child support, spousal maintenance, or division of marital assets – our Las Vegas divorce lawyers are always ready to provide excellent legal representation for your case. Our team works closely with each client offering experienced direction with unmatched attention to detail till you get what rightfully belongs to you during the process of separation & settlement agreements.

Don’t let yourself be taken advantage of–rest easy knowing that isn’t going to happen when we’re standing guard on your side!

Call us today at 702-433-2889 and take the first step towards freedom from all the chaos brought by parting ways with someone special through divorce proceedings –We got this!

Is My Spouse Entitled to Half My Business?