Property & Asset Division

Compassionate Guidance & Aggressive Representation for DFW Families

Quick Overview: Property & Asset Division

Property division is often the most complicated part of a divorce—especially for high-income families, business owners, executives, and couples with large or layered estates. Texas follows community-property principles, but that does not mean everything is split 50/50. Courts look at income, earning potential, financial conduct, and the complexity of your assets before deciding what’s “just and right.”

At The Ashmore Law Firm, we help Dallas–Fort Worth clients protect the wealth they’ve built. Whether your estate includes real estate portfolios, businesses, investments, retirement accounts, trusts, or separate property that needs tracing, we bring the legal and financial insight required to divide assets fairly and strategically.

Key Facts About Property & Asset Division

Texas is a community property state—but not automatically equal.
Courts divide property in a way that is “just and right,” which may be unequal depending on the facts.

Separate property must be proven.
Inheritances, gifts, pre-marital assets, and certain investments remain separate—but only if properly documented and traced.

High-income estates require advanced analysis.
Valuing businesses, stock plans, real estate holdings, and investment accounts often requires financial experts.

Business owners must protect control and future income.
Professional practices, partnerships, LLCs, and corporations need careful valuation and division strategies.

Hidden assets are more common than you think.
Cryptocurrency, business write-offs, delayed bonuses, or “creative” bookkeeping may signal undisclosed income or assets.

Tax implications matter.
Dividing investments, retirement accounts, or real estate without tax planning can be extremely costly.

DFW judges expect organized evidence.
Clean financial records, clear valuations, and documented lifestyle data can significantly strengthen your case.

Property & Asset Division FAQs

Property division is often the most complicated part of a Texas divorce—especially for professionals, executives, business owners, and families with substantial or layered assets. Courts across Dallas–Fort Worth look closely at income, earning potential, financial conduct, and the nature of each asset before deciding what is “just and right.” These FAQs offer clear guidance to help you understand how property is divided, what counts as separate property, and what to expect when your estate includes businesses, investments, or long-term financial structures.

Is property in a Texas divorce always split 50/50?

No. Texas divides property in a way that is “just and right,” which means the division can be unequal depending on your circumstances. Judges look at income differences, earning potential, separate property, financial misconduct, fault in the marriage, and the complexity of your estate. High-income households often see divisions tailored to long-term stability rather than an automatic 50/50 split.

How do I protect my separate property in a divorce?

Separate property—such as inheritances, gifts, pre-marital assets, or personal accounts—remains yours, but you must prove it. That usually requires documents like deeds, bank records, investment statements, and tracing reports. Without proper evidence, separate property can be mistakenly counted as community property. Our team helps gather and present the proof needed to protect what’s solely yours.

How are businesses, professional practices, or partnerships divided?

Businesses require formal valuation. Courts look at ownership percentages, cash flow, retained earnings, goodwill, and the nature of the business itself. Whether you own a medical practice, tech startup, real estate company, or family business, we work with valuation experts to assess its true value—and we build a strategy to protect your control and future income whenever possible.

What if I believe my spouse is hiding assets?

Hidden assets are more common in high-net-worth divorces. Warning signs include unusual transfers, sudden “business expenses,” cryptocurrency, changes in bookkeeping, or unexplained withdrawals. We work with forensic accountants to trace funds, uncover discrepancies, and ensure full financial disclosure. Courts take hidden-asset issues seriously and may award a disproportionate share of the estate if misconduct is proven.

Property & Asset Division for DFW Families

Dividing property in a divorce isn’t just about splitting numbers on a spreadsheet—it’s about untangling the financial life you’ve built, understanding what’s truly yours, and protecting your future stability. For high-income families in Dallas–Fort Worth, this process often involves far more than a home and a bank account. It may include real estate portfolios, business interests, investment accounts, stock plans, trusts, intellectual property, and separate property that must be traced carefully.

At The Ashmore Law Firm, we have decades of experience helping clients navigate complex asset division with clarity and confidence. We work closely with financial experts, forensic accountants, valuation professionals, CPAs, and tax advisors to ensure your estate is valued accurately—and divided fairly.

Identifying Community vs. Separate Property

The first step in any Texas property division is determining what belongs to the marital estate and what does not. We help you document and trace:

pre-marital assets
inherited wealth
gifts
personal accounts kept separate
family-owned business interests
investment accounts created before the marriage

Separate property is protected—but only if properly proven.

Protecting High-Value Assets

For executives, business owners, physicians, investors, and entrepreneurs, income is often tied to more than a paycheck. Our team regularly handles:

stock options & RSUs
performance bonuses
private equity interests
professional practices
commercial real estate
rental properties
large investment portfolios
trusts & generational wealth

We work to protect the structure and long-term value of these assets while pursuing a fair division.

Business Valuation & Control

If you or your spouse owns a business, the divorce can affect ownership, control, and future income. We:

coordinate independent business valuations
analyze cash flow vs. reported income
assess goodwill, retained earnings, and equity
protect your operational control whenever possible

Many DFW divorces involve employer-related stock, partnership interests, or complex compensation plans. We help you navigate those details with precision.

Uncovering Hidden or Undisclosed Assets

In high-net-worth estates, attempts to hide or disguise assets are not unusual. Red flags may include:

altered financial statements
sudden “business losses”
new accounts or transfers
cryptocurrency activity
deferred bonuses
unusual business write-offs

We bring in forensic accountants when needed to ensure the full estate is on the table.

A Strategy That Protects Your Future

Property division decisions affect you long after the divorce is final. Whether you’re negotiating a settlement or preparing for litigation, we help you make decisions that protect your long-term financial health—not just short-term wins.

Our goal is to give you clarity, protect what matters most, and help you move forward with confidence.

Areas Served

Dallas County (Casa Linda, Dallas – Lower Greenville, Greenway Parks, Bluffview, Lakewood, Preston Hollow, Park Cities, Highland Park, White Rock Lake, Turtle Creek, East Dallas, Irving, Richardson, Dallas, Grand Prairie, Mesquite, Garland, Farmers Branch, Carrollton)

Tarrant County (Forest Hill, Colleyville, Westover Hills, Westlake, Keller, Southlake, Arlington, Fort Worth, Grapevine, Euless, Bedford, Hurst, North Richland Hills, Haltom City, Mansfield, Saginaw, Watauga, Crowley, Benbrook, Richland Hills, Lake Worth, Azle)

How Ashmore Law can help

A Clear Understanding of Your Estate From Day One

We begin by mapping out your entire financial landscape—real estate, investments, businesses, retirement accounts, executive compensation, separate property, and anything that may require tracing. High-income households often have layered financial structures, so we take time to understand the details that really matter. Our goal is simple: give you a clear picture of what’s at stake and the strategy needed to protect it.

Detailed Documentation & Financial Precision

Complex estates require organized, meticulous preparation. We help you gather and analyze the documentation judges expect to see in DFW courts: tax returns, business records, partnership documents, stock plans, appraisals, bank statements, trust documents, and separate-property evidence. When needed, we bring in forensic accountants and valuation professionals to ensure assets are identified and valued correctly—not guessed at or overlooked.

Focused Negotiation for Fair & Strategic Settlements

Most property division issues can be resolved through mediation or structured negotiation. We work to reach a fair agreement that protects your long-term financial health while avoiding unnecessary litigation. Whether your priorities involve protecting a business, keeping real estate, preserving investment accounts, or securing long-term stability, we negotiate with those goals in mind.

Strong Courtroom Advocacy When Litigation Is Necessary

If the other side refuses reasonable terms—or if business valuations, hidden assets, or financial misconduct become issues—we’re prepared to litigate with strength and clarity. Our attorneys have decades of experience in Dallas County, Tarrant County, Collin County, Denton County, and the surrounding courts. We know how local judges evaluate complex estates, and we tailor your case to the courtroom you’re likely to face.

Long-Term Planning & Practical Solutions

Property division decisions have long-lasting financial impact. We help you understand tax issues, future income shifts, investment implications, and what your financial life will realistically look like after the divorce. Our guidance is grounded, clear, and focused on protecting your future—not just winning short-term concessions.

Meet Our Team

Gary Ashmore

A trusted name in family law, Gary brings over two decades of experience in divorce litigation and negotiation. Known for his strategic thinking and calm demeanor, he is a steady guide through even the most challenging disputes.

Read Gary's Profile

Lori Ashmore Peters

With a deep background in estate planning, probate and business planning, Mrs. Peters brings a high level of financial insight to matters involving significant assets, business ownership and long term wealth preservation.

Read Lori's Profile

Hamid Naraghi

Hamid focuses on protecting client rights with thorough legal analysis and practical advice. He is a strong advocate in court and a thoughtful problem-solver when resolution is possible outside the courtroom.

Read Hamid's Profile

Samantha Matthews

Samantha brings both knowledge and empathy to every case. She works hard to understand each client’s unique needs and build a legal strategy that fits their personal goals.

Read Samantha's Profile