The end of a marriage inevitably involves a profound reorganization of one's life, not only emotionally but also economically and financially. When a couple decides to separate, one of the most delicate aspects and often a source of conflict concerns the management of assets acquired during the marital life. Understanding the mechanisms of the dissolution of the community of property is the first step to protecting one's rights and ensuring a fair division of accumulated resources. As an expert lawyer in family law in Milan, Avv. Marco Bianucci understands that behind every home, every bank account, or investment, there are sacrifices and life projects that deserve the utmost respect and rigorous protection.
In our legal system, the ordinary marital property regime is the community of property, unless the spouses have opted otherwise. With personal separation, this regime ceases to exist. Legally, the dissolution of the legal community of property occurs at the moment the President of the Court authorizes the spouses to live separately, or on the date of the signing of the consensual separation agreement before the spouses, provided it is homologated. From that moment on, acquisitions made no longer fall into the common property.
It is essential to distinguish between assets that fall under the community of property and those that remain personal. For example, real estate purchased by the spouses together or separately during the marriage, businesses managed by both and established after the marriage, and savings accumulated fall under the division. However, assets owned by the spouse before the marriage, those received by donation or inheritance, and items for strictly personal or professional use do not fall under the division. The division can occur in two ways: through a consensual agreement, sanctioned by a notarial deed, or, in the absence of an agreement, through a judicial division ordered by the judge.
Addressing asset division requires technical expertise and strategic vision. The approach of Avv. Marco Bianucci, an expert lawyer in family law in Milan, primarily focuses on seeking a consensual solution. Experience gained in the field shows that a well-negotiated agreement saves time, reduces legal costs, and, above all, limits the emotional stress of the parties involved. However, to negotiate effectively, it is necessary to know in detail the real value of the assets and the rules governing reimbursements and refunds between spouses.
The Bianucci Law Firm assists clients in a precise reconstruction of the asset pool, utilizing experts where necessary for the valuation of real estate or company shares. The goal is to correctly quantify the shares owed, identifying any sums improperly withdrawn from the joint account or investments that require an adjustment. If the consensual route is not feasible due to the rigidity of the opposing party, the firm is prepared to protect the client's rights in judicial division proceedings, acting with firmness to ensure that every contribution made to the family is recognized.
The dissolution of the legal community of property formally occurs at the moment the President of the Court, at the first separation hearing, authorizes the spouses to live separately. In the case of assisted negotiation, the dissolution coincides with the date the agreement is certified by the lawyers.
The balance of a joint bank account, resulting from savings accumulated during the marriage, falls under the community of property de residuo and must be divided 50% between the spouses, unless proof to the contrary demonstrates that the sums derive exclusively from the personal assets of one of them (e.g., an inheritance).
If the house is jointly owned, the spouses can agree for one to buy out the other's share by paying a sum, or they can decide to sell the property to a third party and divide the proceeds. In the absence of an agreement, the judge will order the auction of the property and the subsequent distribution of the proceeds.
If the purchase was made using personal funds (e.g., from the sale of a pre-marital asset) and this was expressly stated in the purchase deed with the participation of the other spouse, the asset remains personal and does not fall into the legal community of property.
Costs vary based on the value of the asset pool to be divided and the complexity of the necessary expert operations. A consensual division is always more economically advantageous than a judicial division, which involves long delays and higher court expenses.
Asset division is a technical step that leaves no room for improvisation. To protect the fruits of your labor and ensure a fair distribution, rely on the expertise of Avv. Marco Bianucci. The Bianucci Law Firm, located in Milan at Via Alberto da Giussano 26, is at your disposal to analyze your financial situation and define the best defense strategy. Contact Avv. Marco Bianucci today to schedule an appointment at the office.