In the state of Ohio, assets and property acquired through an inheritance will be considered separate property and are generally not subject to property division in the event of divorce. However, there are often issues which complicate these matters and potentially jeopardize your ability to protect your inheritance.
The best way to prevent these legal issues from arising is to properly document your inheritance. Make sure to keep bank records, Probate Court records, and other accounting records safely filed away. You should also keep careful records when you use inherited money so that it can be accurately traced to the current assets in your possession.
Problems most commonly arise when an inheritance is combined with assets earned during the marriage to purchase a home or some other item that is considered marital property. In these situations, it becomes much more complicated to document and protect the component of this property that came from your inheritance.
If you are entering into a marriage and have recently inherited money or you expect to receive a sizeable inheritance in the future, you may want to consider a prenuptial agreement to further safeguard these assets.
John Heilbrun has been handling complex divorce cases for individuals in the Hyde Park and Blue Ash area for more than 30 years. He has extensive experience helping clients protect the value of their inheritance during a divorce, and he will work with a team of investigators and forensic accountants to trace your inheritance back to its origins.
Please contact the Law Offices of John Heilbrun today to schedule your initial divorce consultation. Mr. Heilbrun serves clients in Hyde Park and Blue Ash, Ohio.