Family Heirlooms and Divorce
Family heirlooms, which include antiques, photos, jewelry, or other collectibles, can be at the center of attention during divorce. The following tips can be used in order to facilitate the legal rights surrounding valuable items.
1. Personal Property v. Marital Assets
Anything acquired before marriage is considered personal property, while anything acquired after marriage is considered a marital asset. Dates of when the heirloom was obtained can be proven through witnesses who recount seeing the valuable.
2. Heirloom Engagement Ring
Regarding engagement rings, they are usually considered a gift to the person who accepted the ring as a form of engagement, therefore it could become difficult for the family of the spouse who proposed to obtain the ring back.
3. If Moving Out, Take The Item With You
If a divorcing spouse decides to move out the residence before the divorce is finalized,it is highly recommended that the spouse take the heirloom with them to avoid any conflicts if there were to be a misplacement of the item. If there isn’t enough space for the heirloom in the new residence, it is suggested to take photographs of the item’s state and location for record purposes. If the ex has changed the locks on the residence without a court order preventing entry, it is legal to hire a locksmith and enter the home.
4. Have Heirloom Professionally Appraised
The benefits of having heirlooms professionally appraised include for insurance purposes, estate settlement, damage claims, charitable giving, and equitable division of property.
To learn more about the division of marriage assets, or to seek counsel for divorce cases or any other family law matters, please do not hesitate to contact Evie P. Jeang, Managing Partner of Ideal Legal Group and Founder of Surrogacy Concierges.
离婚案件中家族传家宝的处置
家族传家宝，包括古董，照片，珠宝或其他收藏品，可能是离婚时关注的焦点。 以下提示将帮助您了解离婚案件中关于家族传家宝的法律归属和价值。
1.个人财产v.婚内资产
婚前所获得的任何资产被视为个人财产，而婚后所获得的资产则被视为婚内资产。获得传家宝的日期可以由相关证人来提供。
2.家传订婚戒指
家传订婚戒指一般被视为给接受订婚一方的礼物，因此送出订婚戒指的一方想要回戒指可能会有一些困难。
3.如若搬出去共同住所，把自己的传家宝带走
如果提出离婚时任何一方需要在离婚过程中搬出共同住所，为避免潜在冲突我们建议将家族传家宝带走。如果新的住处没有足够的空间，我们建议您对物品和排放位置进行拍照以便保存证据。如果居住在共同住所的一方在没有法庭命令的情况下更换了门锁，聘请开锁匠开门进入住所是被法律允许的。
4.对传家宝进行专业的鉴定和评估
对传家宝进行专业的鉴定和评估的用处包括但不限于用于保险目的，资产安置，损害索赔，慈善捐赠及财产分割等。
如果您需要获得更多关于离婚、资产分割或是其他关于家庭法的信息，欢迎联系理想法律集团的创始人蒋佩芳律师。