Protecting Your Small Business During a Divorce in Maryland

Divorce can be a complicated process for small business owners in Maryland. Still, with proper planning and the assistance of a qualified divorce lawyer, you can protect your business interests during divorce proceedings.

Marital assets, including a successful business, are subject to equitable distribution, which can be complicated if business partners are involved. That’s why having an experienced family law attorney from a reputable law office like Divorce With A Plan is important. Here are some tips to consider for protecting your small business during a divorce:

• Obtain a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement: Getting a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement can help protect your business in case of a divorce. These agreements will specify how the business will be divided between the parties in the event of a divorce. It can also help establish the value of the business before and after the marriage.
• Keep business and personal finances separate: Keeping individual financial records for your business and personal finances is essential. This can include maintaining different bank accounts, credit cards, and accounting records. By doing so, you can help prove the business’s separate property status in a divorce.
• Consult with an experienced divorce attorney: A divorce attorney with experience handling small business divorces can provide valuable guidance on protecting your business interests. An attorney can also help protect your rights and interests during divorce.
• Consider a buyout or settlement: If you and your spouse are interested in the business, consider a buyout or settlement agreement allowing you to retain control. This may involve buying out your spouse’s share of the business or dividing the business’s assets excellently for both parties.
• Obtain a business valuation: Obtaining a professional valuation of your business is essential. This can help determine its fair market value and establish the business’s separate property status. It can also help determine how much of the business’s value is marital property subject to division in a divorce.
• Review and update your estate plan: Consider reviewing and updating your estate plan, including your will, trust, and powers of attorney. This can help protect your business interests in case of helplessness or death.

Protect your Business in a Prenuptial Agreement

A prenuptial agreement can help protect your business by specifying how your assets and income will be treated during a divorce. Here are some ways a prenuptial agreement can help:

• Clearly defines ownership: A prenuptial agreement can establish that your business is your separate property and not subject to division in a divorce settlement.
• Protects against future claims: By agreeing in advance on how business assets will be divided in the event of the divorce process, a prenuptial agreement can help prevent disputes and limit the scope of litigation.
• Limits spousal support: A prenuptial agreement can also limit the amount of spousal support that may be awarded in the event of a divorce, which can help protect your business income.
• Can protect business partners: If you have business partners, a prenuptial agreement can help protect their interests by ensuring that a divorce settlement does not give your spouse any control or ownership interest in the business.

A prenuptial agreement can provide peace of mind and help safeguard the assets and income you have worked hard to build in your business. However, it is important to consult with a lawyer specializing in family and business law to ensure that the agreement is legally valid and tailored to your needs.

At Divorce With A Plan, we understand the complexities of small business divorces and can provide the guidance and legal representation you need to protect your business interests. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.