Stock Options and Divorce
With the rise and fall of the stock market, Sarasota divorce lawyers are involved in more cases involving stock options. It has become common practice for companies, especially larger, publicly traded companies, to issue grant stock options to key employees. During divorce, these stock options become a key issue during property division, demanding the legal assistance of a Sarasota divorce attorney.
What is an Employee Stock Option
There is no question that “stock options” are assets subject to equitable distribution in Florida. However, you must first understand the basic nature and definition of a stock option. A stock option is the right to purchase a specified number of shares of stock for a specified price at specified times, usually granted to management and key employees.
Equitable Distribution of Stock Options in Florida
Property division laws in Florida call for the equitable division in a divorce action. This means that marital property will be divided fairly, but not necessarily equally, when couples divorce.
When stock options are to be divided in a divorce proceeding, it is necessary to determine what portion of the stock options is considered marital property. If one spouse bought or was issued the stock prior to marriage but its value grew during the marriage, a portion of the stock options may or may not be considered marital property. Your Sarasota divorce lawyer will have the resources and support necessary to effectively value and divide stock options in divorce.
Contact a Sarasota Divorce Lawyer
Dividing assets in a divorce proceeding can be highly complex, especially if it involves stock options. At the Law Offices of Matthew Z. Martell, P.A., Sarasota divorce attorney Matthew Z. Martell, Esq. is well-equipped to handle complicated property division while protecting your financial interests. To learn more about stock option division in divorce, contact Sarasota divorce attorney Matthew Z. Martell (941) 556-7020.
