Aerial drone shot of a residential neighborhood and community pond in Texas.

Pearland Legal Blog

Family Law & Estate Planning Attorney

When facing a family law, estate law or other legal matter, it is important to work with an experienced attorney who can help you understand your options and protect your interests. At The Powell Law Firm, we have more than 20 years of experience protecting people in Pearland, Houston and the surrounding area in Texas.

3 options for the family business in a divorce

When you and your husband opened your business in Pearland you probably did not have divorce on your mind. Unfortunately, now that the end of your marriage is looming, there are a series of tough decisions you will have to make. For instance, you will have to decide if you want to keep the house or sell it and split the profits.

You will have to make similar decisions concerning the business. Will you stay in and try to continue working with your soon-to-be ex-husband? Or are you thinking about selling your half to him and starting your own business? The following are some options that might be available to you in regard to the family business if you plan to divorce.

Keeping co-ownership

If you choose to stay in business with your husband, you may be in for a few challenges. You will have to maintain a close working relationship with your ex. In order to make this work, the two of you will have to be amiable. However, there are a few benefits of keeping your interest. First, you will not have to worry about hiring an appraiser to value the business. In addition, you get to continue building the business you started years ago.

Buy out your ex

Another option is to buy out your ex’s share of the business. To do this, you will have to put the business through the valuation process to determine how much you will have to pay to your ex. You will be able to either pay for his share in cash or trade other marital assets. If neither of these options appeals to you, he may be willing to agree to an installment payment plan where you make payments over time. On the other side, he might prefer to buy you out.

Outright sale

If neither of you have any interest in continuing the company you started together, then the two of you can sell the business and split the proceeds. Like with the buy out option, this will involve hiring an appraiser to value the company so that you know how much to sell it for.

If you are considering divorce and own a business, there are several options available when it comes to either keeping or dividing the company. Be sure to choose the route that is best for you and the life you want to lead once you finalize the divorce.

Request a Consultation

To schedule a meeting with an attorney, please call 832-850-6095 or complete this contact form. We’ll be in touch with you as soon as possible.

Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required.

Disclaimer

What Our Clients
Have To Say

  • “I wanted to take the time to thank you [John Powell III] for helping me through a tough time in my life. Your guidance and voice of reason really helped me more than you will ever know. I had a previous attorney that I felt could have really cared less about me or the situation. Once on board with you, I felt an immediate difference and I was thankful for your quick response. I could not have finished this process without you and I am glad you were able to have so much hands on time with me. Again, thank you for everything you did for me and my son!”

    (S.R.)

  • “John Powell III was very helpful through the entire process of my divorce which involved a custody fight over my 3-year-old daughter. Mr. Powell has a strong working rapport with the Brazoria County family court. He was very patient, walking me through every step, knowing what to expect from my wife's attorney. We were ultimately successful and I would highly recommend him. As for my daughter, she is doing great. She has advanced to the preschool 2 class early, she is now 3.5 and now goes to school with the 4-5 year old's. Her emotional and behavioral issues have disappeared. Thanks to Mr. Powell's hard work my daughter will have a great chance at life.”

    (K.K.)

  • “Just wanted to say thanks for handling my post-divorce property division issue in a timely and professional manner. Especially your attention to detail and some quick-witted humor as well. Your firm was referred to us by a friend which can always be somewhat awkward but you made us feel at ease through the entire process. I would not hesitate to recommend your firm to anyone if the need arises.”

    (J.B.)

  • “Dear Mr. Powell: I want to thank you for your great service and express my gratitude. I am extremely pleased how everything was handled and I have the highest possible opinion about your professionalism, the quality of your service and your attitude toward me as a client. Thank you again, best regards.”

    (M.K.S.)

  • “I had what I learned was not your stereotypical divorce case. John Powell III was extremely understanding of the situation and worked with myself and my former spouse to navigate the legal pitfalls in our, and our children's case. Everything was resolved amicably and with minimal impact to our family. Without Mr. Powell's assistance I do not know that we would have gotten to such a positive place.”

    (A.W.)

  • “John Powell III is a compassionate and thorough attorney. My case was a complex custody issue that required work in two wide-spread counties. Mr. Powell was able to efficiently overcome this added challenge. He is patient and clear in explaining concepts of the law. Even after the case was closed, Mr. Powell was available to explain the final judgment and to help ensure we were following the Judge's intent. It is very comforting to know that if additional issues arise he is there to act as my advocate.”

    (R.T.)