Crawford, TX Divorce Law Firms & Lawyers

In Kansas, the name of the owner on the deed does control the final disposition of the property. Kansas is an equitable property state, and the trial court can divide property as deemed fair. Because you contributed value to the house, it is likely you will be awarded some equity. Other factors may apply, such as premarital agreement terms. Consult an experienced family law attorney in your area.

The house that your wife purchased is her separate property; however, any payments you made toward the mortgage or to the improve the home are subject to a reimbursement claim back to you because you contributed to her separate property by making payments. The 401(k) from her job may be separate or community property depending on when she started her employment. Any contributions to the 401(k) plan prior to your marriage are separate property. Contributions after the marriage are community property, whether she made the contributions or you did. In any case, any income from any source (including retirement account contributions) are community property as of the date of your marriage. I highly recommend scheduling a consultation with a local family law attorney to discuss your rights and options in your case.

You do not have to be in agreement to obtain a divorce. However, due to the contested nature of the divorce proceedings, you should be prepared for the divorce to be more expensive than one that is agreed. If you have children, then you need to hire an attorney. I do not suggest you try and represent yourself in a contested divorce with children. If you do not have children, you might be able to do some of the initial paperwork on your own. However, I would still seek out an attorney for some basic advice to get you on the right track and (if your matter remains contested) you will need to hire representation for your final trial.