Dealing with Small Businesses in Divorce: What Washington Couples Need to Know

Divorce is rarely simple, but when a small business is part of the equation, the process becomes even more complex. Whether you’re the business owner or your spouse runs a company, the division of assets, business valuation, and potential financial impact can create significant challenges. As a Washington divorce attorney, I’ve seen firsthand how small business interests complicate divorce proceedings.

1.  Is the Business Community Property or Separate Property?

Washington is a community property state, meaning assets acquired during the marriage are generally considered community property and subject to division. However, determining whether a small business is community or separate property can be tricky:

• Separate Property: If the business was started or acquired before the marriage, it might be considered separate property.
  
  
• Community Property: If the business was founded during the marriage, it is likely community property. If the business was founded prior to the marriage but grew substantially due to community contribution, it’s possible it could be considered a community asset nonetheless.

2.  Business Valuation Is Key

To determine how the business will be handled in a divorce, its value must be assessed. Business valuation involves examining:

• Assets and Liabilities: Tangible and intangible assets, such as inventory, equipment, and intellectual property.
  
  
• Cash Flow: The business’s earnings and profitability.
  
  
• Market Value: What the business might sell for in the current market.

Working with a qualified business valuation expert is crucial to ensure accuracy. This step often becomes contentious, especially if one spouse believes the valuation is wrong.

3.  Options for Dividing a Business in Divorce

Once the business’s value is determined, there are several ways to handle it during the divorce:

• Buyout: One spouse buys out the other’s interest, allowing the business to continue under sole ownership.
  
  
• Co-Ownership: The spouses agree to continue running the business together post-divorce, though this arrangement can be challenging.
  
  
• Sale: The business is sold, and the proceeds are divided between the spouses. This option can be emotionally difficult and may not always be practical.
  
  
• Offsetting Assets: One spouse retains the business, while the other receives assets of comparable value (e.g., real estate or retirement accounts).

4.  Protecting the Business During Divorce

Divorce proceedings can disrupt business operations, especially if both spouses are actively involved in its management. To minimize disruption:

• Separate Personal and Business Finances: Ensure the business has its own accounts and financial records.
  
  
• Consider a Temporary Agreement: A temporary court order can establish how the business will be managed during the divorce process.
  
  
• Maintain Professionalism: Avoid public disputes or actions that could harm the business’s reputation or operations.

5.  Work with an Experienced Attorney

Divorces involving small businesses require a skilled attorney who understands the complexities of business valuation, asset division, and Washington family law. Whether you’re protecting your business or ensuring you receive your fair share, having knowledgeable legal counsel is critical to achieving a favorable outcome.

A small business can represent more than just an income source—it often symbolizes years of hard work and personal sacrifice. Ensuring fair treatment during a divorce is essential for both financial and emotional reasons. If you’re facing a divorce that involves a small business in Washington, contact our office today for a free telephone case evaluation 425-800-0572

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