The topic of family heirlooms often brings strong emotions to divorce negotiations. These treasures, from antique rings to war medals, mean much more than their dollar value. Many divorcing couples in Virginia find it hard to agree on who keeps these precious belongings.
What makes something a family heirloom?
Family heirlooms are valuable items that pass from one generation to the next. These items often include:
- Jewelry and watches
- Antique furniture
- Family photos and albums
- Military medals and uniforms
- Cultural or religious items
In Virginia law, the way you got these items matters. Gifts or inheritances from your family typically stay with you after divorce, but items bought during marriage might count as shared property.
How Virginia courts decide who keeps heirlooms
Virginia courts look at several key points when splitting up family treasures. The court wants to know:
- Which family did the item come from
- When you get the item
- If you have proof it belongs to you
- If you mixed it with shared property
- What the item means to each person
To protect your heirlooms, be sure to write down the history of each item, keep the papers if there are any and store them away from shared items.
Many couples find that talking it out works better than going to court. A mediator can help both sides reach a fair agreement about these meaningful items. The mediator listens to both sides and helps find solutions for everyone.
Talk to a local divorce lawyer if you worry about keeping your family treasures in a divorce. They know Virginia’s property laws and can help protect what matters most to you. A skilled attorney can guide you through this emotional process while standing up for your rights to family heirlooms.