Going through a divorce can often leave one with a profound sense of loneliness, as if they are the only person in the world undergoing this highly personal and emotionally draining experience. At the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, we understand this feeling all too well. Our team of dedicated attorneys and support staff walk side by side every day with individuals like yourself who are navigating the difficult terrain of divorce cases.
It matters not if you are the one who filed for divorce or if it was your spouse. Every individual embarking on this journey must traverse both the legal process and the emotional stages of divorce. At the heart of it, you might feel as though you’re stranded on a deserted island with no means of escape, while the rest of the world carries on, seemingly untouched by the difficulties that are consuming you.
Understanding the Challenges: The Unfolding Story of Achraf Hakimi and Hiba Abouk
In case you are grappling with such overwhelming feelings today, let this blog post provide some context and diversion, even if just for a brief moment. It is essential to understand that many others, including famous and wealthy individuals, are experiencing similar trials. Take for instance, the predicament between Moroccan soccer star, Achraf Hakimi, and his wife, Hiba Abouk.
The couple tied the knot in 2000 but found their marriage ensnared in complications arising from a rape indictment against Hakimi by French authorities in March 2023. The charge was brought about due to an allegation made by another woman. Despite the accuser’s decision not to press charges, the authorities decided to continue their investigation, given the serious nature of the testimony provided against Hakimi. Subsequently, Abouk filed for divorce, and the couple is presently in the midst of that process.
The Complexities of Wealth Division: Navigating Achraf Hakimi’s Financial Labyrinth
Hakimi, a professional soccer player for the French club Paris Saint-Germain, boasts an estimated net worth of more than $70 million. However, the financial implications of their divorce are far from straightforward. Abouk attended a court hearing in April, expecting to receive a significant portion of that $70 million as part of the divorce settlement she initiated.
Although one may lack extensive knowledge about French divorce and matrimonial law, it is reasonable to presume that a couple will divide assets and debt much as we do in Texas. It is not an unreasonable expectation that a spouse of a famous soccer star would be entitled to a share of his wealth, especially considering the duration of their marriage.
The Crucial Role of Property Division in Your Divorce
Divorces are often marked by surprises lurking around every corner, and the unfolding story of Hakimi and Abouk is no different. During the court hearing, Abouk discovered that Hakimi owned virtually no wealth in his name. Instead, his mother held his entire fortune. This revelation seems to indicate a deliberate attempt to shield assets and prevent Abouk from laying claim to the estimated $70 million Hakimi earned during his professional career as an international soccer star.
In response to this shocking disclosure, Abouk has filed a lawsuit against Hakimi, accusing him of fraudulently mismanaging marital assets. In a perplexing statement to the media, Hakimi’s mother claimed ignorance about the transfer of property into her name, while simultaneously asserting that there would be nothing inherently wrong with such a move.
Bridging the Gap: Relating to Your Own Divorce and Property Division in Texas
At this juncture, one might question what the saga of a wealthy soccer star has to do with a typical divorce in Texas. The connection lies in the reality that regardless of whether or not you possess a net worth of $70 million, you still hold assets that hold value. This could be a home, a bank account, a retirement plan, or a vehicle. Each of these holds value, irrespective of whether or not a dollar sign is attached.
That’s precisely why the situation between Hakimi and Abouk resonates with you and your spouse’s situation. While the scale of their wealth might far exceed yours, the fundamental issues at play remain the same. Abouk reportedly seeks ten million euros in the divorce while Hakimi is offering two million. Although these figures might dwarf your financial circumstances, you still face similar decisions when negotiating financial issues in your divorce. The crux of this discussion revolves around fairness and the imperative of appropriate financial disclosure. So, let’s transition from the celebrity couple’s situation and delve into your divorce scenario.
Understanding the Dynamics of Property Division in a Texas Divorce
In Texas, property division in divorce follows its own unique set of rules. As opposed to most other states in the USA, Texas operates under the community property law. Community property is a legal theory that dictates how a married person’s property should be handled in the event of a divorce or death. In contrast, the prevalent system of property division in the United States is based on English common law. The majority of states, around ¾, adhere to the common law principles of property division in a divorce, while Texas is among the remaining ¼ that follows the community property principles.
All the property owned by you and your spouse at the time of your divorce is presumed to be community property. This means a court can divide all the property when you go through the divorce unless you or your spouse rebuts that presumption of community property. You have the opportunity to argue that certain properties belong to your separate estate and your spouse can do the same. If you owned property before your marriage or acquired property during your marriage by gift or inheritance, these all constitute separate property. The remainder of the property is community property and is subject to division in your case.
Delving Deeper: The Interplay between Income and Property Division
One of the common questions that our attorneys frequently encounter pertains to income and property and how these are divided in a divorce. Although it’s understood that a judge in your divorce can divide community property, that doesn’t provide much insight into the specifics of how the property will be divided. Texas law stipulates that income earned (from most sources) during your marriage is deemed community property. This income is equally attributable to the spouse who didn’t earn it as it is to the spouse who did. Let’s explore a hypothetical situation to illustrate this crucial point more clearly.
Imagine that you have a job that earns you $100,000 annually. Your spouse, on the other hand, does not have an income-generating job and instead stays at home, managing the household and caring for the children. Despite this difference in economic contribution, the income from your job is considered just as much your spouse’s as it is yours. The saying, “what’s mine is yours and what’s yours is mine,” aptly encapsulates this legal perspective on community property in Texas, especially in the context of divorce. Regardless of personal views on this matter, this is the legal reality for Texans going through a divorce.
Taking this concept further, the money in your bank account is most likely considered community property. This should be the first asset considered when you’re going through a divorce. The money you expend on your attorney, the cash you utilize to pay bills, and the savings in other accounts are likely community property. This holds true even if you were the spouse who worked outside the home throughout the marriage while your spouse never earned any income. That income is just asmuch theirs as it is yours. If your case proceeds to trial, a judge would adopt this viewpoint.
By extension, property purchased with community income is also deemed community property. This could include your home, vehicles, and personal property. Despite the initial shock this might cause to the spouse who earned all the income during the marriage, this is the legal reality. The name on the deed of your house or the title of a vehicle matters less. The determining factor is that the income used to purchase these properties is community property.
The Procedural Journey of Property Division in Your Divorce
There are three categories of property in a marriage: community property, your separate property, and your spouse’s separate property. It is a prudent strategy to inventory your property at the start of a divorce, so you are aware of what property is at stake. Photographing closets, dresser drawers, and other locations can provide a comprehensive account of your possessions. Memories can fade over time, and physical access to the marital home may become limited, so it is easier to have photographic proof of the property before it is potentially lost or forgotten.
After cataloging your property, the next step involves classifying it. Determining which category your property belongs to is an individual task that you and your spouse will be undertaking. Throughout your divorce, both of you will be negotiating how to divide up this property. There are countless ways to approach this, depending on your specific circumstances and your aspirations for life post-divorce. Whether you need cash immediately or prefer to negotiate with retirement in mind, it’s indisputable that property division is a highly personal matter.
If a judge is tasked with making the final decisions on how to divide your property, they are legally obligated to do so in a “just and right” manner. Although this language is not very specific, it grants substantial authority to the judge to make a decision based on their experience overseeing divorces and taking into account the particular circumstances of your case. For example, if you and your spouse both have similar incomes and a comparable amount of separate property, a judge may decide to split your community estate right down the middle, leaving each of you with half of the property at the conclusion of your divorce.
Charting the Course of Property Division: The Role of Negotiation and Disclosure
In most cases, negotiations between the divorcing parties will conclude the property division portion of your divorce rather than a judge’s decisions. It’s important to remember that the process of property division has more to do with you and your spouse negotiating these issues together than leaving them up to a judge who does not know you personally. Even if you and your spouse currently disagree on several matters, the negotiation phase of your divorce presents a great opportunity to reach an outcome that is beneficial to both parties. You are given the metaphorical keys to drive your divorce case to its conclusion; whether you choose to seize that opportunity is entirely up to you.
Unveiling Hidden Assets: The Complication of Fraud in Property Division
The existence of hidden assets, fraud, and other deceptive practices can add a layer of complication to the property division process. Referring back to the case of Hakimi and Abouk mentioned earlier, it appears that Hakimi transferred his property into his mother’s name or arranged for his mother to receive his paychecks, thus leaving no money under his own name. Therefore, when a French court examined his bank account, nothing substantial would be found. It would appear as if he had no income, assets, or property that could be divided in the divorce. The surprise of discovering that your high-profile, professional athlete spouse possesses no property in their name can indeed be shocking.
Taking Action: Using Discovery and Inventory to Uncover Hidden Assets
So, what can you do if you find yourself in a similar situation? First, at the beginning of a divorce, you can submit discovery requests to your spouse. Discovery is a process where you ask your spouse questions that require them to answer under oath or object to those questions. This process allows you to gather information about your spouse and your mutual finances, which can help build a strategy for negotiations and a potential trial. Additionally, you can request your spouse to produce documents or other financial information through discovery.
Next, you should submit an inventory and appraisal of your property to the court and your spouse at the beginning of your case. This allows your spouse to be aware of the property that you claim exists, its nature, and your estimation of its value. Having a clear understanding of each other’s perspectives can provide a solid foundation for negotiations.
The Aftermath of Dishonesty: Consequences of Hiding Assets
Lastly, it’s crucial to stress that it is never advisable to hide property from your spouse. Dishonest actions such as concealing assets can have severe consequences. For example, in one divorce case, a wife illicitly removed money from her husband’s safe while he was not at home. Ironically, the money she worked so hard to steal was community property income. Whether you are a soccer star or a stay-at-home parent, it is never a good idea to manipulate the system when it comes to hiding assets from your spouse.
Conclusion: Navigating the Terrain of Divorce
In conclusion, traversing the path of divorce can be an emotionally challenging and complex process. The story of Achraf Hakimi and Hiba Abouk serves as a stark reminder that individuals of all walks of life, even those with vast wealth, face difficulties when it comes to property division. Understanding the tenets of property division in Texas, such as community property and the treatment of income, can provide invaluable guidance during negotiations and ensure a fair outcome. It is essential to remain honest, fully disclose all assets, and seek professional legal advice to protect your rights and successfully navigate the property division process. Remember, you are not alone on this journey, and with the right support and knowledge, you can surmount the challenges and achieve a favorable resolution in your divorce.
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Bryan Fagan, a native of Atascocita, Texas, is a dedicated family law attorney inspired by John Grisham’s “The Pelican Brief.” He is the first lawyer in his family, which includes two adopted brothers. Bryan’s commitment to family is personal and professional; he cared for his grandmother with Alzheimer’s while completing his degree and attended the South Texas College of Law at night.
Married with three children, Bryan’s personal experiences enrich his understanding of family dynamics, which is central to his legal practice. He specializes in family law, offering innovative and efficient legal services. A certified member of the College of the State Bar of Texas, Bryan is part of an elite group of legal professionals committed to ongoing education and high-level expertise.
His legal practice covers divorce, custody disputes, property disputes, adoption, paternity, and mediation. Bryan is also experienced in drafting marital property agreements. He leads a team dedicated to complex family law cases and protecting families from false CPS allegations.
Based in Houston, Bryan is active in the Houston Family Law Sector of the Houston Bar Association and various family law groups in Texas. His deep understanding of family values and his professional dedication make him a compassionate advocate for families navigating Texas family law.
