Mr X has asked my client to also sign a 'side agreement' that splits shares 50-50 between them.Is this worth even taking to a lawyer and accountant?

. :)Just to make sure this is not one of those situations where tone and intent of a comment is not lost in writing.That particular comment was a jab at some attorneys proclivity for being wordy, and not saying anything, sometimes in longwinded documents.The one sentence I quoted I will guess was unintentionally redundant.So not at all meant at as a "What the hell Bill are you a frigging lawyer now too???"

Sorry but I hate wasting bandwidth with replies that ask to consult a lawyer.

Wearing a suite really isn't my style, it makes me feel too stiff and like a lawyer.

I asked the county clerk what the deal was and she said they were held between 11-4 at the whim of the lawyer selling the property, other than that she didn't know anything else.

I would be cautious of improving a real estate asset while the divorce is being finished, unless you can have your lawyer talk to your "soon to be ex's" lawyer, and place this asset, even though you don't own it yet, outside the bounds of the marriage assets.

Do I need to hire a lawyer, or is this something that can be accomplished through some form of a formal filing?

Advice from a real estate lawyer will be the best advice.Joe Gore

I heard that people that cannot prove income will put years worth of rent in their lawyer's escrow account and each month the lawyer sends a check to the landlord.Joe Gore

In most instances the period is one month, but can be specified as {bi}-weekly.I would suggest consulting a real estate lawyer in your area {ask other landlords for references} and if there is no standard lease, use the services of a lawyer to prepare your lease.