The first step is usually preserving family property by way of financial restraining orders, liens and injunctions.
This area of law can be complicated, as it may touch on other areas of law such as the law of trusts, wills & estates, contracts, and conflict of laws.
In addition, the issue of what is considered "family property" to allocate between the parties may be time-consuming. There are a number of "exclusions" in the law.
Moreover, tax considerations will be taken in account when transferring property (e.g., transferring cash may have different tax implications than transferring a R.R.S.P.)