We have written many times on this blog that California follows the “community property” model of asset division in divorce. Stated simply, this means that most assets acquired by either spouse during the marriage are considered community property (jointly owned) and...
Michelle Hoover
3 assets people often overlook in complex divorce proceedings
California state law gives both spouses an interest in shared community property. Even when one spouse earns more than the other, the household income earned during the marriage is usually marital property that the couple will have to divide. The same is true of any...
How can you protect your business when planning a divorce?
You started the company that you own with the intention of supporting your family. You never anticipated that your relationship with your spouse would reach a point where divorce seems like a real possibility. However, that is your current situation. You run and own a...
Does your spouse have a claim to your deferred stock options?
California professionals working in high-demand occupations often have very complex compensation packages. Companies offer many benefits, including deferred stock options, to incentivize a long relationship with newly-acquired talent and to have them invested in the...
Will your ex-spouse get half of your retirement savings?
If you're nearing retirement and are considering a divorce, it's important to understand how this will impact your finances. You are probably concerned that your ex-spouse will get half of your retirement savings. Here is what you need to know about splitting...
What is the right of first refusal in a child custody case?
When your spouse had a busy day at work, you were around to care for your child. Occasionally, you have a babysitter show up when you and your spouse needed a night out. Now that you’re divorced, however, you may need to talk to your co-parent about who’s looking...
Why cryptocurrency could be a problem in your divorce
California considers married couples to be a “community.” When you divorce, you must divide most things that you or your spouse acquired during the marriage as state law considers most of those things to belong to “the community” rather than either of you as...
3 places to look for hidden assets in a high-asset divorce
High-asset divorces frequently come with significant complications. The more property you have in your marital estate, the more motivation you have to fight with your ex. Some people aren't happy with negotiating with their ex or even litigating in the family courts....
Do not forget about your life insurance when you divorce
Divorce involves several messy tasks. Attempting to sort out your life insurance is something that is commonly overlooked. When you are trying to divide assets and make sure your children are adjusting to the changes, trying to figure out what to do with your life...
Can your children refuse to see you for scheduled parenting time?
You defer to your parenting plan for all of the major decisions regarding your children. However, when you show up to spend some time with the kids, your ex informs you that they don't want to see you. Even though you drove across town to pick them up and already...