Nothing about a divorce is easy but that holds doubly true for determining property rights. Depending on your family, you may have many assets to split, or just a few. Depending on how contentious the divorce is, you may have one partner trying to hide assets. The good news is that working with a qualified divorce attorney takes these concerns off your back.
When you choose Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell, you’re choosing an attorney who has a background in both family law and business. This gives him an edge when it comes to decoding all the financial minutiae that would otherwise be overwhelming. Call us today at (909) 920-0908 to get a free consultation and use our special knowledge to your benefit.
California is a community property state
In California, both spouses in a divorce are automatically entitled to half of any property and / or assets that were acquired while married. This includes everything in bank accounts, all real estate holdings, stocks, bonds, furniture, retirement and pension funds, collectibles, jewelry, and vehicles.
However, this only applies to the property or assets obtained during the marriage. Anything that was obtained before marriage and brought into the marriage is the sole property of the person who brought it in.
You don’t have to split everything 50/50
The law says that each spouse is entitled to half of community property, but that doesn’t mean you have to come to that agreement with your spouse. If you can come up with agreement you both agree to and are willing to sign, then you can split up your property however you’d like. This is why it may be worth trying to negotiate out of court. Your divorce attorney will work directly with the attorney of your ex to try and agree on how things should be split.
There are almost always addition complications
Even a case that seems very simple is likely to have complications of its own. For example, when one or the spouses owns a small business, then the value of said business is going to be part of asset division. That said, whose side does it go to if one owned it prior to the marriage but the other worked on it significantly during the marriage?
This involves many legal issues and it’s likely that whatever situation you’re facing will involve complicated issues. Once again, the unique business and family law background Attorney Howell offers is an asset. He can find the best way to tap the value of any business assets to find the right financial solvency.
If you’re ready to get moving and you want to assure that your property is divided fairly, then it’s time contact Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell. You can reach us at (909) 920-0908 for a free consultation. We’re happy to discuss your situations, your concerns, and your needs before offering our best advice on your options to move forward.
