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The work of a forensic accountant is essential when valuing and dividing property in a complex divorce. They closely analyze documents to assist the California family law court in making decisions on child support, spousal support (alimony) payments, and dividing community property, also called...

A trust fund is a legal estate planning tool that holds property or assets for someone, such as money, property, stocks, bonds, a business, or a combination of different assets. Trust funds are managed by a trustee, who must act for the grantor’s and beneficiary’s benefit. They can take many forms and...

We are often asked what exactly cannot be included in a California prenuptial agreement, which is called “prenups” and has sharply risen in popularity because people seek ways to protect their assets when they marry. You need to understand what type of provisions cannot be included in a prenuptial...

Many stay-at-home moms have dedicated much of their married life to caring for their children, husband, and their home. An enormous and complex life-changing challenge, but most will tell you worth every minute. Now that your marriage ends, you have valid concerns over what happens next, especially...

The marital standard of living (MSOL) is a set of factors defined under California Family Code 4320 that a family law court has to consider when determining spousal support (alimony). The marital standard of living is the lifestyle a couple enjoyed during the length of the marriage. They are designed...

In many high-net-worth divorces in California, spouses are frequently concerned about how their assets will be divided. However, the state’s community property laws will divide their debts equally. The most common large debts in a divorce include home mortgages, car loans, personal loans, credit...

Getting a traditional divorce in California is often challenging but becomes more complex when any business is involved. In other words, divorcing a spouse who is also a business partner can reach the next level of difficulty. Owning a business together has many unique challenges when getting divorced...

During a marriage breakup, it’s common for one spouse to move out of the marital home with the children. Sometimes this occurs with the other spouse's approval, but there are situations where the moving spouse decided to take the kids and leave without consent. However, that spouse doesn’t typically...

If you’re getting married, the first step is to get your marriage license. California offers a standard public marriage license and a confidential marriage license, which is also legally binding. This means a married couple will have to go through the standard divorce process to end their marital relationship...

When couples get a divorce, many are on an emotional roller coaster and don’t always make the best decisions. For example, some spouses will attempt to hide their assets from the court during divorce proceedings. The end of a marriage is devastating to many couples. In situations where one...

Most divorces are traumatic, life-changing events for married couples, their children, and their relatives. The stress often leads to bad decisions, such as when a spouse voluntarily decides not to work, even though capable, to avoid paying their support obligations, such as child support and alimony...

Establishing “paternity” in California means determining a child's legal and biological father. This can be accomplished by the parents or the family law court if necessary. The issue of paternity sometimes becomes a significant part of California family law. It’s pretty routine for people to file cases in...

When you decide to divorce, one of the most challenging decisions you will need to make will be related to financial issues. This includes the complex process of figuring out all the shared finances and identifying community and separate property. Second, only to child custody and support issues...

Under California law, you must disclose all assets, income, property, and debts during divorce proceedings. This disclosure of assets process is considered a crucial step in dividing property in a divorce. You could face civil penalties and even criminal charges if you attempt to conceal or intentionally...

To file for a dissolution of marriage (divorce) in California, there are specific residency requirements and procedures you must follow. For example, there are many forms to fill out and legal steps before the divorce is finalized. While on the surface, it may seem a daunting task, it's easier t...

When someone decides to get a divorce in California, there are often many questions concerning their taxes as they go through the divorce process. It’s essential to plan and understand the financial path you are following. Whether you are currently considering filing for a divorce or are already in the...

When you have kids, one of the things parents will start early in their life is a college savings plan, called a “529 plan,” which is an investment account offering tax benefits when it’s used to pay for education expenses for a designated beneficiary. A 529 college saving plan is a popular way for parents...

Digital assets have quickly become more common in society as technology advances, especially among millennials. Thus, dividing these assets is increasingly common in a California divorce. While child custody, spousal support (alimony), and property division are common issues of debate when a marriage...

Suppose you own a business in California and planning to get married. In that case, you need to consider a prenuptial agreement to protect your interest in the company if the marriage fails later. Perhaps your spouse will be joining the business as a partner. Still, you will need to draft a prenuptial...

The California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) provides lifetime benefits to its employees and their spouses. If you decide to file for a divorce, you will most likely have questions about how your retirement benefits will be impacted. In the state of California, all types of retirement benefits...

Success in your professional life often works the same way as success in your personal life. It requires rules, guidelines, hard work, commitment, flexibility, and dedication. If you own and operate a business with your spouse, then you probably already have unique challenges that are often complicated...

For a California divorce to fall under the high net worth category generally means that you and your spouse own over $1 million in assets. Still, there is no specific amount under any law.  It means your divorce has a lot at stake, and you will need to retain an experienced family law attorney who has previously...

The California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS) provides retirement, disability, and survivor benefits to teachers and their families. The eligible beneficiaries include vested teachers that served in the various school districts, community colleges, and administrative offices. A spouse’s CalSTRS...

Getting a divorce is usually an emotionally challenging event for most families. Still, the process is often more difficult when you attempt to go through California divorce proceedings without legal help from a family law attorney. Many people, especially those planning an uncontested divorce, believe they...

Once you have decided to get a divorce in California, you will eventually have to discuss the crucial issue of dividing assets, including the marital home, which often quickly becomes a hotly debated topic. Most spouses will have a solid emotional attachment to their home because of the life-long memories...