Understanding Community Property Division in San Diego
At the Law Offices of Shirley J. Mills, our experience with both simple and complex property division problems in divorce can protect your interests and promote your financial security while avoiding costly court battles. For the advice of a seasoned lawyer, contact us in San Diego for a free initial consultation.
Dependable Counsel in Characterization and Distribution Problems
As a community property state, California divorce aims for the even distribution of marital assets and debts between the spouses. Before seeing what an even division of community property might look like, however, it's necessary to get a clear idea of what is included as martial property and what is not.
Accurate characterization of particular assets as community or separate property is an important starting point for achieving an even distribution. Property acquired before marriage, by gift or inheritance, or excluded from the marital community by the terms of a valid prenuptial agreement should all be characterized as separate property rather than assets subject to division.
During the marriage, however, it's possible for separate assets to be commingled into the community or transmuted into marital property. San Diego family law attorney Shirley Mills can examine the facts of your situation and give you a good idea as to the likely outcome of a dispute about the character of any given asset. She can then use this information as leverage in settlement negotiations or the basis of a litigation position.
Clients of our firm get straight answers to questions about the best ways to resolve property division problems involving any of the following:
- Family business assets
- Uncertainty as to a self-employed spouse's assets or income
- Real estate valuation or transfer problems, including negative equity situations
- Pensions, retirement benefits or investment assets, including military benefits
- Incomplete or fraudulent disclosure of income or assets
- Disputes over the validity or correct interpretation of a prenuptial agreement
- Division of marital debts
- Recovery of payments on the other spouse's separate debts, such as student loans incurred before marriage
We work closely with our clients to make sure that your decision to accept a settlement offer or fight for a better outcome is based on sound legal advice and a thorough understanding of the facts. To learn more about our approach to the resolution of property division issues, contact the Law Offices of Shirley J. Mills.
