Dividing Community Property During a Divorce

Divorce can be a painful and confusing process, often leaving spouses with overwhelming concerns as to how property will be divided between them. While California guidelines regarding division of community assets and obligations are specific, their application is dependent on the proper characterization of assets and liabilities as either community or one spouse’s separate property. The tracing, valuation, and distribution of these assets can be complicated and will require the services of skilled attorneys and forensic accountants.

The attorneys at Phillips Lerner, A Law Corporation in Los Angeles, California, with the assistance of investigators and forensic accountants, have the insight and financial sophistication to resolve property disagreements and bring divorce actions to a timely and equitable conclusion.

We Understand the Intricacies of Community Property Division

In some cases, complex issues of business valuation, licensing agreements, intellectual property, and professional goodwill are involved in the division of the community estate. The attorneys at Phillips Lerner use experts such as forensic accountants and business appraisers to assess both community and separate property assets of the parties, including those located in other states or countries. These experts are able to trace the source of the funds used to acquire such assets to determine their value for division purposes.

Unfortunately, in certain instances, a spouse may attempt to conceal from their spouse, community property, which would otherwise be subject to equal division by the Court. In such extreme cases, California Courts have the discretion to award the entirety of such intentionally undisclosed asset to the other spouse. Founding Principal Marc Lerner was involved in one such notable case where an entire lottery jackpot was awarded to the aggrieved spouse he represented.

Phillips Lerner’s attorneys are experienced in the successful negotiation of marital settlement agreements and the litigation of disputes involving community property division. Our client list includes business professionals, entrepreneurs, homemakers and celebrities in film, television, music and sports, and individuals throughout Southern California. Our knowledgeable legal team approaches each client’s matter as unique and works with the client in developing a solution tailored toward meeting that individual’s goals and interests.

To schedule a consultation, contact the Los Angeles law offices of Phillips Lerner.