There are several different approaches to divorce. Some couples can easily pursue an uncontested divorce because they have previously signed a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement with one another. Other couples may not agree on terms and may not have any kind of contract with one another. In those cases, litigation or contested divorce proceedings may be necessary.  There are sometimes …

High-asset divorces often present unique challenges, especially when it comes to dividing high-value property. These cases involve significant financial stakes and complex portfolios, including international properties. Determining ownership of international properties In California, courts consider several factors when deciding who gets international properties in a divorce. The courts weigh in on the following factors: Community vs. separate property: Community property …

It is certainly true that some military couples can make their relationships last. Plenty of couples have been married for decades, even while one or both partners served. However, statistics show that the military divorce rate is around 4.8%, according to the U.S. Census. This is higher than the average for civilians. Soldiers sometimes talk about receiving a “Dear John” …

California’s community property law is straightforward. All marital assets are evenly divided, while separate assets remain with the spouse who had them going into the marriage. However, when it comes to high-asset divorces, it’s not unusual for one spouse to attempt to keep more of the marital assets for themselves. What if you suspect your ex-spouse is hiding assets? How …

People are often unsure about what happens during a California divorce. Some unhappy spouses may worry that they don’t have grounds to file for divorce or enough evidence to convince the courts of their spouses’ misconduct. Thankfully, people don’t actually have to prove fault to qualify for divorce in California. As a no-fault divorce state, California does not require that …

If you’re considering divorce or believe that your spouse is, you’re likely already aware that California is among the relatively few “community property” states. There’s a lot of confusion around just what means.  People often assume it means that when a couple divorces, each spouse walks away with 50% of their combined assets (and 50% of their combined debt). That’s …

One of the first steps in the divorce process is for one person to serve the other a divorce petition. If it is your spouse who has decided to get divorced, they are likely going to serve you this paperwork. It informs you about the upcoming legal process and tells you that they intend to end the marriage. You then …

All major human events seem to be celebrated with some sort of gathering – except, maybe, divorce. Historically speaking, divorce was seen as something shameful and a taboo topic, but that’s changing.  “Divorce parties” have become a trend amongst the newly single – and divorce is being reframed socially and emotionally as an opportunity for a fresh start. What better …

You and your spouse have been having marital troubles and you have believed for months that you were headed for divorce. Your spouse finally goes ahead and gets the divorce petition, serving you the papers to let you know that the process is underway. You are not necessarily surprised, and you may even support the divorce. But what does surprise …

When facing the financial strain of a divorce, accepting money from family might seem like a helpful solution. However, this can be risky, especially in a community property state like California. Knowing about the possible hazards can prevent divorce and marital property complications if you take the money your parents offer. How is accepting the money risky? In community property …