California Property Division Mediation Lawyers

Helping You Protect Your Assets through the Mediation Process

During the course of a marriage, a couple accumulates a great deal of property and assets that are considered community property and belongs to both people equally. However, during a divorce, couples must determine fair division of that property. Without help from a skilled divorce mediation lawyer, these negotiations can quickly go from challenging to highly contentious. Rather than turn to litigation or allow the process to become prolonged and stressful, allow us to guide you through mediation and help you find a resolution that works for your needs.

Contact us at (949) 558-2624 today to schedule your complimentary case review. We are proud to offer our clients a peaceful and respectful alternative to traditional divorce proceedings.

Asset Division in High Net Worth Divorce

Because California is conserved a community property state, any assets shared with the spouse during the marriage is considered fair game for property division during a divorce. The only exception to this rule is if you have a valid prenuptial agreement with different specifications as to how the property should be divided following a divorce. Property acquired before the marriage, or following the separation, is considered separate property and is generally exempt from property division.

The valuation process can be a lengthy one, particularly in high net worth cases. Just a few of the things that will need to be evaluated include:

• Businesses
• Investments
• Real estate
• Stock options
• Intellectual property

Once the worth of all of these assets is determined, the property division can begin. In some cases, it may be helpful to hire a forensic accountant who is trained to analyze, condense, and present complex financial information so it is understandable to all parties.

Real Estate Division in California

The first step for couples dividing their assets is to file a “Schedule of Assets and Debts.” This is a comprehensive list of everything the couple owns communally, as well as what each party owns individually. It is critically important that this list be thorough and honest, as failure to include items can result in substantial penalties.

A Schedule of Assets and Debts must include:

• Owned homes or apartments
• Land assets
• Mortgages

This information is then used to determine a fair division of assets based on factors such as who contributed more to the property. Marital agreements are also taken into account here, of course, as will pre-existing debts. The total value of these assets will then be used to divide the total property fairly. In some cases, one spouse may be able to “buy out” the other, but this is fairly uncommon due to high real estate values.

Protecting Your Intellectual Property

Because intellectual property does not have a tangible presence, but can nonetheless represent a substantial source of income, it is important to have a trained property division attorney help you make decisions that protect your property in the long term.

Our team can help you divide many types of intellectual property assets, such as:

• Patents
• Copyrights
• Royalties

Find Fair Property Division Solutions through Mediation

All aspects of a divorce can be handled through mediation. When a couple chooses this route, they are saving the time, money, and stress that are often a huge part of litigation. At Alternative Divorce Solutions, we are highly knowledgeable about the legal implications of property division and can help ensure that your needs are fully met. We are here to provide skilled navigation through these complex challenges.

Property division can include the following types of assets:

• Bank accounts
• Bonds
• Businesses
• Investments
• Mutual funds
• Pensions
• Personal property
• Real estate
• Retirement funds
• Stocks

Knowledgeable & Compassionate Legal Care

Our team of dedicated divorce mediation attorneys work tirelessly to help our clients find solutions that work for everyone.

At Alternative Divorce Solutions, we truly care about our clients and protecting their best interests. Call us at (949) 558-2624 to schedule your free consultation to find out more about how we can help you.