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Navigating a high-asset divorce in California requires advance planning, meticulous financial analysis, and strategic advocacy. This article provides a brief overview of the three issues most often at the forefront of high-asset marital dissolutions: asset valuation, property division and support. California Property Division What to Know California is a community property state. In divorce, community property is generally divided equally. Community property typically includes earnings and assets acquired from the date of marriage through the date of separation. Separate property generally includes assets owned before marriage, inheritances, gifts to a [...]

This is the third and last of our estate planning series, and we start with the question: Do I need a will? That is one of the most common questions asked of lawyers – at least estate planning lawyers. (The most commonly asked question of a criminal defense attorney is probably something like “What are my chances?” or “Do you think they’ll find the body?” Personal injury attorneys are probably asked, “How much will I get?” Clients asked me why I charge so much.) Unless you have no assets [...]

Have you ever considered recording a conversation with co-parent, ex or a third party that you believe may be helpful to your California family law case? Before you press “record,” it is critical to understand California’s strict recording laws and how they apply in family court. California’s Golden Rule: All-Party Consent California is an all-party consent state. This means a confidential conversation may not be legally recorded unless every participant consents. This requirement arises under the California Invasion of Privacy Act. Under California Penal Code section 632, recordings of confidential [...]