Santa Clarita Valley Divorce Lawyers and Family Law Attorneys
Law Offices Of Cathleen E. Norton
California is considered a “Community Property” state. All community property and debt acquired from the date of marriage until the marital cut-off date is divided and distributed equally. The easiest way to deal with property division during a divorce is to decide how to divide the property up amongst the parties. The courts in community property states usually divide the community property equally between the parties and give each spouse his or her separate property when spouses fail to reach an agreement on their own.
California family courts advise you should talk to a divorce lawyer before you file your papers, especially if you have anything of value since the property and debts part of a divorce or legal separation is often so complicated and the cost of making a mistake is so high. At the Law Offices of Cathleen E. Norton, our attorneys personalize our services and representation to maximize results. Call (310) 300-4021 today to resolve your case.
Under California law that assets and debts a couple accumulates during marriage are community property which includes:
- Wages earned by either spouse during the marriage
- Home and furniture purchased during the marriage with marital earnings (reword)
- Interest income earned by business investments and operations
- Mortgages and the family home
Separate property, on the other hand, is defined as anything acquired by a spouse before the marriage, during the marriage by gift, devise, or bequest, and after the parties separate which includes:
- Bank accounts which are held separately
- Inheritances acquired during a marriage, if held separately
- Gifts to either spouse
- Personal injury proceeds
- Any property acquired after the dissolution of a marriage
If you and your spouse are considering, or are in the process of divorce, and you have any questions regarding property division; hire an experienced Santa Clarita Valley, California family law attorney from the Law Offices of Cathleen E. Norton who will give you the advices and do our best to protect your assets.