Complex Property Division Lawyer FAQs

In a divorce, property division is one of the most contentious aspects that couples may experience. This is especially true for high-asset or complex cases. Therefore, property division is often a very complex matter that requires a highly skilled and experienced property division attorney.

Quasi-community property is property owned or acquired in another state prior to moving to California. Quasi-community property is typically treated the same way as community property.

Separate property is property that is not divided in the divorce. Separate property includes:

• Assets acquired before marriage
• Assets received throughout the marriage as a gift or inheritance
• Assets obtained after separation or after the finalized divorce

There are three important steps in determining property division:

1. Determine whether an asset or debt is community property or separate property
2. Determine the values of community assets and debts
3. Divide community assets and debts between the parties

Yes, California is a community property state. This means in a divorce settlement, the goal is to divide marital property in half, which includes assets and debts acquired during marriage.