Property Division

Protecting Your Fair Share of the Assets

Dividing Marital Property in Your California Divorce

Property division is often the most contentious subject in divorce. When emotions or the need to "get even" drive the proceedings, it is easy to get drawn into a legal battle that only drains resources and drags out the process. At Law Offices of Hall & Lim in Beverly Hills, California, we are committed to resolving conflicts over marital assets without sacrificing your rightful share.

Free Phone Consultation  (310) 203-8411

Our divorce lawyers are knowledgeable about California property division law. We encourage clients to explore alternatives to litigation, but we will aggressively defend your interests if your property settlement must be litigated in court. Based in Beverly Hills, we represent men and women in Hollywood, Santa Monica, Brentwood, and throughout the greater Los Angeles area. Arrange your appointment today.

Community Property vs. Separate Property

California is one of nine states recognizing community property division.

• Community property describes all assets (and debts) that were jointly acquired during marriage. Each spouse is seen as contributing equally, regardless of individual income, so community property is divided evenly. This means that each spouse receives one-half of these assets, which can include money, real estate, retirement plans, furniture, automobiles, and possessions.
• Separate property is property that belongs to one spouse and is not subject to division in divorce. This includes property that a spouse brought to the marriage (a house, a business, pension funds) or assets or debts acquired in the name of one spouse during the marriage (an inheritance, personal injury award, or education loans).

Experienced Property Division Attorneys

The legal characterization of assets becomes complicated when assets are co-mingled during marriage. For example, one spouse provides a down payment for a house before marriage, but both contribute to the monthly mortgage. The accrued equity in the home is divided, but is the down payment separate property? How about a business that thrived, or the growth of retirement investments during marriage? Our divorce lawyers have extensive experience in these complex marital property division issues, and we will fight to ensure you receive your share.

We are also skilled at determining the value of assets (closely held businesses, retirement funds) and negotiating creative agreements, such as tradeoffs allowing one spouse to keep the marital home.

Protect Your Property Division Rights

Make sure you receive what you are entitled to under the law. Consult an experienced divorce attorney who can safeguard your interests while keeping the process going and avoiding expensive litigation. Call us at (310) 203-8411 for a free phone consultation. We offer evening and weekend appointments, accept major credit cards, and offer services in Spanish, Korean, and Armenian.