Category Archives: community property
Will I Lose My Share of Our Home’s Equity in the Divorce if I Move Out?
Uncover the truth about home equity and property rights during a divorce in California. Learn why moving out doesn’t mean losing your share of the home’s equity. Navigating Home Equity Concerns During Divorce in California Deciding to divorce is a challenging decision, one that you may have grappled with for a long time. The situation… Read More »
Where Do I List Assets and Debts in My California Divorce Petition?
I am often contacted by people who are confused by the forms which California law requires they use for initiating or responding to a divorce filing. One of the most common questions relates to community property and debts and separate property and debts. Question: My spouse and I arebeginning the process for divorce in California…. Read More »
How Do I Add My Spouse to My House Deed? How Do I Change Property from Community to Separate Property?
Under California law, if you want to add your spouse to the deed of your house, you would typically use a grant deed. This deed transfers ownership interest in the property from you to both you and your spouse jointly. You would need to prepare and sign the grant deed, then have it notarized and… Read More »
Can I Receive Credit for My Down Payment on Our Marital Residence in a California Divorce
Question: How can I prove my cash down payment towards the home I purchased before marriage ? I’m going through a divorce. I purchased my home five years prior to getting married and then added my spouse to the title later on when I refinanced. She now wants half the equity. I put $200,000 cash… Read More »
My Ex Was Ordered to Sell a House in Our Divorce and Divide the Proceeds. It Has Been Two Years. What to Do?
Question: My ex was ordered to sell a house by the court in our divorce and divide the proceeds with me. They have not sold the house and it has been 2 years. What can I do? Answer: In California, if your ex-spouse has failed to comply with a court order to sell a property… Read More »
Learn How to Describe Assets and Expenses on the FL-150 Income and Expense Declaration in Your California Divorce
Learn How to Describe Assets and Expenses on the FL-150 Income and Expense Declaration in Your California Divorce The FL-150 is a lot easier for most people getting a divorce in California to complete than it is to complete and compile the information on the FL-142 Asset and Debt Declaration. I address the FL-142 here…. Read More »
Learn How Prenuptial Agreements Can Make Sense for You and Your Partner
Good Reasons for a Prenuptial Agreement Without a prenuptial agreement, divorce is complicated. With one it’s not easy peasy but it is less complicated. Reason 1 – Under the statutory law in California, once married half of all earnings, property accumulated from those earnings during marriage including your retirement, as well as the increaese in… Read More »
Is Income Earned After I Separated from My Spouse Community Property?
I am often asked about the date of separation in the context of a California Divorce. Question: Is income earned and property purchased after the date of separation, included in the division of community property in a California divorce? Answer: No. In California, income earned after the date of separation is separate property and is… Read More »
If I Have More Money in my 401k Account Than my Spouse Must We Equalize It in a California Divorce?
I am often asked questions about retirement account division in California divorces. Here’s an example: “We are getting a divorce. I have $20,000 more than my husband in my 401k. Should we do a qualified domestic relations order (QDRO) or should I make an equalizing payment?” Answer: It would be simpler to just pay him… Read More »
How to Prepare the Judicial Council Form FL-142 Asset and Debt Declaration
Getting divorced is a lot harder than getting married. Among the many steps necessary during the divorce is preparing and serving the parties preliminary disclosures. PRELIMINARY DISCLOSURES The preliminary disclosures consist of the FL-142 asset and debt declaration, the FL-140 declaration of disclosure, the FL-150 income and expense declaration. Once you have prepared all of… Read More »