Dividing the Home in Divorce: Understanding reimbursement for Unequal Contributions to the Down Payment of the Marital Residence. Cal. Family Code 2640
QUESTION: How is equity from a home sale divided in a California divorce if each spouse contributed to the down payment from pre-marriage funds but one spouse contributed more of the down payment from pre-marriage funds? FACTS: I got married three years ago. Shortly after marrying, we bought a house together. We both contributed to the… 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 »
Is Income Earned After I Separated from My Spouse Community Property?
Updated April 8, 2026 I am often asked questions relating to 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… Read More »
Dividing the house or other real property in a California Divorce
I am often asked questions similar to this one: Am I entitled to anything from a living trust in divorce if I paid the mortgage? My ex put the home that we are living in into a living trust before the marriage. For the last 5 years or so, I have been paying the mortgage… Read More »
Why Date of Separation Is Important in a California Divorce
The Date of Separation is an important date in your California divorce which influences the determination of community property and debt division,the confirmation of the parties’ separate assets and debts, and spousal support. Updated April 8, 2026 You’ve decided your marriage is over. You might be considering filing a Petition. Perhaps you’ve already received one…. Read More »