Solutions and Fairness in Dividing the Marital Estate
California is a community property state, meaning that both spouses are entitled to an equal share of the community property assets in divorce. However, splitting the estate in half is easier said than done. There are many complicating factors, especially for business owners, corporate executives, professionals and other high net worth individuals.
Securing your fair share without a protracted legal battle requires knowledge, strategy and creativity. The experienced Santa Monica divorce attorneys of Trabolsi & Levy provide clients with information and workable options to settle even high conflict and high profile disputes over marital property. We represent women and men throughout greater Los Angeles and Southern California.
Santa Monica Attorneys for Complex Marital Assets
Our lawyers bring decades of combined experience in divorce litigation, negotiation and alternative dispute resolution. We have handled every facet of complex property division and high-asset divorce:
- Marital property versus separate property
- Ownership stake in a business
- Stock options and other deferred compensation
- Complicated retirement plans
- Golden parachutes (severance packages)
- Marital debts
- Intellectual property rights
- Professional practice
- High-value homes
- Second homes or property outside of California
- Offshore accounts or hidden assets
- Validity of prenuptial agreements
We are particularly attuned to considerations for business ownership. We understand that the goodwill of the company must be protected. Does the business entity need its own legal representation? What is the present value and potential profitability? Are there noncompete or confidentiality agreements? What is the value of undeveloped intellectual property? What trade-offs will compensate the spouse for equity in the business?
A fair settlement requires agreement on the value of assets. We have a network of experts such as real estate appraisers and business valuation specialists to determine, for divorce purposes, the value of a business or professional practice, real property, pension, fine art or other assets. Accurate valuation makes all the difference, especially for high net worth clients. A home appraisal of $4 million versus $5 million, for instance, can have a substantial effect on buyout negotiations, refinancing, child support, alimony and other facets of the divorce and property settlement. Our seasoned trial lawyers are prepared to litigate a battle of the experts, but we strive to reach an out-of-court consensus on what the estate is worth as foundation for a fair, practical and efficient split of the community estate.
Los Angeles Complex Property Division Attorneys
We have a sophisticated understanding of the legal and financial issues in high-asset divorces, as well as our clients' need for confidentiality. Call Trabolsi & Levy at 310-584-7714 or toll free at 888-871-6245 or contact us online to arrange a confidential consultation.
