Property Division

Knowledgeable Property Settlement Attorney

California is a community property state. When California couples divorce, they divide all marital assets 50/50 unless there is a prenuptial agreement. At the Law Office of John A. Balent, our divorce lawyer can help you determine what is and is not marital property. We can also help you determine the true value of your assets. If you face divorce, Contact the law office of John A. Balent to talk to a responsive, detail-oriented attorney.

Marital Assets and Debts

Marital Assets

With the exception of gifts or inheritances, assets that you and your spouse have acquired since the marriage are marital assets. These may include:

• Real estate
• Personal property
• Pensions, 401(k) plans, and other retirement plans
• Business good will
• Assets acquired in business

If necessary, we work with forensic accountants and business valuators to assist us in determining the value of your estate.

Marital Debt

Marital debt may include:

• Credit card debt
• Mortgages
• Student loans acquired during marriage
• Car payments

These must also be divided between the two of you.

Hidden Assets

Sometimes, spouses try to hide assets so that they are not included in the estate. If you believe that your spouse is hiding assets, please let us know. If the divorce is already final, do not worry. You can still seek a post judgment modification requesting that those assets be split. Fortunately, there is no statute of limitations for post-judgment modifications.

Contact a property division lawyer for a free consultation on how you can protect your marital property rights.