Irvine Divorce & Family Business Valuation Lawyer

Family Businesses, Real Estate, Investments, Complex Assets

Serving Clients in Orange County - Riverside County - Los Angeles County

Divorce is often a complex numbers game — especially if a closely-held business, complex real estate holding, or appreciating investments are involved. To make sure that your interests are properly protected, it is critical that you work with a lawyer with a strong grasp of financial issues.

At the Law Offices of Melanie L. Oldham, in Irvine, California, Melanie Oldham uses her background as a Certified Public Accountant to help clients understand the financial issues involved in the outcome of their divorces. When warranted, Ms. Oldham will conduct an in-depth investigation into the financial matters of spouses who may withhold critical information that would influence the outcome of the dissolution.

When a Spouse Owns a Small Business

Many of our clients have a spouse who owns a small business. Small businesses can make divorces more complex in several ways. The business itself may be community property in whole or in part, and must be considered marital property. In addition, the business must also be considered as your spouse's income source for matters concerning child support and spousal support (alimony).

• Determining your spouse's income: Determining the income of a small business for the purpose of calculating support orders is far more complex than just analyzing a pay-stub. Because of her financial background involving complex business interests, this is what Ms. Oldham is uniquely qualified for.
• Valuing the business and your contribution to it: Our analysis may also include the valuation of the family business itself. This may include a thorough examination to determine whether assets are properly classified. Contributions to the business may be community property or they may be separate property. Under California law, there is more than one way to value each spouse's contribution to the family business. We determine which method of valuation will bring you the best results.

Contact the Law Offices of Melanie L. Oldham

Contact us by calling 949-622-5522 for a consultation with an attorney about complicated business division issues. Off-site, evening and weekend appointments are available for our clients' convenience. We accept all major credit cards.