Taking Marital Property Division Seriously
Serving Clients in Orange County - Riverside County - Los Angeles County
At the Law Offices of Melanie L. Oldham, in Irvine, we consider the valuation and the subsequent division of community assets and debts one of the most important elements of a dissolution. We believe this because it is an area that is easily not given the time and effort it deserves.
Our goal is that no asset is overlooked or undervalued. When we handle your divorce case, we begin with the most important aspect of marital property division: accurately identifying and tracking community property assets.
We help clients determine which of their assets are considered community property and which are considered separate property. We then make sure the proper valuation methods are used as determined by the asset types. Once we have determined the value of your community property estate, we aggressively pursue the most advantageous property division possible.
This is true for clients with even the most complicated business interests, investments and real estate, as well as for California divorces that might involve concealed or hidden assets.
Traditionally, the family home used to be the most valuable asset of the marriage. Because of the declining California real estate market, it can now be one of the largest liabilities. At the Law Offices of Melanie L. Oldham, we strive to keep abreast of the latest developments in the law in order to assist divorcing parties in financial distress.
California Community Property Law
California is a community property state. This means that courts divide community property fifty/fifty in a dissolution with certain exceptions. Even though equal division is the rule, you still have options. You and your spouse may make decisions about how you want to make this division with the use of a settlement agreement. Every situation is unique — Ms. Oldham will speak personally with you from the first interview to make sure she understands your wishes and will strive to accomplish them within the California courts.
The Math in Marital Property Division
The majority of community property identification and division involves strong financial skills from your legal representative.
Melanie Oldham began her career as a Certified Public Accountant before becoming an attorney. Her background as a CPA enables her to identify and accurately resolve the financial issues that are always present in the division of the community estate, as well as in the determination of spousal support (alimony) and child support.
Contact the Law Offices of Melanie L. Oldham
Contact us by calling 949-579-9739 or toll free at 866-669-0369 for a consultation with a lawyer. Phones are answered 24 hours a day. Off-site, evening and weekend appointments are available for our clients' convenience. We accept all major credit cards.
