Comprehensive Solutions to Difficult Family Law Issues

Experienced Representation For High-Asset Divorce

Property division is often one of the more complicated aspects of a divorce. Emotions can quickly escalate based on contradictory views on how mutual assets and debts were handled during the marriage and should be divided upon divorce. Community property laws apply in California, including in a high-asset divorce. It is critical to work with a financially-savvy divorce attorney when a complex asset structure and large portfolio exists when facing the dissolution of a marriage.

When the stakes are high, enlist the Law Offices of John A. Guthrie to protect your rights and battle for a fair property division through the divorce process. The family law attorneys at our firm have a substantial background representing clients throughout Alameda County who have had significant and often complex investment portfolios.Make the strategic choice to learn how our experienced lawyers can help you; call925-271-4342 now to arrange your confidential consultation.

Dividing Marital Community Property And Debt

Once the decision to divorce is made, a consultation with one of our high-asset divorce lawyers is the first step on the checklist. While normal bills will still need to be paid, it may make sense to close joint credit cards to ensure a soon-to-be-ex spouse does not increase your debt.

It is also important to begin itemizing all of your assets. If you are leaving the marital home, you may want to make copies of bank account and tax information. Our attorneys will advise when it might be necessary to bring in the help of a forensic accountant, actuary and appraiser to establish the value of your community property such as:

  • Family-owned businesses
  • Real estate property, including second homes and real estate investment ventures
  • Retirement funds, including stocks, 401(k) plans and pension plans
  • Jewelry, fine art, collectible cars and antiques
  • Complex compensation packages, including deferred stocks
  • Trust accounts and instruments

The Potential Need For Forensic Accounting

We also work with forensic accountants to trace any hidden assets or debts and determine how your assets were handled during your marriage. For example, if your estranged spouse inherited assets before getting married, and then invested the funds into your joint retirement plan, we will advocate to help you obtain a fair share of the retirement assets.

Many people may be concerned about potential hidden assets, or hidden bank accounts, and wonder if these hidden assets may be discoverable. Often, tax information may provide clues as to the existence–or location–of assets. Often, hidden assets are not necessarily hidden at all. In other situations, tracing assets through forensic accounting may complete the trail of evidence. Our lawyers have the skill, and connections to a range of accounting and financial experts who may be able to provide strong evidence on your behalf in court.

Business Or Asset Valuation Disputes

Notably, disputes over the market value of assets, including the value of a closely held business interest may complicate resolution of a property division dispute. We evaluate the specifics and know the nuances of asset division issues that allow us to choose the appropriate professionals who can provide strong evidence under the individual circumstances of your asset structure.

Similarly, we will make sure you assume no more than a roughly equal share of the marital debt. Every situation is unique. We offer a detailed approach to understand your financial framework, so we can effectively secure your legal rights. Note that mediation may be an option to help retain more control over the outcome of the divorce, process — especially when substantial assets are at stake. We can advise you an guide you through the difficult process and to achieve meaningful resolution to complex property division disputes.

Obtain Valuable Legal Advice When Facing A High-Asset Divorce

When your financial future is at stake, you need an attorney who knows how to handle the complex issues that arise with varied investments. Our attorneys have been practicing family law in Alameda County since 1990, and have the experience you need to protect your financial stability. The breakdown of a marriage involves dividing assets. However, there are many considerations that should be addressed to help ensure that the process is handled with integrity.

The division of property should not be treated through merely creating a list of assets and tearing the document in half. You need to work through many particulars to evaluate the costs and benefits of asset allocation. Liquidity of assets cost-basis, appreciation and a wide range of factors may be involved in the better course of action related to asset allocation.

Arrange Your Confidential Consultation With A Financially-Savvy Property Division Attorney

To learn how we can assist through the process, please call our office at 925-271-4342. You can also reach us by sending a message online. We are available to meet with you at our Pleasanton or Danville offices.