
The Law Offices of
Howell & Howell
1250 East Walnut Street,
Suite 140
Pasadena, CA 91106
Office: 626.568.1900
Fax: 626.568.1904
E-mail: info@howellfamilylaw.com
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Dependency Matters Handled in the Counties of:
San Bernardino I Ventura I Riverside I Los Angeles CA
Do I need an attorney for my divorce?
Whether or not you need an attorney is a decision you must...Learn More
How do I begin the divorce proceedings?
After you have hired an attorney, you will need to fill out...Learn More
What is child custody and visitation?
In a divorce or paternity action, the court has juridiction...Learn More
Do I need an attorney to file for protection?
No, most courts have a special office and personnel to...Learn More
The distribution of marital assets and debts can be a very complex matter. Property division is among the most frequently litigated topics in divorce matters. If you have substantial assets or debts, you want to ensure you have proper legal representation to protect your interests. The manner in which property is divided today can impact you in the future.
At the Law Offices of Howell & Howell, our Pasadena family law attorneys and divorce lawyers provide experienced representation regarding property division to men and women throughout the San Gabriel Valley, San Fernando Valley and Inland Empire areas.
We provide you with information and advice based on over 13 years of combined experience. At our family law firm, we strive to remove as much stress as possible from the divorce process. You will feel comfort in the knowledge that your matter is in capable hands.
For additional information about the benefits of retaining our services, visit Our Qualities and Qualifications page. You can also visit our About Us page for more information about our attorneys.
There are basically two overriding issues when dividing assets (and debts): whether certain property is a marital asset or not and determining the value of certain assets and debts.
Determining whether property should be classified as marital or separate is often straightforward. If you brought property or debt into the marriage, then it’s your separate property or debt, subject to any transmutation of the character of the property during the marriage. If it was property obtained during the marriage, then there is a presumption that it is marital property, but again that will be subject to any valid transmutation that may have occurred during the marriage.
;Most problems involving property arise when a “transmutation” occurs, a process that shifts an asset or debt from being separate property to being marital property or vice versa. For example, if one spouse brings a house into the marriage, but then improvements and mortgage payments on the house are made with money obtained during the marriage, the house, in whole or in part, may become marital property. In addition, parties must consider the appreciation or depreciation of the house’s value that took place during the marriage. These types of issues can complicate property division matters.
Valuation issues can be just as complex, especially when assets such as small businesses, stock options, professional practices and collectibles are involved. Many of these items require valuation experts to determine their true value.
Whether you have a classification issue or a valuation issue, you should seek experienced counsel to ensure your interests are properly protected.
For additional information about the distribution of property in California, or to discuss your particular situation with an experienced family law attorney, schedule a consultation in our office by calling us at (626) 568-1900, or if you prefer, fill out our intake form and we will contact you.
Helping clients in transition...Call today.
For additional information and answers to frequently asked questions about California divorce and family law matters, be sure to visit our Divorce and Family Law FAQs page.