Back in the day, before no-fault divorce became prevalent, people who could afford to would sometimes hire private investigators (PIs) to collect evidence proving that their spouse was engaged in adultery or other wrongdoing. While people generally don’t gain an advantage in divorce by showing that their spouse was misbehaving, some spouses still consider hiring a PI to help them battle their spouse or ex-spouse in court. Some people consider using a PI to find evidence that their spouse is hiding assets, either to avoid dividing them in the divorce or paying their fair share of spousal or chi ..read more

Divorce can be a challenging and emotional time. This is especially true when it comes to dividing assets such as investments. However, there are several strategies people can employ to safeguard their investments and financial interests during a divorce. Adopting these strategies helps people navigate the complexities of asset division and protect their hard-earned investments. 1. Document financial records Keeping detailed records of all investments and financial transactions helps protect one’s interests in a divorce. Documenting ownership, acquisition dates and investment performance can p ..read more

In a high-net-worth divorce, the stakes can be substantial. Absent a valid prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, these kinds of divorces can often turn contentious and bitter when it comes time to divide the marital assets. While most couples tend to focus on the highly visible assets, like real estate, investments and business holdings, there are a lot of valuable assets that can easily get overlooked. Consider these: Intellectual property rights Patents, copyrights, trademarks and royalties derived from one spouse’s creative works or inventions can possess immense monetary potential. However ..read more

Divorce is not only an emotional journey but also a significant financial transition. Proper financial planning can help to alleviate stress and ensure a more stable future for both parties involved. Here are some crucial financial considerations to keep in mind when planning for divorce. Understand your assets and liabilities Before proceeding with a divorce, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of all marital assets and liabilities. This includes property, investments, retirement accounts, debts and any other financial obligations. Hiring a financial advisor or accountant can help en ..read more

Divorce in California presents unique challenges for high-earning executives with valuable compensation and benefits packages. Dealing with complex assets like stock options and bonuses can add confusion to an already emotionally charged divorce. Understanding how community property laws apply to executive pay and benefits can help ensure that your settlement is balanced and equitable, regardless of whether you or your spouse is the one with these assets. Marital vs. separate property: A refresher In California, any income earned during the marriage, regardless of who earned it, is joint marit ..read more

Managing technology and devices for children inspires unique challenges when a child’s primary decision-making authority rests with co-parents. As digital tools become increasingly integral to education, communication and entertainment, co-parents must navigate the complexities of setting consistent rules and boundaries for their children’s tech use, which isn’t always easy when there are two distinct households in play. This effort ultimately requires careful coordination and communication between co-parents to better ensure that technology positively influences their children’s lives rather ..read more

At least 123,941 physicians practice in California, according to the California Health Care Foundation. The unique nature of being a physician can introduce special considerations into divorces. For example, the valuation of medical practices and the high earning potential of doctors can set them apart from many other professions. Professional practice valuation Unlike many other professions, physicians often have their own practices. They involve intricate financial structures. Determining the value of a medical practice requires a thorough understanding of the unique aspects of the health ca ..read more

Property division during a divorce can significantly impact an individual’s financial health — particularly their credit score. Careful management of this division is crucial to protect your credit score and help ensure financial stability after the divorce. For many people, divorce brings a reevaluation of financial standing, with property division playing a central role. Ensuring that this process doesn’t adversely affect their credit involves strategic decisions about assets and liabilities. Strategic asset liquidation Selling assets during a divorce can be a strategic move to manage joint ..read more

When considering the factors that may contribute to the odds that your marriage ends in a divorce, make sure you think about your commute. How far you drive to work every day – and how much time you spend on the road – can be a major predictor of divorce. For example, one report claimed there is a 40% increase in divorce odds when one of the partners has a commute that exceeds 45 minutes. This is especially true right at the beginning of this arrangement. If couples can get through five years or more, then that falls all the way to a 1% increase in divorce odds. But many couples will split up ..read more

Divorce proceedings involving substantial assets require a meticulous examination of both tangible and intangible holdings. If you’re going through a high-asset divorce, you should keep an eye on often-overlooked intangible assets that may be concealed. In the pursuit of an equitable division of assets, forensic accountants may play a pivotal role. Their knowledge extends to uncovering hidden income, undisclosed accounts and intricate financial structures. If you are concerned about the concealment of intangible assets on the part of your spouse, it may be time to speak with your attorney abou ..read more