In a high-net-worth divorce, dividing investment property may become one of the biggest bones of contention during negotiations over asset division. Unlike other types of assets, commercial or residential properties tend to more reliably appreciate in value, as well as providing an ongoing source of income. Thus, both members of the couple may be loath to give up their share of such assets when it comes time to divide marital property.   Deciding who ultimately gets to keep an investment property is almost invariably a complicated issue. How to determine what each party is entitled to, as ..read more

The division of assets in a divorce can have lasting repercussions for both parties, which is why it so frequently becomes one of the most contentious parts of dissolving a marriage. Partners often have competing views on what each is entitled to, and in situations where a business, real estate investments, or complex assets are at stake, it may be difficult to obtain a clear picture of marital assets versus separate property. To complicate the situation further, one partner may attempt to tip the financial scales in their own favor through underhanded means such as hiding assets, undervaluing ..read more

When a couple decides to divorce, dividing their shared property, assets, and liabilities and determining what support obligations are appropriate are a major part of unraveling their former life together. This process is often also a major source of acrimony, especially if one spouse feels that they should be entitled to a greater share of marital property than would be allowed by law. California is a community property state, which means that in the absence of a prenuptial or similar agreement, property and debts acquired during a marriage belong to both spouses equally. This simple fact may ..read more

It’s not shocking that pro-athlete divorces are at a much higher rate than the national average. The marriages of professional athletes suffer under a unique set of stressors. Those at the height of their careers can bring in staggering amounts of wealth from generous contracts, endorsements, and licensing deals. At the same time, however, they’re under intense pressure to perform, enduring grueling hours on the road and away from family as they train and compete. And what about the fame that comes with success? It may feel like a welcome reward for years of effort, but public scrutiny and the ..read more

In the high-pressure, high-profile world of professional sports, athletes often have little time to devote to family life, and little privacy in which to address marital troubles with their spouse. Unfortunately, this leads to a relatively high percentage of professional athletes’ marriages ending in divorce. When the couple has children, this means that the divorce settlement won’t just involve asset division and spousal support but will also include a determination of child support owed. Depending on the age of the children at the time of the divorce, this could result in an ongoing financia ..read more

In divorce cases where a spouse has a diagnosed or suspected mental illness, that fact can impact property division, spousal support, and child custody. Yet often in divorce, parties are quick to say that their ex is “crazy,” incapable of taking care of themselves, much less others, and not to be trusted. Maybe it’s true that one parent’s past behavior has been erratic or even dangerous. Maybe they do have a debilitating mental illness. Or maybe these kinds of statements are exaggerations, if not completely baseless, made by one spouse to try to hurt their ex and influence the court.   Wh ..read more

If you suffer from a mental illness, like many in the US do, going through divorce can come with additional worries and stress—namely, the fear that your condition will cause you to lose custody of your children. In fact, your spouse may already be using your mental illness as a threat, claiming you’ll never see your kids again after the divorce. However, having a diagnosed mental health condition does not automatically mean a parent loses the ability to care for their child. It also does not mean the court will automatically award full custody to the other parent.   Unfortunately, unfoun ..read more

When a marriage ends in divorce, finances are just one aspect of the major upheaval both parties will face. Splitting one household into two has obvious costs that inevitably influence negotiations as you try to reach an equitable asset division agreement and prepare to grapple with your financial responsibilities after divorce. Unfortunately, though, it’s often the case that those in the middle of divorce proceedings, under severe stress and dealing with strong emotions, don’t think about foreseeable but less-obvious costs that can erode the value of their settlement and support. Here’s what ..read more

The final months of the year are a time of anticipation for beloved family holidays, but they can also be a source of heightened stress for divorced parents. If you’re already experiencing friction over your custody schedule, the compromises necessary to make any joint custody holiday calendar work may seem harder to achieve than ever. Even co-parents who ordinarily maintain a mutually respectful relationship where their children are concerned can find themselves clashing over holiday visitation.   To minimize the chances of conflict during the holiday season and to preserve your rights i ..read more

Are you afraid of facing relocation denial post divorce? After divorce, a parent may wish to move out of the area where they and their ex-spouse live for any of a variety of reasons. But while an adult has the legal right to move wherever they wish, they don’t necessarily have the right to take the children of that previous marriage with them. To the parent seeking to move, the benefits might seem obvious, but when parents don’t agree on a proposed relocation, it is up to a judge to decide if a child goes or stays. Whether you are hoping to move out of state or internationally with your childr ..read more