When couples go through a divorce in California, one of the most common points of contention involves the division of …

Continue reading “Are Gifts Separate or Community Property in a Divorce?”

The case of Rich v. Southern California IBEW held that upon the Alternate Payee’s death, the retiree will receive the …

Continue reading “Full Pension Benefit Restores After Death Of Alternate Payee”

In the case of Mejia v. Reed, 2002 DJDAR 3455 the Court of Appeal for the Sixth Appellate District concluded …

Continue reading “Fraudlent Transfers And Marital Property Settlements”

My oldest sibling, my sister, passed away two years ago. She did not leave a large estate, but even more …

Continue reading “Family Law’s Perspective on Estate Planning”

An interesting situation arises when, during a marriage, the spouses take title to their real property and, for whatever reason, …

Continue reading “Spousal Property Transfers and Quit Claim Deeds Explained”

For the spouse who wants to keep the family home, it is a sanctuary. For the spouse who wants to …

Continue reading “Who Gets the House in Divorce? Buyouts, Sales, and Legal Options”

Divorce presents many financial challenges. If you’ve acquired significant 401k funds during marriage, your retirement account may be at the …

Continue reading “Divorce and Retirement – Options For Your 401k Plan”

Under California’s community property guidelines, the Family Law courts are to divide all assets and debts of the marriage equally …

Continue reading “Pension and Retirement Division in Divorce”

Under Family Code, Section 760, generally, property that is acquired during marriage is considered community property. This is a pretty …

Continue reading “Determining If Property Is Community Is Not Always So Easy”

A California appellate court has ruled on whether a non-participant spouse can transfer their community property interest in undistributed retirement …

Continue reading “Designating Successors”