Los Angeles High-Net Worth Divorce Lawyer

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At Fernandez Law Group, our proficient high-net-worth divorce lawyers can adeptly navigate your nuanced legal and financial intricacies, ensuring an equitable distribution of assets while safeguarding our client’s interests. 

When substantial assets and diverse financial interests, such as real estate, business ventures,  investments, retirement accounts, and valuable personal property in California, are at stake in a divorce, the complexities are heightened. This is especially true in high-net-worth divorces,  which present unique and intricate challenges that demand the specialized experience of a seasoned Los Angeles high-net-worth divorce attorney.  

We provide critical experience in issues such as tax implications, spousal support, and the valuation of unique assets, ensuring compliance with California’s community property laws.  Moreover, we can manage the heightened emotional and strategic challenges accompanying high-net-worth divorces, offering strategic guidance and effective representation in negotiations or litigation, ultimately protecting our client’s financial futures and personal well-being.

In a high-net-worth divorce, the stakes are higher, and even the smallest oversight can have a lasting impact on our clients’ futures. Our Los Angeles County divorce attorneys are committed to leaving no detail to chance, meticulously attending to each aspect of the case to ensure our client’s security and peace of mind.  

Our Certified Family Law Specialists:

  • Help clients navigate complex property divisions.
  • Have more than fifty years of experience in family law disputes.
  • Are dedicated to securing the best possible outcome in your divorce.

Call Fernandez Law Group in Los Angeles to schedule a complimentary consultation and learn more about the high-net-worth divorce process. 

Understanding Los Angeles High-Net Worth Claims

Partner with Our Skilled High-Net-Worth Divorce Attorneys in Los  Angeles, California

The Los Angeles high-net-worth divorce lawyers at Fernandez Law Group will handle all aspects of your divorce, relieving you of the burden and ensuring a smooth process.

These include, but are not limited to:

We have experts who value financial assets like stock, retirement accounts, and other investments. We can also offer advice regarding the effect of divorce decisions on income taxes.  

Fernandez Law Group’s high-net-worth divorce lawyers in Los Angeles can also: • Finalize any transfers of real property.

  • Prepare the necessary orders to divide retirement accounts.
  • Calculate and finalize any child support payments or agreements.
  • Negotiate or litigate alimony or spousal support payments.
  • Finalize your divorce through litigation or a form of alternative dispute resolution.

Speak with a high-net-worth divorce attorney in Los Angeles County at Fernandez Law Group before taking action in your divorce case. You must consult with an experienced attorney and develop a divorce strategy before making significant decisions about your future to ensure you are fully informed and prepared for the complexities of your case.

Our lawyers provide critical insights into divorce’s legal, financial, and emotional ramifications,  guiding clients through the process with experience tailored to their unique circumstances. By developing a strategic plan, our clients can make informed decisions regarding future financial security. This proactive approach helps avoid costly mistakes, mitigates risks, and ensures that all aspects of our client’s interests are protected. Contact our trusted high-net-worth divorce attorneys in Los Angeles today to learn how we can help you. 

What is Considered a High-Net-Worth Divorce in Los Angeles, California?

In California, a high-net-worth divorce is any divorce in which one spouse has more than one million dollars in assets. High-net-worth divorces raise the level of scrutiny employed by the court when reviewing spouses’ financial records.  

The court reviews the following types of assets in a high-net-worth divorce:

  •  Retirement accounts like 401k’s and pensions.
  • Shared business interests, including spouse-owned businesses, partnerships, and investments.
  • Real property holdings.
  • Out-of-state and international assets.

For high-net-worth spouses, submitting accurate financial information to the court during a divorce is crucial for ensuring a fair and equitable division of assets. The court relies on detailed financial disclosures to assess the value of various assets, determine appropriate spousal and child support, and make informed decisions about property distribution.  

Inaccurate or incomplete information can lead to legal consequences, including penalties,  unfavorable rulings, and potential accusations of fraud. Providing correct financial data helps facilitate transparent negotiations and ensures that both parties’ financial interests are adequately protected.

Is California a Community Property State?

California is a community property state. Any property spouses acquire during the marriage is considered marital or community property. All community property is subject to equal division by the court, except for property excluded explicitly by a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement and separate property of the spouses.

As it is practically impossible to divide the marital property into equal halves, the court first totals the net worth of the community assets. It then subtracts this amount from any community debts. Any remaining asset value is divided in half between the spouses. Spouses may leave assets whole and take marital assets of approximately equal value in a divorce.  

All community assets are included in the marital property division, including, but not limited to: 

  • Real property.
  • The marital home.
  • Vehicles.
  • Recreational vehicles.
  • Household goods.
  • Furniture.
  • Jewelry.
  • Stocks, bonds, and certificates of deposit.
  • Checking and savings accounts.
  • Pensions and retirement accounts.
  • Savings accounts.

Understanding the distinction between community property and separate property is imperative when high-value assets are in play. Spouses may fiercely disagree over an asset’s appropriate classification to not share that particular asset.

What is Considered Separate Property in California?

Separate property belongs to one spouse alone. It is not a part of community property and is not subject to division in a California divorce.  

Separate property may include:

  • Property owned by a spouse before marriage.
  • Any earnings, rents, profits, or interest from a spouse’s separate property. • Any property inherited or gifted to one spouse alone.
  • Any asset acquired by a spouse during the marriage using their separate property. • Anything a spouse acquires after the date of separation using separate property.
  • Any portion of retirement, pension, or profit-sharing plan earned before a couple marries or after the date of separation in a divorce.

Property must be traceable back to its separate source to remain separate. Once property mixes or becomes commingled with marital property, there is an argument that property is marital.  

Identifying and Classifying Property in a High-Net-Worth Divorce in  Los Angeles, California

It is crucial to ensure that all property interests are disclosed in a high-net-worth divorce. A  listing of all property and debts must be included whenever a divorce is filed. This includes separate property as well as marital or community property.

This list is the first step in ensuring all assets are classified appropriately in a high-net-worth divorce.

Why is the Date of Separation Important to California Divorce  Proceedings?

The date of separation is the date one spouse formally informs the other that they intend to end the marriage. This is typically the date one spouse moves out of the marital home. Community property, as well as community debts and income, stops accumulating after the date of separation.

California High-Net-Worth Divorces Are Complicated and Require  Trusted Legal Help

Any divorce can be complicated. Before it is finalized, spouses must agree on many things,  including child custody, child support, and alimony. They also have to figure out how to divide any marital assets. Dividing assets can be stressful when complex and difficult to liquidate or assess.  

Property interests that can make a high-net-worth divorce more complicated are as follows: 

  • Commercial or residential real estate holdings.
  • Family business interests.
  • Ownership interests in non-family businesses.
  • Partnership interests.
  • Investments.
  • Offshore accounts.
  • Retirement benefits (e.g., Pensions, IRAs, 401(k) plans, profit-sharing plans, stock options).
  • Inheritance.
  • Trusts.
  • Intellectual property (e.g., patents).
  • Qualified Domestic Relations Orders.
  • Family homes, vehicles, and boats.
  • Other high-value assets.

Meticulous attention to these intricate details helps craft tailored legal strategies that address both parties’ unique financial dynamics and long-term implications. Ultimately, ensuring every detail is accounted for is crucial to achieving a fair and comprehensive settlement that secures the financial stability and well-being of the involved parties.

Moreover, a well-crafted strategy can facilitate more efficient negotiations, reducing the likelihood of contentious disputes and fostering a smoother transition into post-divorce life.  Early on, consulting with an experienced attorney empowers high-net-worth individuals to navigate their divorce with confidence and clarity, securing a stable and fair outcome.

Understanding the Distinction Between Separate Property and Community Property

It is imperative to understand the distinction between separate property and community property when high-value assets are in play. Spouses may fiercely disagree over an asset’s appropriate classification to not share that particular asset. 

How Do High-Net-Worth Divorces in Los Angeles Impact Spousal  Support?

Spousal support can be awarded whenever discrepancies exist between spouses’ income and financial needs. Generally speaking, if one spouse earns less money, they can request and secure spousal support. This is true even if the lower-earning spouse still makes significant money or has substantial financial interests.  

During the pendency of a divorce, the court may order temporary spousal support to allow the parties to maintain their living situations. Permanent spousal support is based on the  circumstances of each party and:

  • The standard of living enjoyed during the marriage.
  • The respective needs of each party.
  • The ability of the supporting spouse to pay support.

The decision to order spousal support, in what amount, and for how long is wholly up to the court during a high-net-worth divorce because it ensures that these determinations are made impartially and based on a comprehensive evaluation of various factors.  

The court examines each party’s financial situation to ensure the spousal support order is fair and equitable. The complexity and substantial value of assets require careful analysis to prevent any undue advantage or disadvantage to either party. We can help you understand how the court will review the legal threshold for receiving or against paying spousal support so you can make informed decisions about the direction of your case. Contact our Los Angeles high-net-worth divorce attorneys today to learn more.  

What Statutory Factors are Considered in a California Spousal  Support Award

While the court ultimately decides whether a spouse receives support in a divorce, statutory factors are used when determining the amount and duration of an award.  

These are as follows:

  • If the spouse requesting support significantly contributed to the other’s education,  training, license, or career position.
  • If the spouses can maintain the same standard of living established during the marriage,  based on their earning capacity.
  • The separate property of each spouse.
  • The obligations and assets of each spouse.
  • The duration of the marriage.
  • The supporting spouse’s ability to pay spousal support based on income, assets, standard of living, and earning capacity.
  • If the spouse requesting support can work without significantly interfering with the interests of minor children in their custody.
  • The age of the spouses.
  • The health of the spouses.
  • Any consideration of emotional distress resulting from domestic violence. • Any tax consequences to the spouses if spousal support were awarded. • Hardships suffered by the spouses.
  • If the spouse seeking support could become self-supporting within a reasonable time. • Any other factors the court considers equitable.

Spousal support is not always awarded in high-net-worth divorces because both parties’ financial independence and substantial assets can render support unnecessary. In many high-net-worth cases, spouses may have significant individual wealth, successful careers, or substantial income-generating assets that provide financial security without additional support.  

If both spouses are financially stable and capable of maintaining their standard of living post-divorce, the court may determine that spousal support is not warranted. Additionally, prenuptial or postnuptial agreements, standard in high-net-worth marriages, may include provisions that waive spousal support, further influencing the court’s decision.

Our skilled high-net-worth divorce lawyers in Los Angeles can help you understand how your specific financial circumstances will impact every aspect of your California divorce, starting with a complimentary consultation.  

Does California Have a Ten-Year Rule When It Comes to Spousal  Support?

Contrary to belief, California has no “ten-year rule” regarding spousal support. However, a spousal support award in California is usually half the length of any marriage lasting fewer than ten years.  

There is no fixed term of spousal support for marriages lasting more than ten years. The paying spouse is responsible for proving that support is no longer necessary at some future date.

Most spousal support in California allows the receiving spouse to gain the education or training needed to become self-supporting. Lifetime spousal support is only ordered when the receiving spouse cannot maintain employment.

There is a lot of misinformation about spousal support in high-net-worth divorces due to widespread misconceptions and sensationalized media portrayals that often focus on extreme cases or unusual settlements.  

These myths can create a skewed understanding of how spousal support is determined, leading to unfounded fears and unrealistic expectations. In reality, spousal support decisions are based on a thorough assessment of various factors, including both parties’ financial needs and contributions.  

Our knowledgeable Los Angeles high-net-worth divorce attorneys can help set the record straight by providing accurate information and personalized guidance, explaining the legal criteria and processes involved in spousal support decisions. By debunking myths and clarifying the facts,  we can help our clients approach their divorces with a clear understanding of their rights and obligations, ensuring informed decision-making and fair outcomes.

At Fernandez Law Group, Our Attorneys also focus on the following areas:

The best way to ensure that your assets are appropriately valued is by working with reputable financial experts and advisors. At Fernandez Law Group, our Los Angeles high-net-worth divorce lawyers have established relationships and contacts with some of the best financial advisors and forensic accountants in the greater Los Angeles area. We work closely with these experts to analyze, audit, and assess your property interests.

A high net worth divorce can be stressful. That is why you must have the help of an attorney who knows the stakes and understands how these issues must be handled. Contact Fernandez Law Group today to schedule your consultation with our skilled legal team. 

One of our professionals will review your circumstances and design a strategy to make your desires a reality. Call us to get started today.

Contact an Experienced High-Net-Worth Divorce Attorneys in Los  Angeles, California

Call Our Los Angeles Lawyer For Your High-Net-Worth Case

The best way to ensure that your assets are appropriately valued is by working with reputable financial experts and advisors. At Fernandez Law Group, our Los Angeles high net-worth divorce lawyers have established relationships and contacts with some of the best financial advisors and forensic accountants in the greater Los Angeles area. We work closely with these experts to analyze, audit, and assess your property interests.

A high-net-worth divorce can be stressful. That is why you need the help of an attorney who knows the stakes and understands how to handle these issues. Contact Fernandez Law Group today to schedule your consultation with our skilled legal team.

One of our professionals will review your circumstances and design a strategy to make your desires a reality. Call us to get started today.

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