Getting a divorce is one of life’s most complicated endeavors, especially for couples with kids and high-value assets. You will have many legal challenges to face and emotional issues to overcome along your divorce journey. Otherwise, you might risk losing what matters to you the most.
What are your main divorce goals? Whether obtaining a fair property settlement or ensuring child access, you must know your rights to preserve them.
Marital property matters
California is a community property state, meaning marital property and debts are split 50/50, generally. However, owning complex assets like those below can complicate the property division process and potentially threaten your share.
- Real estate
- Investment accounts
- Business interests
- Stocks options
- Cryptocurrencies
- Intellectual property
- Valuable art or jewelry
Two issues that could endanger your right to a fair property settlement include improper asset valuation and the possibility of hidden assets.
Child-related matters
A major divorce concern for most parents is losing access to their children. Many fear unfair child custody orders above all other worries. You may rest easier knowing that California courts strive to make custody decisions that serve the best interests of children.
Judges typically look at several relevant factors when determining how to protect a child’s best interests in the custody order. For example, they will want to know which parent can provide the most stable home for the kids.
You may not know this, but parents have a right to create a child custody plan outside the court. In most situations, custom plans meet everyone’s needs and schedule better than court-ordered custody arrangements. When parents cannot agree, the court will make these decisions instead.
Someone knowledgeable about the complexities that accompany high-asset divorces can show you how to protect your child access and property rights.