11Oct 2021 by Pat Geddie
Issues that You Need to Resolve in a Divorce

Issues that You Need to Resolve in a Divorce

Divorce
While divorce is an emotional decision, it is also a strict legal process. The law requires you to resolve many different issues before the family court will dissolve your marriage. Resolving such matters can go smoother in some cases than in others, and it helps to have a Long Beach divorce lawyer helping you through the process. Common Issues California law requires you to resolve any of the following that apply to your marriage during the divorce process: Community Property Division - Any property you acquired during marriage or an increase in property value during marriage will need to be divided as equally as possible. This includes your home, vehicles, personal property and belongings, financial assets, and debts. Spousal Maintenance - Maintenance is not requested in every divorce, but when…
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11Oct 2021 by Pat Geddie
Are You Unsure About Your Divorce Case?

Are You Unsure About Your Divorce Case?

Divorce
Deciding to end your marriage is a life-changing decision, and many people understandably go back and forth on what they want to do. Do you file for divorce and move on? Do you keep trying to work on your marriage? This is a personal decision that only you can make. In some cases, you might be unsure about a divorce, and a Huntington Beach divorce lawyer can inform you of your options. Legal Separation Instead of ending your marriage completely, you might elect to seek a legal separation. This means that you live separately from your spouse, but also can have protections when it comes to finances and child custody. If you decide to reconcile, you can withdraw the legal separation. If you decide to proceed with a divorce, you…
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01Jul 2021 by Pat Geddie
Is Your Spouse Hiding Assets?

Is Your Spouse Hiding Assets?

Divorce
There are many things that you might worry about in a divorce - who will get the family home? How will you cover your expenses without your spouse’s income? How will you share time with your children? One thing you might not consider is that your spouse would try to gain the upper hand financially in your divorce by hiding assets. Hiding assets can significantly impact how community property is distributed in a divorce. If your spouse is able to conceal some of your shared property or assets from you, those assets might not be at issue in your divorce. This means that you will not get your 50 percent share of the assets that you deserve under California law. Hiding assets can take many forms, and some of them…
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03May 2021 by Pat Geddie
Benefits of a Premarital Agreement

Benefits of a Premarital Agreement

Divorce
Premarital agreements make a lot of people uncomfortable. For many, they think that making plans for a potential breakup of the marriage is the same thing as expecting it to fail. The reality is, however, that premarital agreements can protect everyone’s future and may even make a marriage better. What are Premarital Agreements? Premarital agreements, also known as “prenuptial agreements” or simply “prenups,” are contracts into which people who are getting married can enter. They usually address the way that the finances will be handled in the event that the marriage ends or certain events happen. For example, a premarital agreement could include terms that keep certain assets solely in the name of one spouse or that prevent the other party from seeking maintenance in the event of infidelity. Premarital…
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10Jan 2021 by Pat Geddie
Divorce Negotiations

Divorce Negotiations

Divorce
When two people decide to get divorced, it is often because they are having trouble agreeing on certain issues in their lives. They then face the conundrum that a divorce can be much easier if spouses can reach agreements on all major issues, including child custody, child support, spousal support, and community property division. The good news is that spouses do not have to agree on everything from the outset in order to avoid litigation and save resources. Instead, the right California divorce lawyer can facilitate negotiations and other options for you to try to reach an agreement out of court. First, each spouse and their respective attorneys will trade information, so all parties have the full picture of finances and other circumstances of the marriage. Then, the attorneys can…
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04Jan 2021 by Pat Geddie
Are You Considering Divorce for 2021?

Are You Considering Divorce for 2021?

Divorce
2020 was a difficult year for most people, whether it was challenging financially, emotionally, or both. Families felt a lot of pressure, and marriages were certainly challenged. If you believe that you cannot resolve the conflict between you and your spouse - or you think your spouse wants to end the marriage - do not hesitate to learn the steps you can take to prepare for divorce and protect your rights. Learn about Your Options Knowing your options for how divorce cases proceed in California can help you get an idea of what to expect. An attorney can assess your situation and advise you which of the following might be the course of your divorce: UncontestedContestedMediationCollaborative divorce The type of divorce you will have will depend on your goals and…
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05Feb 2020 by Pat Geddie
Is Your Spouse Hiding Assets?

Is Your Spouse Hiding Assets?

Divorce
In a divorce case, California law requires that spouses divide all community property equally. This means that absent a valid prenuptial agreement, you are entitled to half of the total property and assets you acquired during your marriage. While this seems like a fairly straightforward requirement, many spouses might try to conceal assets or engage in other deceptive tactics to try to keep more than their fair share in a divorce. There are different ways your spouse might try to hide assets in your divorce, such as: Failing to disclose certain accounts or propertyDevaluing property or understating asset values Understating or delaying incomeMaking large purchasesGiving away assets to others until after the divorceMoving assets to secret accounts Fair divorce outcomes are dependent on open and honest disclosures regarding income, property,…
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21Nov 2019 by Pat Geddie
Preparing for a Divorce Case

Preparing for a Divorce Case

Divorce
Most people do not get married while anticipating a divorce case down the road. However, many people might have a feeling that divorce is in their future before a case is filed. If you are in this situation, there are some things you can do to prepare for a possible divorce. Gather Important Documents It is important to have a picture of your financial situation going into a divorce. Further, when your spouse learns about the divorce, they might try to make it difficult for you to access certain records or information. In advance, it is wise to gather the following (among any other relevant documents): Bank statementsInvestment accountsCredit card and loan statementsSocial security cards and birth certificates for the whole familyInventory of personal propertyTitles and deedsRetirement accountsPay statements for…
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