Property Division

Los Angeles Community Property Attorney

Dividing community property during the marriage dissolution process would seem to be straightforward. All property, assets and debts obtained during a marriage (with some exceptions) are supposed to be divided equally between the spouses. In practice, however, dividing community property can become an extremely complex endeavor.

Identifying what is truly community property, valuing it and dividing it fairly requires an experienced community property attorney. Cooper-Gordon LLP has been advising and representing clients in divorce and community property matters for over 30 years, including many complex property division cases.

Call 310-829-9918 or 310-829-7220 for a consultation at a reduced rate. An attorney at our firm can evaluate your situation and discuss areas of potential concern. Our goal in every case is to protect our client's rights and interests.

Achieving a Fair Property Division Settlement

In working to obtain a fair division of property, Cooper-Gordon LLP closely examines every aspect of the situation. We will systematically evaluate the origins, transformations and valuations of the properties involved. In achieving a fair property division settlement, there are five key areas of inquiry:

Characterization of Property — identifying what is separate and what is marital property.

Transmutation — tracing how separate property was transformed into community property.

Valuation — valuing financial assets, debts, real property and possessions.

Division Issues — assisting with fairness issues and practical considerations regarding the division of property, such as what to do with the house. In particular, there are very tricky issues with regard to refinancing of the family residence, especially when separate property has been contributed either as the down payment or to pay down the mortgage payment. The reverse can also be troubling when a separate property residence is refinanced by the community or when the community pays the original separate property mortgage payment. Expensive litigation can ensue unless you consult a lawyer specializing in this area of law, as we do, as soon as possible, preferably when contemplating the change in ownership or refinancing of real property.

Tax Planning — minimizing the effect of taxes.

Pension Plan Survivor Benefit may not be awarded entirely to one spouse if result will be an unequal distribution of the community interest in the pension

Your situation has unique characteristics that require knowledgeable and informed counsel. The lawyers at Cooper-Gordon LLP have extensive experience with these and all other aspects of property division. We will work to achieve a fair and practical resolution of all property division issues, while protecting your rights throughout the process.

For a consultation with Cooper-Gordon LLP in our offices in Santa Monica, California, call 310-829-9918 or 310-829-7220, or contact us online. We offer initial consultations at a reduced rate.