Atherton Complex Divorce Lawyer

Atherton Complex Divorce Attorney

Learning that your marriage has come to an end may be one of the hardest realizations you ever have. Marriage is supposed to be forever, but many do not last that long. No one gets married expecting to one day endure a divorce. Things can get even worse if you have a particularly complex divorce involving high-value assets and business interests. You may want to consider reaching out to an Atherton complex divorce lawyer for help in finalizing your situation.

The legal team at the Law Offices of Rod Firoozye understands how tough and unrelenting a complex divorce can get. Throughout your case, you may be understandably concerned about your various assets, including your business interests, real estate properties, and more. You don’t want to end up losing a good amount of what you have in a contentious divorce you failed to prepare for. That’s where a good complex divorce lawyer comes into play. We can help you. Schedule a consultation today! 

What Is a Complex Divorce?

In California, according to recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the divorce rate remains fairly low, hovering around 9% as of 2022. Still, that doesn’t mean divorce is uncommon in California. If it happens to you, it can be emotionally draining and impact your mental health. You may want to consider reaching out to a local divorce support group, such as DivorceCare. Talking to someone about your situation can be beneficial for your health.

Atherton is home to many high-net-worth individuals, making complex divorce cases involving significant assets, business interests, and real estate common in the area. Under California law, community property and debts are divided equally, but complex cases may require detailed financial disclosures, mediation, or even trial if spouses cannot agree.

A divorce becomes complex when it involves significant assets, various business interests, and intricate legalities that generally do not come up in a typical California divorce. Overall, a complex divorce follows roughly the same trajectory as a regular divorce. Assets are divided, child custody agreements are made, and prenuptial agreements are enforced when applicable. Here are some specific situations that you may only find in a complex divorce:

• Hidden assets: Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for your spouse to attempt to hide assets from you in a complex divorce. Hiding assets in a divorce is considered a crime under California state law and could seriously impact the divorce settlement in favor of the one being taken advantage of. The spouse hiding assets could face criminal charges and would likely be villainized by the court.
• High-value assets: In a divorce in California, all community property is divided amongst the two parties getting divorced. Community property is property acquired during the marriage. Separate property is held back from division. In a complex divorce, community property may include serious high-value assets like investments, real estate, business interests, and stocks. It is vital that you have the total value of these assets appraised.
• Financial disputes: In a complex divorce, financial disputes are all but inevitable. When one spouse is poised to lose a significant amount in asset division or spousal support, they may react emotionally.It can be hard to figure out how much spousal support is owed and which spouse must pay it. This is something your spouse may fight hard against. Additionally, your divorce may impact your tax bracket, which is something you should consider.
• Emotional and mental strain: Whether a divorce involves high-value assets or no assets at all, it can be a significant strain on your emotional and mental health. At the end of the day, you are ending your marriage and walking away from your spouse, likely for good. It’s okay to take a moment to consider the many changes affecting your life. The right lawyer can take control of your case and give you a chance to grieve your marriage.

If you are facing a complex divorce in Atherton or the surrounding Bay Area, having the right legal advocate is essential to protect your interests and secure a fair outcome. Rod Firoozye, a Certified Family Law Specialist since 2004, brings decades of experience and a distinguished record in handling high-asset, high-conflict cases. Contact The Law Offices of Rod Firoozye today to put proven expertise and dedicated support on your side during your complex divorce

FAQs

Q: Should I Tell My Divorce Lawyer Everything?

A: Yes, you should absolutely tell your divorce lawyer everything. They cannot do their job effectively if they do not have all the facts. No matter how embarrassing, difficult, or illegal certain facts may be, you should inform your lawyer so they can do their job right. This includes potential infidelity, hiding assets, and more. Your lawyer is bound by attorney-client privilege, so you don’t have to worry about any of this information being disclosed publicly.

Q: What Are the Advantages of Using an Attorney when Divorcing?

A: There are many advantages when it comes to hiring a lawyer for your divorce. You have unlimited access to legal knowledge that can inform and guide you if you hit any setbacks. You have someone who can navigate complex legal issues as they arise and won’t fold under pressure if the time comes to face a difficult decision. Ultimately, you are hiring someone to deal with the difficult parts of your divorce.

Q: How Can I Get a Free Divorce in California?

A: There are several ways to reduce costs or get a free divorce in California. However, the costs of a divorce may extend beyond legal fees. If you know your divorce is going to be uncontested and fairly amicable, you may not want to hire a lawyer at all. You may also be able to apply for a fee waiver from the court that allows you to avoid paying the required filing fee for your divorce paperwork.

Q: How Is a Divorce Settlement Calculated in California?

A: Generally, a divorce settlement in California is calculated through community property law. This state law ensures an equal distribution of community property. Each spouse is entitled to 50% of all marital assets, property, and debts acquired during the marriage. Any separate property acquired before the marriage is not taken into consideration. A prenuptial agreement may modify the divorce settlement.

Reach Out to a Complex Divorce Lawyer Today

Getting divorced can be difficult enough without also having to worry about what’s going to happen to your significant estate and high-value assets. You should consider hiring an experienced complex divorce lawyer who can help you determine the right course of action for your case.

The legal team at the Law Offices of Rod Firoozye can provide you with the resources you need to handle your complex divorce. Contact us to speak to a member of our team who can help you.