Property Division

Protecting your assets. Securing your future.

Dividing property in divorce isn’t just about “splitting things in half.” It determines your financial future. In California, the community property system presumes that most assets and debts acquired during the marriage belong equally to both spouses. But the details are rarely simple.

At the Law Office of Jennifer L. King, PC, we help clients navigate property division with clarity and strategy. Whether your case involves a family home, multiple properties, retirement accounts, or complex business holdings, we work to ensure your interests are protected.

How California Property Division Works

• Community Property
  Generally, anything acquired during the marriage — income, real estate, retirement savings, vehicles — is considered community property and divided equally.
• Separate Property
  Property owned before marriage, inheritances, and certain gifts remain separate — but proving this often requires documentation and careful tracing.
• Mixed/Commingled Assets
  Some assets include both community and separate property interests (for example, retirement accounts started before marriage but funded during marriage). These require careful calculations to divide fairly.

Common Issues in Property Division

• Real Estate: Dividing the family home, rental properties, or out-of-state property often requires appraisals and buyout negotiations.
• Retirement Accounts: Pensions, 401(k)s, and IRAs often require a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) to divide properly.
• Businesses & Professional Practices: Valuing and dividing a closely held business or professional practice can be complex and contentious.
• Hidden Assets & Disclosure: California law requires full financial disclosure. Failing to disclose assets can result in severe penalties, including awarding the entire asset to the other spouse.
• Debt Division: Community debts, such as credit cards, tax obligations, or loans, must also be allocated fairly.

How We Help

Our role is to:

• Identify and classify assets as community or separate property.
• Work with appraisers, forensic accountants, and other experts when needed.
• Challenge hidden or undervalued assets.
• Negotiate fair settlements or litigate aggressively when necessary.
• Protect your long-term financial stability — not just today’s bottom line.

Why It Matters

Property division decisions affect your financial security for years to come. A fair and accurate division ensures you’re not left disadvantaged while also avoiding unnecessary litigation costs.



Considering Divorce or Facing Property Division?

📧 Email brigette@blackhawklitigation.com
📞 Call (925) 648-2004

We’ll review your situation, explain your options, and fight to protect what matters most.