Contact Us Today 951-715-4632

Cullen Family Law Group
  • Home
  • About
  • Attorneys
    • Heather M. Cullen, CFLS
    • Alexandria Jaquay, CFLS
    • Moonazza “Mona” Naqvi
    • Da Nikka Huss
  • Services
    • Family Law
    • Divorce
    • Child Custody & Visitation
    • Child Support
    • Estate Planning In Divorce
    • Guardianship & Adoption
    • Legal Separation
    • Military Divorce
    • Property Division
    • Spousal Support
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Media
    • Articles
    • California Certified Family Law Specialists
  • Contact
Cullen Family Law Group
  • Home
  • Firm Overview
  • Attorney Profiles
    • Heather M. Cullen, CFLS
    • Alexandria Jaquay, CFLS
    • Moonazza “Mona” Naqvi
    • Da Nikka Huss
  • Practice Areas
    • Family Law
    • Divorce
    • Child Custody And Visitation
    • Child Support
    • Domestic Violence
    • Guardianship & Adoption
    • Legal Separation
    • Military Divorce
    • Property Division
    • Spousal Support
  • Client Recommendations
  • Blog
  • Media
    • Articles
    • California-Certified Family Law Specialists
    • Video Center
  • Contact
  • x Close
EMAIL

CALL

Fast. Fair. Thorough.

Dividing up the silverware: A new way to handle the little things

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Jan 12, 2018 | Property Division |

There are two types of attorneys who are confronted with little things that mean a lot: the lawyers who handle estates and those who handle divorces.

Both types generally find it easier to divide up complicated investments and stock portfolios than they do dividing up the little, but sentimental, objects of ordinary life.

In the old days, the best solution anyone could come up with was letting each person pick one item at a time. If anybody doubt how contentious and time-consuming that could be, there’s an infamous case involving a couple who had to pay attorney fees and court fees to split their Beanie Baby collection up under a judge’s supervision.

Well, there may be a new way to handle property division that makes it easier to handle for those who don’t want an acrimonious confrontation with their ex-spouses (or, in the case of those dividing an estate, their siblings and other relatives).

The system also makes it harder for people to play mind games with each other over sentimental but financially-insignificant objects. When there’s animosity between two people, just knowing that one person wants something very badly can cause the other to make keeping that item a priority.

Using new software developed by people who have been through such travails, divorcing couples or heirs can pick items that are in dispute using a point system to “bid” for them. The value of each item is also tracked, to make certain that the end result is financially fair as well.

Because the bidding is done blind, there’s no way to tell what the other person is wanting the most — so it eliminates any ability for revenge bidding.

While designed with estates in mind, tools like these can also be turned to use in divorce cases where the couple has a significant shared collection of art, jewelry, statuary, books vintage items or — naturally — Beanie Babies.

An equitable division of property is never easy in a divorce, but it may have just gotten a little bit easier, thanks to help from some creative minds and modern technology.

Source: The New York Times, “When Dividing Assets, the Little Things Matter,” Paul Sullivan, accessed Jan. 12, 2018

I’ve been served divorce papers that include false allegations: what do I do?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Jun 6, 2025 | Domestic Violence

Receiving divorce papers is already overwhelming. When false allegations are part of the paperwork, the situation can feel even more difficult. It’s essential to stay calm and know how to address the issue. Here’s what to do if you receive divorce papers containing...

Do domestic partnerships affect divorce rights?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Apr 14, 2025 | Divorce

Domestic partnerships offer many of the same rights and responsibilities as marriage, but they can complicate the divorce process. If you're ending a domestic partnership, your legal path may differ from that of a traditional divorce, especially in California....

Moore / Marsden calculations in California divorce

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Apr 10, 2025 | Divorce

In California, Moore/Marsden calculations determine how to divide property when one spouse’s separate property has contributed to the acquisition or improvement of community property. These calculations ensure a fair division of property in divorce cases, particularly...

How can you document SP for asset protection?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Apr 3, 2025 | Family Law

When you're about to get married, it's important to think about how to protect your assets, including spousal support (SP) money. If you've received spousal support in the past or expect it during your marriage, you may worry about documenting its use—especially if...

What to expect during child support enforcement actions

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Mar 23, 2025 | Child Support

Child support represents the financial contributions a non-custodial parent makes towards their child's upbringing. It ensures a parent meets the child's basic needs, such as food, housing, and education. It also supports a child's wellbeing, especially when parents...

Can you reimburse expenses before child support orders take effect?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Mar 17, 2025 | Child Support

After a separation, managing child-related expenses can become a challenging task, especially before any official child support orders take effect. Many parents wonder if they can reimburse child expenses during this interim period. Understanding your rights and...

Do mothers have more rights than fathers in custody cases?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Mar 11, 2025 | Custody & Visitation

When it comes to custody cases, it is a common misconception that mothers have more rights than fathers. This often stems from historical trends and societal assumptions about parenting roles. Whether you are a mother concerned about maintaining your relationship with...

Why should you update your advanced directives during a divorce?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Feb 28, 2025 | Divorce

Going through a divorce is challenging. One crucial aspect that often gets overlooked is updating your advanced directives. These legal documents play a vital role in ensuring others respect your wishes, even when you cannot speak for yourself. Protecting your...

Can you protect yourself and your children without a divorce?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Feb 25, 2025 | Domestic Violence

Domestic violence creates a terrifying and dangerous situation. You may feel trapped, believing divorce is your only option for safety. The good news is that California law provides legal alternatives if your moral beliefs prevent you from getting a divorce. Let us...

What can California parents do if their child refuses to visit the other parent?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Feb 14, 2025 | Child Custody

Dealing with a child who does not want to see their other parent can create stress for everyone involved. California courts expect parents to follow custody orders while being sensitive to their children's feelings. Parents can struggle to balance their legal...

« Older Entries

Recent Posts

  • I’ve been served divorce papers that include false allegations: what do I do?
  • Do domestic partnerships affect divorce rights?
  • Moore / Marsden calculations in California divorce
  • How can you document SP for asset protection?

Categories

  • Child Custody
  • Child Support
  • Custody & Visitation
  • Divorce
  • Domestic Violence
  • Family Law
  • Firm News
  • Military Divorce
  • Property Division
  • Same – Sex Couples & Divorce

Archives

RSS Feed

Subscribe To This Blog’s Feed

Find Out How We Can Help You.

Call 951-715-4601, chat with us, or request a consultation below.

Riverside Office

4094 Chestnut Street
Riverside, CA 92501
951-715-4632

Fax: 951-715-4601

Riverside Office
Cullen Family Law Group

Temecula Office

28465 Old Town Front Street
Suite 321
Temecula, CA 92590
951-715-4632

Fax: 951-715-4601

Temecula Office
Review Us
  • Follow
  • Follow
  • Follow
  • Follow
Pay Invoice

We accept Visa, MC, Discover, AMEX & E-checks.

© 2025 Cullen Family Law Group • All Rights Reserved

Disclaimer | Site Map | Privacy Policy | Business Development Solutions by FindLaw