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
  • 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
    • Video Center
  • Contact
  • x Close
EMAIL

CALL

Fast. Fair. Thorough.

How is property treated during a California divorce?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Sep 30, 2022 | Divorce |

While the primary concern of most divorcing couples is their kids, divorce involves many other issues, including property division. Property division is the process where the family law judge splits the marital property and debts.

What is property?

In this context, property refers to anything of value, including cash. In other words, anything purchased or that can be sold is property, like furniture, cars, your Riverside, California, home, stocks, bonds, retirement accounts, etc.

What if we already made an agreement?

Even if it was a post- or prenuptial agreement, the judge will still need to find that it is, in fact, legally enforceable. However, if your agreement was informal, the judge will have to make a formal order, and you may find that “agreement” changed between the time you last spoke and when you appear before the Riverside, California, judge.

Debts and income continue to accrue

Until you have a court order for legal separation or divorce, your property and debts continue to accrue, together. This is true, regardless of who is taking out the debt, using the debt or buying and selling property.

California community property

The judge divides community property, which is what you and your spouse own and owe together. But, this is limited to the property acquired during your marriage (or converted to community property). If you did not live your entire married life in California, you may have quasi-community property as well.

Separate property

Separate property is all the property and debts you entered the marriage with, including gifts given solely to you and inheritances. However, some property could convert into community property, depending on how it is paid or used.

How do I tell the difference?

The dates are important. Specifically, when you officially married and when you separated. While your marriage date is easily discernable, separation, not so much. This date is the day one spouse lets the other spouse know by words or actions that they wanted a divorce. But, your words and actions after that date must match the sentiment, like moving out and not moving back in. Of course, one short blog does not contain all property-division issues, and for those looking for detailed information, a Riverside, California, attorney may be a good phone call or email.

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