Property Division In A Marin County Divorce
Unraveling the debts and assets of a marital estate to reach an equitable distribution in a divorce can be a daunting task. When substantial assets are involved, it is critical that your lawyer has the experience and knowledge to evaluate complex financial matters.
Our attorneys provide detailed legal analysis of California community property laws and advise clients on the options available to resolve a property division dispute. We also possess the financial acuity to recognize improper valuations on many assets, such as deferred stock options.
Contact us online or call 415-789-5881 to schedule an initial consultation. Make sure you get your fair share in your divorce.
The Financial Knowledge And Legal Experience To Safeguard Your Rights
By leveraging our knowledge of financial matters, the legal team at Kaspar & Lugay LLP protects the rights of our clients in Marin and throughout the San Francisco Bay area. Partner Brent Kaspar is a certified public accountant who knows how to conduct an effective asset search in high net worth divorces. Partner Arvin Lugay has advised and represented some of the most prestigious financial and banking institutions in the country in high-stakes litigation.
Why is this so important? Identifying assets, finding hidden assets and giving proper attention to the tax implications that each asset may carry are vital in dividing marital property. Tax implications associated with varied assets can also dilute the value of some assets, which can lead to an unfair surprise if your lawyer is not skilled in analyzing the tax code.
Expertise for Startup Founders, Key Employees, and Equity Holders
Our law firm and our attorneys have a strong background in the financial side of the Bay Area startup ecosystem, and we are able to combine that with our top tier family law expertise to provide a thorough understanding of all the implications of divorce for startup employees and their ownership of restricted stock units (RSUs) among other equity considerations. We can help provide counsel for:
- Startup founders
- Early, high-level, or key employees at startups
- RSUs and other equity property of startup employees
In addition, we have written a white paper detailing all the considerations involved in this emerging area of divorce law that is somewhat unique to the Bay Area.
Thorough Evaluation In All Aspects Of The Marital Estate
A thorough review is required to obtain the most favorable property division and avoid disputes following a final judgment. Property disputes commonly involve a variety of assets, including:
- Primary and secondary homes
- Real estate investments
- Business valuations
- Stocks, including restricted stock units for early employees, high-level employees, founders and later employees
- Bonds and other investments
- 401(k)s, IRAs, pensions and other retirement accounts
- Cars, boats and other vehicles
- Horses
- Jewelry
Our experience in complex, high-stakes business and commercial litigation is a clear advantage for our clients. For those with interests in a business or a professional association, we bring an understanding of business law to the table necessary to protect their interests. When a marital settlement agreement cannot be reached, our trial-proven lawyers know how to build a winning court case.
Schedule A Consultation With A Marin County Family Law Attorney
To speak with one of our experienced attorneys, contact our Corte Madera office online or call 415-789-5881.
Frequently Asked Questions
Protecting your assets during a divorce — especially if you own a business, real estate, or significant investments — requires proactive legal strategy from the outset. Depending on your situation, this may involve tracing separate property, valuing complex assets accurately, negotiating strong settlement terms, or pursuing protective orders. The earlier you involve experienced legal counsel, the more options you have to shield what’s yours. At Kaspar & Lugay LLP, we specialize in high-net-worth divorce and can help you create a plan to protect your financial interests throughout the process.
If you suspect your spouse is hiding assets, it’s critical to work with a legal team that knows how to uncover them through formal discovery, subpoenas, forensic accounting, and expert investigation. California law requires full financial disclosure, and deliberately concealing assets can have serious legal consequences. At Kaspar & Lugay LLP, we have the tools and experience to identify hidden income, offshore accounts, undervalued businesses, and other concealed property — and to ensure your rights are fully protected during divorce proceedings.
California is a community property state, which generally means that any income or assets acquired during the marriage are considered jointly owned and subject to equal division in a divorce. However, there are exceptions — such as inheritances, gifts, or pre-marital assets — that may be classified as separate property if properly documented and maintained. There are also legal strategies that may help you protect certain earnings or investments, especially in complex or high-asset cases. At Kaspar & Lugay LLP, we can review your financial situation and help you assert your rights while pursuing a fair and strategic outcome.
If one spouse wants to keep the family home, they may need to buy out the other’s community interest or offset it with other marital assets — assuming the home is community property. Whether that’s feasible depends on the home’s equity, existing mortgage, and each party’s financial situation. In some cases, selling the home and dividing the proceeds may be the more practical solution. At Kaspar & Lugay LLP, we can help you understand your options and negotiate a resolution that protects your financial interests and long-term stability.
Yes, many divorce terms — especially spousal or child support — can be modified if there’s been a substantial change. We can guide you through the process if a modification is needed.
