Most clients come to us with the assumption that "I get what's in my name and my spouse gets what's in their name." This is not necessarily true.
California recognizes that both spouses make contributions to the family during their marriage. Community property is property that has been acquired during the marriage, regardless of which spouses' name it is under. For example, a spouse's retirement benefits, stock options, or profit-sharing benefits. This also includes debts such as credit cards, car loans and mortgage payments. There are, of course, a few exceptions which you should consult with an attorney about.
Before finalizing a dissolution proceeding you should ensure that you are aware of all community property and your rights to each item. Contact us today for your free case evaluation.