Beverly Hills High-Asset Divorce Attorney
Divorce is one of life’s greatest challenges, especially when significant assets are at stake. At Dorie A. Rogers, APC, our Beverly Hills high-asset divorce lawyer can navigate complex cases with the precision required to protect your interests.
Beverly Hills Practice Areas
Defining a High-Asset Divorce in Beverly Hills
There is no single dollar amount that defines a high-asset divorce in Beverly Hills, but those kinds of divorces typically involve a diverse and intricate portfolio. Common markers may include:
Diverse Real Estate Holdings
Beyond the family home, high-value estates often include vacation properties, out-of-state residences, or income-generating rentals. Valuing and dividing these across different jurisdictions can add layers of logistical and legal difficulties.
Sophisticated Investments
Portfolios containing stocks, bonds, and other securities are subject to market volatility. It is important to determine a fair date of valuation. That way, the parties can have an equitable split under California’s community property standards.
Retirement Assets and Pensions
Under California’s community property statutes, any retirement contributions or pension credits earned during your marriage are generally subject to division.
Commercial and Business Interests
Whether you own a family-run shop, hold a partnership in a firm, or have equity in a pre-IPO corporation, business valuation is a core concern in these cases. It is essential to assess the future earnings of a business, and this often requires a forensic accountant.
High-Value Personal Property
Rare art, heirloom jewelry, vintage car collections, and antiques are not just financially valuable; they often come with emotional value. These items need professional appraisals.
Navigating Interspousal Fiduciary Duties in California
In California, the high-asset divorce laws treat marriage as a high-stakes partnership. This means both spouses are bound by fiduciary duties, which are legal obligations to act with the highest good faith and fair dealing toward one another.
You are legally required to disclose every asset and liability to your spouse. This transparency is not just for shared property; it extends to separate property as well. Crucially, this duty does not end the moment you move out; it persists from the date of separation until the final distribution of assets is completed by the court.
The Risks of Financial Dishonesty
Attempting to conceal, misappropriate, or undervalue assets during a high-asset divorce is a risky gamble. Since full disclosure is a statutory mandate, “playing games” with finances can lead to:
- Asset forfeiture. A judge may award 100% of the hidden assets to the other spouse.
- Sanctions. There can be significant monetary penalties, and the hiding spouse may be required to pay the other party’s legal fees.
- Criminal charges. Fraudulent behavior in financial disclosures can carry criminal implications.
The Role of Family Law in High-Asset Divorces
There are about 3.2 divorces per 1,000 California residents, and that is when California family law applies. Family law provides the legal foundation for handling issues that arise within the family, and that includes high-asset divorces. It guides several key aspects of the process, such as:
- Dividing assets. Family law establishes the rules for splitting marital property. In high-asset divorces, attorneys can navigate different jurisdictions and how they apply to the couple’s diverse portfolio. Whether assets fall under community property or equitable distribution, a lawyer can evaluate each one and incorporate it into a fair overall settlement.
- Child custody and support. When children are involved, financial decisions often connect to custody and support arrangements. For example, a parent who receives income-producing assets, like investment properties, may also take on a greater share of child-related expenses or be required to provide additional financial support.
- Protecting assets. In some cases, one spouse may try to hide or undervalue assets to gain an advantage. A family law attorney can uncover these issues, pursue full financial disclosure, and work to keep the process fair and transparent.
About Dorie A. Rogers, APC
Dorie A. Rogers is an experienced family law attorney who has been practicing since 1981. Drawing from her personal background of growing up in a single-parent and blended family, Ms. Rogers brings a unique level of empathy to her work. She helps clients positively transform their lives through the divorce process, rather than being destroyed by it.
FAQs
How Is Spousal Support Determined in High-Asset Divorces?
In California high-asset divorces, spousal support is determined by balancing 14 factors that are outlined in Family Code Section 4320. Long-term support is based on the marital standard of living. The Los Angeles County Superior Court will analyze high-end travel, private schools, staff, and more to make sure the lower-earning spouse avoids a drastic financial decline post-divorce. The judge will also weigh each spouse’s earning capacity, assets, and how long the marriage lasted.
How Long Does a High-Asset Divorce Typically Take in California?
All divorces in California are subject to a six-month waiting period from the date of filing, but high-asset divorces, especially those that are highly contested, could extend to multiple years or longer. Many delays can come from time-intensive asset valuing, which requires forensic accounting and detailed financial discovery. You should consult your Beverly Hills high-asset divorce attorney for a better understanding of how long your high-asset divorce may take.
Will My Spouse Get Half of My Business?
In California’s community property system, any business started or significantly grown during the marriage is typically considered a marital asset. During a high-asset divorce case, your spouse is typically entitled to 50% of the community share of that business, even if you owned it before the marriage, as any increase in value attributed to your “marital labor” may be subject to division.
How Is the Marital Standard of Living Calculated?
In high-asset California divorces, the marital standard of living (MSOL) is calculated by analyzing the couple’s income and expenditures (usually over the last few years). Courts evaluate the Family Code Section 4320 factors like housing, luxury travel, and savings habits. Forensic accountants often reconstruct the lifestyle to establish a “support ceiling.”
Hire a High-Asset Divorce Lawyer in Beverly Hills
Managing a high-asset divorce in California is an immense challenge, but you do not need to carry the burden alone. Dorie A. Rogers, APC, can guide you through every step, handle discussions with your spouse, and advocate for your interests. Reach out today to schedule a consultation and hire a high-asset divorce lawyer.
“Dorie is a very powerful attorney and a great asset to have on your side in any family legal matter. She is extremely bright and insightful, and I got everything I asked for in my lawsuit.”
“I would strongly recommend Ms. Dorie Rogers for any legal needs. During my Divorce proceedings, Dorie’s professionalism, expertise in Divorce Law and legal skill helped bring my case to a close in both a timely and mutually agreeable manner.Additionally, Dorie took the time to understand me and my background to better represent me in my case. She showed a level of caring and concern that helped me through a very difficult time. She is an outstanding lawyer and wonderful person.”
“Second to none – I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Dorie to anyone. She was my attorney for my divorce and custody case. She will do everything it takes to get the job done and all with a smile on her face. Her knowledge and expertise will assist anyone in a family law situation get the results they want.”