Lemoore Property Division Lawyer

Lemoore Property Division Attorney

Divorces can be filled with conflict. One common point of contention is determining who receives various belongings. If you are currently going through separation negotiations, a Lemoore property division lawyer can guide you through the proceedings.

Chase Family Law is a well-trusted firm committed to advocating for the people of Lemoore, Hanford, Fresno, and communities across Northern California in their property division cases. As an experienced Family Lawyer, founding attorney Brian N. Chase brings over 30 years of legal experience handling family law matters across the state. Before opening his own practice, he served as a Family Law Commissioner for Kings County.

Overview of Property Division Cases in Lemoore, California

Divorce is one of the most common legal processes that Californians go through. In fiscal year 2022-2023, statewide Superior Courts received 321,257 family law filings, with marital matters accounting for 111,894 cases. Kings County reported 2,096 family law cases during the same period, with 590, or roughly 28%, related to legal separations.

Property division is the legal process in which marital assets are distributed between spouses during a divorce. California uses community property division laws to divide belongings, meaning that shared assets are commonly divided as close to 50/50 as possible. Key aspects considered in the proceedings include real estate, valuables, retirement plans, investments, and debts or loans.

Lemoore property division cases are handled through the Kings County Superior Court system. The local division is located at 449 C Street, Lemoore, CA 93245. If the in-town location is unable to see your case, you may need to visit the main courthouse east in Hanford at 1640 Kings County Drive.

Hire a Property Division Lawyer

The division of assets can be one of the most financially impactful aspects of a divorce. While you may represent yourself, the high-stakes nature of the proceedings makes it recommended that you hire a property division lawyer to help with your case. Lemoore property division attorneys can advocate for you at each stage of the proceedings. A few ways that Brian N. Chase and Chase Family Law can aid you include:

• Explore options. If you feel that an even division does not apply to your situation, we can review your case with you and discuss applicable alternatives.
• Classify property. Your attorney can analyze your belongings to determine what should be considered community property and what is separate property left out of the proceedings.
• Evaluate belongings. A crucial starting point for any property division case is establishing the true value of all community property. Chase Family Law can evaluate all assets and uncover hidden assets. Hiding transactions and funds from a significant other is a common occurrence in the United States.A December 2023 study found that 42% of Americans who were married or in long-term relationships admitted to keeping financial secrets from their partner. Skilled legal counsel can conduct investigations and hire forensic accountants to uncover hidden or undisclosed assets.
• Negotiate with your spouse. The vast majority of all property division matters are settled out of court during negotiations. Your lawyer can negotiate with your spouse and their legal team throughout discussions and strive for a deal that works for you.
• Representation in court. Any court appearance can be stressful, especially when dealing with a sensitive matter such as divorce. Brian N. Chase can represent you in all court hearings and in a trial, if necessary.

FAQs About Property Division Law

How Long Does a Property Division Case Take to Resolve in California?

How long your California property division case takes to resolve depends on the level of cooperation between parties, the value of assets, and whether a trial is required. Uncontested divorces focused on a few belongings can take several months to finalize, while a contested, high-value case requiring a court verdict can take years. All divorce cases must wait a minimum of six months from the date of filing to formally end a marriage.

Does One Spouse Automatically Get Half of All Property in a California Divorce Case?

One common question for Californians going through divorce is whether their spouse will automatically receive half of all their property in a divorce. California is a community property state, meaning that assets are divided equally in the vast majority of divorce proceedings. Courts may deviate from this if one party was financially irresponsible or if contributions to acquiring property were unbalanced, such as one spouse paying the majority of a down payment on a home.

What Property Is Left Out of California Property Division Cases?

The only assets typically excluded from consideration in California property division cases are separate property. Separate property includes belongings owned before the marriage, property acquired through inheritance or gift, and the profits of other separate property. Separate property may become community property if co-mingled. For instance, funds deposited from a private account to a joint account become marital funds.

When Should You Hire a California Property Division Attorney?

During California divorces, you should hire a property division attorney as early as possible in the process. The greater amount of time that your lawyer has with you translates to the impact they can have on the proceedings. Legal counsel in the first stages can help avoid easy mistakes and prepare your case for any potential court hearings.

What Are Common Mistakes To Avoid During California Property Division Cases?

Many Californians make critical mistakes during property division cases that should be avoided. One common error made is attempting to conceal assets from the proceedings. Hidden property is typically discovered and can threaten your chances of a favorable deal. Another frequent mistake is misclassifying or undervaluing property, which can lead to your spouse receiving more than you.

Speak With a Lemoore Property Division Attorney Today

Chase Family Law understands the difficulties that come with a divorce. Reach out today via our online contact form to schedule your initial consultation. During this meeting, we can learn about the obstacles you face in the proceedings and provide strategies to protect your financial interests. You may also visit our Hanford offices in person at 916 North Irwin Street, north of city hall, south of Grangeville Boulevard, and a block west of Lacey Park.