There are few things worse than going through the divorce process. Even when couples are civil and capable of compromising with one another, it still can be a complex process–both emotionally, financially, and legally. Oftentimes, when couples get divorced without prenuptial or other agreements in place, especially if they’re in a contested divorce, various assets will be at stake. For this reason, you may wonder whether you’ll lose your inheritance if you get divorced here in the state of California. Read on and reach out to a seasoned Los Angeles divorce attorney from our legal team to learn more about how property is divided in the divorce process and how our firm can help protect what’s rightfully yours. Here are some of the questions you may have regarding the legal process ahead:
Will I have to give up my inheritance if I get divorced in California?
The first thing you should understand is that California is a community property state when it comes to dividing property in a divorce. This means that once they determine which property is marital property and which property is separate property, they will divide marital property equitably between spouses. In most cases, property acquired prior to or outside of a marriage will be considered separate property. Typically, inheritances are considered separate property, as they are handed down from one spouse’s family member directly to the spouse, making the transaction entirely separate from the marriage. The same is true for when a friend gives a person a gift. That said, if an individual takes his or her inheritance and intermingles it with other shared assets, such as a jointly-owned bank account, it could very well become marital property, meaning it may be subject to equitable distribution in a divorce. Our Los Angeles division of assets attorney is here to help fight for your assets.
Do I need an attorney to protect my assets from a divorce?
If you’re getting divorced, the most important thing you can do is retain the services of a knowledgeable attorney who has significant experience guiding clients through the divorce process. We understand how courts divide assets and how to effectively advocate for our clients’ best interests. Anyone going through the divorce process would be best-served with skilled legal counsel in their corner. Give us a call today so we can get started working on your case. We are here to help you, every step of the way.
Contact our experienced Los Angeles firm
Divorce and family law issues are notoriously complicated and personal, which is why you must hire an attorney with years of experience, as well as the compassion and skill needed to handle these sensitive matters. For the qualified, dedicated legal representation you and your family deserve and need, contact Zitser Family Law Group, APC today.
