Home Carlsbad Family Law High-Asset Divorce

Carlsbad High-Asset Divorce Lawyers

Are You in Need of a Carlsbad High-Asset Divorce Attorney?

Divorce is never easy, but when you and your spouse have substantial assets, the complexity and emotional toll can be even greater. High-asset divorces involve more than just the division of property; they often include sophisticated financial matters, such as business ownership, multiple real estate properties, and investment accounts.

At Mattis Law, A.P.C., we take steps to ensure that your financial future is protected throughout the legal process. We understand that your financial future is at stake, and our legal team works tirelessly to ensure that your divorce is handled fairly and with the utmost care.

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Why Choose Us Over Other High-Asset Divorce Lawyers in Carlsbad?

When it comes to high-asset divorce cases, experience and strategy matter. Here’s why Amelia J. Mattis stands out among divorce lawyers in Carlsbad:

  • Over 30 years of combined experience in family law, focusing on high-asset divorce cases.
  • Recognized by San Diego Rising Star by Super Lawyers based on peer reviews and independent research.
  • A track record of securing favorable outcomes in high-asset divorces, including equitable property division and favorable alimony agreements.
  • Personalized service – We treat every client with the respect and attention they deserve.
  • Extensive experience in complex financial issues such as business valuation, investment accounts, retirement plans, and real estate properties.
  • Comprehensive legal support, including assistance with child custody, child support, and spousal support in the context of high-asset cases.

Dividing Complex Assets?

We Can Help! Mattis Law, A.P.C. understand the nuance of high-asset divorce. Call (858) 328-4400 to schedule your free consultation today.

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How a Lawyer Can Help

A high-asset divorce lawyer brings expertise to the table in various ways, including:

  • Providing Strategic Legal Advice: We guide you through the legal process, advising you on how to protect your financial interests and achieve a favorable outcome in property division, spousal support, and other matters.
  • Ensuring Full Asset Disclosure: We help ensure that all assets and liabilities are disclosed, preventing hidden assets or income from impacting the division of property.
  • Managing Complex Financial Issues: Whether it's dividing a business, evaluating stock options, or handling complex investment portfolios, we work with forensic accountants and financial experts to ensure that assets are properly valued and equitably divided.
  • Protecting Your Long-Term Financial Security: Our attorneys work to secure an agreement that ensures your long-term financial stability, taking into account the tax implications of property division and spousal support.

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What Is a High-Asset Divorce?

A high-asset divorce is a divorce in which the parties involved have significant wealth or assets. These cases are more complex than typical divorces due to the larger number of assets, often including multiple real estate properties, business interests, substantial retirement accounts, investments, luxury items, and more. High-asset divorces may involve complicated financial disclosures, disputes over asset valuation, and difficult negotiations on alimony and property division.

In California, community property laws apply, which means that property acquired during the marriage is generally considered jointly owned, regardless of whose name is on the title or who earned the income. This includes both tangible and intangible assets, and determining how to fairly divide these assets can be a challenge without the guidance of an experienced lawyer.

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What Is a Long-Term Marriage in California?

In California, a long-term marriage is typically defined as one lasting 10 years or more. Long-term marriages come with specific legal implications, including a presumption of spousal support (alimony). In such cases, the court may order lifelong or long-term spousal support, depending on the circumstances, such as the standard of living established during the marriage.

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Division of Property in California

California is a community property state, which means that all property acquired during the marriage (except for gifts or inheritances) is considered community property. In a high-asset divorce, the division of property must be fair and equitable. However, equitable does not necessarily mean equal. In some cases, one party may be entitled to a larger share based on the length of the marriage, contributions to the community property, or other factors.

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Marital and Non-Marital Assets

It’s important to differentiate between marital and non-marital assets during a divorce. Marital assets are those acquired during the marriage, while non-marital assets are typically those that were acquired before the marriage or through inheritance or gift. A skilled divorce lawyer will help identify which assets fall into each category to ensure a fair division.

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Types of Assets That May Be Involved

A high-asset divorce involves a wide range of assets that need to be fairly divided. Here are some of the most common types of assets that come into play:

Business Ownership

If you or your spouse own a business, this can be one of the most complicated aspects of a high-asset divorce. Business valuation is critical in ensuring a fair division of assets, especially if the business was built during the marriage. A forensic accountant may be necessary to determine the true value of the business and whether any business assets are separate or community property.

Professional Practices

Professional practices such as medical, law, or accounting firms are treated similarly to businesses in a high-asset divorce. The value of the practice must be determined, including intangible assets like client lists, goodwill, and reputation. A thorough valuation process is crucial to ensure that the non-owner spouse receives a fair share of the practice’s value.

Investment Accounts

Investment accounts, including brokerage accounts, stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, are part of the property division process. The value of these accounts needs to be accurately determined, and there may be tax implications related to the division of such assets.

Stock Options

Stock options and other equity compensation, such as restricted stock units (RSUs), are often overlooked in a divorce. These can be substantial assets, especially for individuals in high-income or executive positions. Determining how and when these stocks can be divided is a complex legal issue.

Real Estate Holdings

In a high-asset divorce, the division of multiple real estate properties, including primary residences, vacation homes, and rental properties, is common. These assets require proper valuation to ensure a fair distribution, and the division may involve selling properties, negotiating buyouts, or agreeing on shared ownership.

Pensions, 401(k)s, and IRAs

Retirement accounts such as pensions, 401(k)s, and IRAs can be significant assets in a divorce. These accounts are generally considered community property, but the division process requires specific legal steps, such as obtaining a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) for 401(k)s.

Trusts and Inheritances

Trusts and inheritances can complicate a divorce. Certain assets that were gifted or inherited by one party may not be subject to division. A lawyer will investigate the details of the trust or inheritance to determine whether it is considered separate or community property.

Luxury Items and Collectibles

Luxury items such as art, jewelry, cars, yachts, and private club memberships are common assets in high-asset divorces. These items can carry substantial value, and determining their fair market value can require specialized expertise.

Call for a Free Consultation

High-asset divorce cases require skilled legal representation. Call (858) 328-4400 to learn more today.

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What Is Forensic Accounting?

Forensic accounting often plays an important role in a high-asset divorces, especially when there are concerns about hidden assets or discrepancies in financial disclosure. A forensic accountant is a trained professional who investigates and analyzes financial records to uncover hidden income, offshore accounts, and other assets that may not have been disclosed during the divorce process.

If you believe that your spouse is attempting to hide assets, forensic accounting can help identify any discrepancies in financial statements, uncover hidden income, and ensure that all property is accounted for before division.

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Reasons to Hire a Lawyer Right Away

When you are involved in a high-asset divorce, it’s crucial to hire a lawyer as soon as possible. Here's why:

  1. Protecting Your Assets Early On: Once divorce proceedings start, your spouse may begin to take actions that could jeopardize your financial future, such as hiding assets or selling property. A lawyer can help you take immediate steps to protect your interests.
  2. Ensuring Accurate Financial Disclosures: In high-asset divorces, financial transparency is key. Your lawyer will ensure that both parties disclose their assets and liabilities completely and honestly, which can prevent costly disputes later on.
  3. Avoiding Common Pitfalls: High-asset divorces are often more complicated due to the sheer volume of assets involved. A skilled attorney can guide you through the process and ensure you don’t make costly mistakes in the division of property, spousal support, or child custody.
  4. Strategizing for the Best Outcome: Your lawyer can provide sound advice on how to achieve the most favorable outcome, whether that means negotiating a settlement or pursuing litigation.

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What Clients Are Saying About Us

She is the person I would want in my corner-Athena Hwang (5-Star Google Review)

Amelia Mattis is an attorney you want on your side! I had the honor and privilege of working with her. She truly cares about her clients and provides personable representation. Amelia shows compassion during a trying time in her client’s life and takes the time to explain everything thoroughly. She advocates fiercely for her clients, is dependable, and is highly experienced in family law. She is the person I would want in my corner advocating for me.

She truly cares about her clients-Jay Shapiro (5-Star Google Review)

Amelia does a great job to educate her clients on options and the process. Family law is such a complicated arena to navigate and is such a trying time for a family. Amelia takes the time to ensure she is thorough because she truly cares about her clients, their experience through the process, and the outcome.

I have seen Amelia in action as I worked with her and have seen firsthand her dedication and passion for helping her clients.

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Other Locations We Serve

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Speak With a Trusted Carlsbad High-Asset Divorce lawyer Today

If you are facing a high-asset divorce in Carlsbad, don’t try to manage this complicated situation on your own. Mattis Law, A.P.C. is committed to protecting your financial future.

Contact us today for a free consultation and let Amelia J. Mattis guide you through the divorce process. Call (858) 328-4400 to find out what we can do for you.

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High-Asset Divorce FAQs

What is considered a high-asset divorce in Carlsbad?

A high-asset divorce typically involves significant wealth or assets, such as multiple properties, business interests, large investment accounts, and high-value retirement funds. If you and your spouse have substantial assets or complex financial portfolios, your divorce would be considered a high-asset divorce.

How can Mattis Law, A.P.C. help with my high-asset divorce in Carlsbad?

Mattis Law, A.P.C. specializes in handling high asset divorces with a focus on protecting your wealth, business interests, and long-term financial security. We offer strategic legal guidance, expert asset valuation, and support through the complexities of property division, spousal support, and more.

What types of assets are typically involved in a high-asset divorce?

High-asset divorces often involve business ownership, investment accounts, multiple real estate properties, retirement accounts (such as 401(k)s and pensions), stock options, luxury items (art, jewelry, etc.), and trusts. Our attorneys ensure these assets are properly valued and divided.

Do I need a forensic accountant for my high-asset divorce?

In many high-asset divorce cases, a forensic accountant is essential to uncover hidden assets, ensure full financial disclosure, and determine the true value of business interests or investments. At Mattis Law, A.P.C., we work with trusted financial experts to ensure accurate asset division.

How is property divided in a high-asset divorce in California?

California follows community property laws, meaning that assets acquired during the marriage are generally divided equally between spouses. However, in high-asset cases, the division can be more complex due to the nature and value of the assets involved. Our attorneys ensure a fair and equitable division of property.

What happens if my spouse is hiding assets in a high-asset divorce?

If you suspect that your spouse is hiding assets, we can help by working with forensic accountants to track down hidden income, offshore accounts, and other concealed assets. At Mattis Law, A.P.C., we use comprehensive investigative methods to ensure full disclosure during the divorce process.

What is the difference between marital and non-marital assets in a high-asset divorce?

Marital assets are those acquired during the marriage, while non-marital assets are typically those obtained before the marriage or through gifts or inheritance. A key part of our role is identifying and categorizing assets to ensure they are properly divided.

How are businesses and professional practices handled in a high-asset divorce?

Business ownership and professional practices are complex assets in high asset divorces. These need to be accurately valued, including any goodwill, client lists, and other intangible assets. Our team works with experts to ensure a fair valuation and division of these business interests.

Will I have to pay spousal support in a high-asset divorce?

Spousal support, or alimony, may be awarded in a high-asset divorce, depending on factors such as the length of the marriage, the standard of living during the marriage, and each spouse's financial situation. Our attorneys help negotiate or litigate fair spousal support arrangements based on your circumstances.

How long does it take to resolve a high-asset divorce in Carlsbad?

The length of a high-asset divorce can vary depending on the complexity of the assets, the level of conflict between spouses, and whether the case goes to trial. While some cases can be settled in a few months, others may take longer to resolve due to the intricate nature of asset division. Our team at Mattis Law, A.P.C. works diligently to resolve your case as efficiently as possible while protecting your interests.

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Meet Our Attorney

Amelia J. Mattis

Amelia J. Mattis is the founding attorney of Mattis Law, A.P.C., where she focuses on family law, with a particular focus on high-asset divorces, child custody matters, and complex financial disputes. With over a decade of experience practicing law, Amelia is dedicated to providing her clients with compassionate, strategic legal approach, and results-driven representation.

Amelia’s extensive background in family law allows her to navigate even the most complicated cases involving significant wealth, business ownership, and other complex assets. Her ability to balance empathetic client care with tenacious advocacy makes her a trusted advisor for individuals facing challenging and high-stakes divorce proceedings.

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(858) 328-4400