Coronado High Asset Divorce Lawyer

Are You in Need of a Coronado High Asset Divorce Attorney?

If you are preparing for a divorce that involves significant financial assets, the steps you take now could impact your financial future for years to come. At Mattis Law, A.P.C., we understand the unique challenges that come with high asset divorces in Coronado, where many families have built or acquired valuable property, business interests, and investment portfolios.

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Why Choose Us Over Other High Asset Divorce Lawyers in Coronado?

When your future is on the line, it’s important to have guidance from a Coronado divorce attorney who knows how to manage these high-stakes cases. With a background in complex litigation, Amelia J. Mattis brings keen insight to every case.

Here’s why so many people in Coronado and across San Diego County have come to trust our firm:

• Named one of the Top 10 Family Law Attorneys in California by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys – a recognition for her excellence in legal advocacy and client satisfaction.
• Recognized as a Rising Star in San Diego by Super Lawyers – based on peer reviews and independent research.
• Recognized as a Lawyer of the Year by the American Institute of Legal Professionals – highlighting her professionalism and legal impact.
• Chosen by Expertise.com as one of the Best Divorce Lawyers in San Diego – based on reputation, responsiveness, and client reviews.
• Proficient in DissoMaster™ software used by California family courts to calculate support – enabling accurate projections for child and spousal support.
• Known for client-centered representation with a deep understanding of complex custody and financial issues – guiding clients with clarity and care.

Protect Your Future

Don’t wait to get help, call Mattis Law, A.P.C. at (858) 328-4400 for a free consultation.

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What Is a High Asset Divorce?

A high asset divorce involves couples with significant or complex property holdings, which may include:

• Multiple real estate properties
• Business or professional practice ownership
• Retirement accounts and pensions
• Investment portfolios and stock options
• High-value personal property

Because these assets carry long-term financial implications, their division requires a careful and informed approach. Mistakes in valuation, classification, or distribution can result in an unfair settlement and future legal problems.

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What Makes a High Asset Divorce Different?

High asset divorces are distinguished by the types of property involved and the level of scrutiny needed to divide them fairly. These cases require a carefully crafted legal strategy to protect each client’s specific interests and financial goals.

Key issues in a high asset divorce include:

• Valuation of complex property, such as private businesses or unvested stock options
• Tax implications of dividing investment and retirement accounts
• Potential for hidden assets, particularly in cases involving offshore accounts or family trusts
• Involvement of financial professionals, including appraisers, CPAs, and forensic accountants
• Increased likelihood of conflict, especially in long-term marriages or where one spouse controlled the finances

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How an Attorney Can Help

A high asset divorce presents a number of unique challenges that can be disconcerting if you don’t have the right support. Attorney Amelia J. Mattis provides a comprehensive plan to help you move forward with security and peace of mind.

From the start, an experienced attorney can help you:

• Identify and protect marital and non-marital assets
• Retain financial experts and forensic accountants
• Handle business valuations and investment account division
• Avoid costly tax consequences from asset transfers
• Address high-conflict custody and support issues
• Uncover hidden or misrepresented assets

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Division of Property Laws in California

California is a community property state, which means most property acquired during the marriage is considered jointly owned. Upon divorce, the court seeks to divide this property equally, unless the parties agree otherwise.

In high asset divorces, determining what is and isn't community property can be complicated. For example:

• Was a business started before marriage but expanded during the marriage?
• Was a home purchased using separate funds but titled jointly?
• Did one spouse invest in stock options before marriage that vested afterward?

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Marital and Non-Marital Assets

Community property is also known as marital assets, which generally means all property, income, or debt acquired by either spouse during the marriage, from the date of marriage to the date of separation.

Examples include:

• Wages or salaries earned by either spouse during the marriage
• Real estate purchased with marital income
• Retirement contributions made during the marriage
• Investment income earned during the marriage
• Vehicles, furnishings, and other property bought during the marriage

Under California law, marital assets are presumed to be owned equally and are subject to 50/50 division in a divorce, unless the spouses agree otherwise.

• Assets acquired before the marriage
• Gifts or inheritances received by one spouse (even during the marriage)
• Property acquired after the date of separation
• Proceeds or income generated by separate property (if not commingled)

Disputes often arise when separate and marital assets have been commingled, such as using community funds to renovate a separate-property home. Your attorney must be able to trace the origins of each asset to ensure proper classification.

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Types of Assets in High Asset Divorce Cases

High asset divorces often involve the following categories of property, each with its own set of legal and financial issues.

Real Estate Properties

From luxury homes to vacation rentals and investment properties, real estate must be properly appraised and classified. Factors such as the down payment source, mortgage payments, and title ownership play a role in determining whether the property is community or separate.

Professional Practices

Doctors, lawyers, architects, and other licensed professionals may own practices that must be evaluated for both tangible assets and intangible value like goodwill and client relationships. These valuations often require specialized experts.

Luxury Items and Collectibles

These can include:

• Jewelry
• Designer handbags
• Art collections
• Wine or car collections
• Sports memorabilia

High-value items often require third-party appraisal, and they may be overlooked or undervalued without legal oversight.

Business Ownership

A privately owned business is often one of the most valuable assets in a high asset divorce. Whether it’s a small LLC or a larger corporation, the business must be appraised, and the portion attributable to the marriage must be determined. Business continuity and income stream must also be considered.

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Investment Accounts and Stock Options

• Brokerage accounts
• Mutual funds
• RSUs (Restricted Stock Units)
• Vested and unvested stock options
• Restricted shares

Some investment holdings are subject to vesting schedules or future payouts, requiring careful planning to divide them without triggering tax penalties. Accurate valuation depends on timing, performance metrics, and plan documents.

Pensions, 401(k)s, and IRAs

Retirement assets are often significant in high asset divorces. Contributions made during the marriage are community property and are subject to division. Proper allocation typically requires a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) to avoid tax consequences or early withdrawal penalties. These accounts must be valued accurately and considered in the context of long-term financial planning.

Don’t Leave Your Future to Chance

High asset divorces require experienced legal representation. Call (858) 328-4400 to learn more today.

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What If Your Spouse is Hiding Assets?

In high asset cases, it is not uncommon for one spouse to attempt to conceal income, assets, or debts. Tactics may include:

• Undisclosed bank accounts
• Transferring assets to friends or family
• Delaying bonuses or commissions
• Underreporting income from a business

Amelia J. Mattis is skilled in identifying red flags and pursuing legal remedies, including discovery requests, subpoenas, and expert financial review. Mattis Law, A.P.C., works with trusted financial experts and forensic accountants to build strong, evidence-backed cases for fair asset division.

A forensic accountant can:

• Trace the origin of funds
• Evaluate the true value of a business or property
• Identify hidden or transferred assets
• Review complex tax returns or financial records
• Assist in calculating accurate spousal and child support

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What Is a Long-Term Marriage in California?

A marriage lasting 10 years or more is typically considered a long-term marriage under California law. This designation can affect several aspects of your divorce:

• Spousal support: Courts may order support for an indefinite period or reserve jurisdiction for future modifications.
• Retirement division: Long-term marriages often result in a more extensive division of pensions and retirement accounts.
• Asset appreciation: Property acquired early in the marriage may have grown significantly in value, raising complex valuation and classification questions.

In long-term high asset divorces, it’s especially important to assess the future impact of today’s legal decisions.

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What Clients Are Saying About Us

I really appreciated Amelia's calm demeanor- Susan Dorswitt (5-Star Google Review)

I really appreciated Amelia's calm demeanor during a time that felt incredibly chaotic. Amelia made sure to advocate for me during times I was feeling unsure in the divorce process. I really appreciated having an attorney that made things clear/simplified so I could still focus on living life outside of court without worrying incessantly about the opposing party.

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.

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Other Locations We Serve

• Carlsbad
• Del Mar
• Encinitas
• La Jolla
• Poway
• Rancho Santa Fe
• San Diego
• Solana Beach

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Speak With a Trusted Coronado High Asset Divorce Attorney

If you're facing a high asset divorce in Coronado, legal decisions made today can shape your financial future for years. With significant property, business interests, or complex investments involved, you need a lawyer who is prepared to protect your interests at every stage.

Call a Coronado family law lawyer at Mattis Law, A.P.C. today at (858) 328-4400 to schedule your free consultation.

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High Asset Divorce FAQs

What is considered a high asset divorce in California?

A high asset divorce typically involves complex or substantial property holdings such as business ownership, multiple real estate properties, investment accounts, stock options, or valuable collectibles. These divorces require specialized legal and financial strategies to protect each party’s interests.

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

California follows community property law, meaning marital property is divided equally. However, high asset divorces often involve complex questions about what is community vs. separate property, requiring careful asset tracing and expert valuation.

What happens to a business in a high asset divorce?

A business may be considered community property in whole or in part, depending on when it was founded and how it was maintained. The business may need to be valued, and one spouse may buy out the other’s interest, or the court may divide it using other marital assets to balance the settlement.

How are stock options and RSUs handled in divorce?

Stock options, RSUs, and restricted shares are divided based on when they were earned and whether they are vested. A divorce attorney must evaluate grant dates, vesting schedules, and employment agreements to determine how these assets should be divided.

Can retirement accounts be split without penalty?

Yes, retirement accounts like 401(k)s or pensions can be divided using a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO), which allows the division without early withdrawal penalties or tax consequences.

What if my spouse is hiding assets?

If you suspect your spouse is hiding money or property, your attorney can request financial documents, issue subpoenas, and work with forensic accountants to uncover any concealed assets. Courts take asset concealment seriously and may impose penalties or award a greater share to the honest party.

Why would I need a forensic accountant?

Forensic accountants are often used in high asset divorces to analyze financial records, value businesses, trace commingled property, and uncover hidden assets. Their findings can be critical in court or settlement negotiations.

Is separate property ever divided in a divorce?

Generally, separate property like gifts, inheritances, or property owned before marriage is not divided. However, if separate assets were commingled with marital property, or used for the benefit of both spouses, they may be partially subject to division.

What qualifies as a long-term marriage in California?

In California, a marriage of 10 years or more is typically considered long-term. This classification can affect the duration and structure of spousal support, giving courts more discretion to award longer-term or even indefinite support.

When should I contact a high asset divorce attorney?

You should contact an attorney as soon as you believe divorce is likely. Early legal guidance helps you protect your financial interests, gather the necessary documentation, and prepare for a complex legal process.

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Meet Our Attorney

Amelia J. Mattis

Amelia J. Mattis is the founder and lead attorney of Mattis Law, A.P.C., a San Diego based family law firm focused on high asset divorce, custody disputes, and complex family law litigation. With a reputation for compassion and clear communication, Amelia is known for guiding clients through some of the most financially and emotionally complex situations in family court.

Amelia has successfully represented clients in difficult custody trials, contested asset division, domestic violence restraining order matters, and high-stakes support disputes. She is particularly skilled in custody cases involving special needs children, alcohol-related monitoring (as a certified Soberlink-trained professional), and post-judgment modifications. Her knowledge of California's DissoMaster™ software allows her to provide clients with accurate projections for child and spousal support.

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