Property Settlement Attorneys
Protecting Your Future After Divorce

A property settlement agreement — also called a marital settlement agreement — is a legally binding document that resolves all financial issues in a California divorce. It covers division of marital property and debt, child custody and visitation, child support, and spousal support. Once signed by both parties and approved by the court, it becomes part of the final divorce judgment. At Haslam Perri Law Firm, our attorneys work to ensure your settlement is fair, comprehensive, and built to last.

California is a community property state. All assets and debts acquired during the marriage are generally considered community property and divided equally between spouses. Separate property — assets owned before marriage or received as a gift or inheritance during marriage — is not subject to division. However, the lines between separate and community property can blur, especially in long marriages or when separate assets are commingled. Our attorneys ensure accurate characterization and fair division of all marital property.

The family home is often the most significant asset in a divorce settlement. Options include one spouse buying out the other’s share and keeping the home, selling the home and dividing the proceeds, or — particularly when children are involved — one spouse remaining in the home temporarily until children reach a certain age. Each option has financial and tax implications. Our attorneys help you evaluate every option and negotiate the arrangement that best protects your long-term interests.

Retirement accounts and pensions earned during the marriage are community property and subject to equal division. Division typically requires a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) — a specialized court order directing the plan administrator to divide the account. The process varies by plan type. Our attorneys work with financial experts to ensure retirement assets are properly valued and divided without triggering unnecessary tax penalties or fees.

Hidden assets are a serious problem in many California divorces. If you suspect your spouse is concealing income, underreporting business revenue, or transferring assets to avoid division, our attorneys work with forensic accountants and financial investigators to uncover the full picture. California law requires complete financial disclosure from both parties — and courts take deliberate concealment very seriously, often awarding the wronged spouse a greater share of the marital estate.

Property settlements are generally considered final once the divorce judgment is entered and are very difficult to modify. Courts will only reopen property divisions under extraordinary circumstances — such as fraud, mistake, or newly discovered evidence of concealed assets. This is why it is critical to have an experienced attorney ensure the settlement is complete, accurate, and fair before you sign. Our attorneys at Haslam Perri Law Firm protect you from agreements you will regret.