PROPERTY DIVISION

One of the most complicated parts of any divorce is dividing property and debt. California is a community property state, which generally means that assets and debts acquired during the marriage belong equally to both spouses. However, the reality is rarely that simple. Questions often arise about whether something is separate property (such as an inheritance, gift, or premarital asset) or community property, and how to fairly divide complex assets.

At Mayer Family Law, we guide clients through all aspects of property division in divorce, including:

Real estate: family homes, vacation properties, investment properties, and rental income.
Retirement assets: pensions, 401(k)s, IRAs, and other retirement accounts.
Businesses: valuation and division of closely held companies or professional practices.
Stock options and RSUs: dividing executive compensation packages.
Debts: mortgages, credit cards, business loans, and tax obligations.

Because every case is unique, determining what is community versus separate property often requires gathering financial documents, working with experts such as appraisers or forensic accountants, and applying California’s community property laws to your specific facts.

If you are facing divorce in El Dorado County or the Sacramento region, our experienced property division attorneys can help protect your financial interests and ensure the division of assets is handled fairly.

Divorce and Separation

If you are considering dissolution of marriage or that decision has been made for you by your spouse, we can help you take the next step. This may be a first for you, but we do divorce, support litigation, custody battles, and restraining orders every day. Tessa Mayer Roberts is experienced, knowledgeable, compassionate, and thorough.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Tessa Mayer Roberts has represented countless clients on restraining orders and has achieved consistent success both in obtaining the original order and also in prevailing party (to the winner) attorneys fees at the conclusion of the restraining order. While many attorneys do not have the time, energy, or emotional endurance to handle restraining orders, Mayer Family Law prides itself on compassionately and aggressively representing clients involved in domestic violence situations.

PRACTICE AREAS

Family Law
Divorce
Paternity
Child Support
Custody and Visitation (including high conflict, reunification, and move-away cases)
Retirement Division
Military Retirement Division
Restraining Orders
Guardianships
Property Division
Enforcement and Collection of Judgments
Prenuptial Agreements

PREMARITAL AGREEMENTS

A premarital or prenuptial agreement - also known as a prenup - is a legal document that spells out the property rights of each spouse in the event of divorce or death. Prenups may have originally been used by the wealthy but modernly prenups are sought by people from all walks of life. If you have been asked to sign a prenuptial agreement, it is important to work with an attorney looking out for your best interests. Tessa Mayer Roberts will review, advise, and draft prenuptial agreements on your behalf. If you are looking for a knowledgeable premarital agreement lawyer throughout Northern California, Mayer Family Law will happily meet all your needs.

MOVE AWAYS / RELOCATIONS

If your custody order prevents your ability to move out of your county of residence with the minor children, you must ask the court for an order that allows you to do so before your move. If you are considering a move away or want to prevent the other parent of your child(ren) from move away, consult with the team at Mayer Family Law. Understanding the legal rights, presumptions, and burdens of proof placed on the relocating and non-relocating parent is essential. Our firm is ready and experienced in advocating effectively for you.

MARITAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENTS

Divorces by agreement are resolved by way of a Marital Settlement Agreement. A Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) is a binding written contract between spouses which covers all agreed-upon issues, including property division (including assets like houses, cars, and retirement accounts or debts such as student loans, credit cards, personal loans, and tax debt), spousal support, child support, child custody, parenting time, and any other relevant matters.