Protect Your Rights In Complex Property Division

Many people approaching divorce have more property to divide than the typical house, car(s) and bank accounts. In the San Francisco Bay area and elsewhere, it is not unusual for separating couples to have unusual assets like:

Bonus income and other types of income apart from a regular salary: People in high-tech occupations and many other fields of work often have incentive plans associated with their employment that include more than a monthly salary. If your spouse is in line to receive any type of deferred compensation, you want to be sure to work with an attorney who will fight to ensure it is properly accounted for among your marital assets. At AttorneyBernie.Com, you can count on diligent, detailed scrutiny.

RSUs (restricted stock units): Your or your spouse’s employer may have issued compensation in the form of company stock. The payout may be years away but if it is a real asset, it should be reviewed and accounted for.

Small businesses (or shares): One or both of you may operate a small business that has value beyond actual physical inventory. Whether you own the business together or separately, and whether it has been registered with the state for sales tax purposes or not, it should be taken into account as assets are divided. With AttorneyBernie.Com, you can expect us to advocate for your interests.

Cyber currency: Do you or does your spouse trade in Bitcoins or other cyber currency? A complete inventory of unusual assets like these should be included in the valuation process leading up to property division negotiations, agreements or representation in litigation.

Collectibles: Your or your spouse’s valuables in your home or elsewhere may go beyond the typical china, silver and coins. One of you may have collected baseball cards, rare comic books, antiques, rifles, modern art pieces or other valuable items. Uncovering hidden assets, being thorough in an evaluation of your respective assets, and finding the right experts are all important.

Complex real estate investments: Perhaps you or your spouse has invested in a development scheme that promises to deliver lucrative rewards over time, even though ground has not yet been broken for construction to begin. The true value of such an investment may far exceed actual dollars paid in. Should projected future earnings be included in a complete appraisal of your marital estate? No matter how these dealings fit into the process of property division in your California divorce, you deserve fair and above-board treatment. AttorneyBernie.Com will work to protect your interests.

Let’s Talk About Your Marital Assets

Legally speaking, a marriage is similar to a business in many ways. As you get ready to divide assets with your spouse, work with a law firm that focuses on your priorities while advocating for your short- and long-term best interests. Chat with us below or send an email inquiry through this website to get the dialogue started.

Divorce With Unique Assets FAQs

When a couple separates, and the marital estate includes items that fall outside the usual bank accounts or real property, the process can feel uncertain. Unique assets such as business shares, digital holdings, collectibles, or intellectual property often raise questions about value, division, and long-term impact. At times like these, having clear guidance matters. Below, our California divorce with unique assets legal team answers common questions we hear so you can move forward with better clarity.

How Are Non-Traditional Assets Treated When A Couple Separates

Non-traditional assets may include cryptocurrency, rare collectibles, digital revenue streams, or items that do not have a typical market. In most cases, these assets are reviewed for when and how they were acquired so we can determine whether they fall into marital or separate property. Courts often look at documentation, transaction history, and intent at the time of purchase. For assets that fluctuate in value, current market data or an appraisal may be needed. We work closely with clients to organize records, identify ownership, and outline practical options for division so the final agreement reflects a fair outcome.

What Happens To Business Interests During A Marital Split

Business interests can involve partnerships, family companies, or private entities with limited liquidity. The treatment usually depends on the formation documents, contributions from each spouse, and the current value. A company may require its own evaluation to understand revenue, liabilities, and long-term prospects. In some cases, one spouse keeps the interest and offsets the value through other property; in others, a buyout or structured payment may be appropriate. We help review financial statements and agreements to determine the best path while protecting ongoing business operations.

How Do We Handle High-Value Property That Is Difficult To Divide

Some assets, such as investment collections, artwork, or rare items, cannot be split outright. When this happens, couples often consider options like selling the property and dividing proceeds, assigning the item to one spouse with a value offset, or establishing shared arrangements when appropriate. The goal is to reach a solution that respects both parties’ contributions. Our California divorce with unique assets attorneys walk through the pros and cons of each option so the final decision supports long-term financial stability rather than short-term pressure.

Can Intellectual Property Be Considered Part Of The Marital Estate

Intellectual property can include trademarks, copyrights, patents, digital content rights, or ongoing royalties. Whether these items are treated as marital property depends on the creation date, development contributions, and income produced during the marriage. We help clients review documents, licensing agreements, and income records to understand the full scope of rights and potential value of their California divorce with unique assets. Once that information is clear, we outline practical ways to address ownership and future revenue in the divorce agreement.

What Steps Help Protect Rare Assets During Divorce

Protecting unique assets often requires a combination of documentation, valuation, and strategic planning. Our top-rated team begins by gathering purchase records, ownership history, and any past appraisals. From there, we determine the most appropriate valuation method for the asset type. For items that are fragile, rare, or sentimental, we discuss preservation, storage, or controlled access. Taking early steps helps reduce disputes and creates a stronger foundation for a smooth resolution.

Pursue The Best Path Forward

Divorce involving unique assets brings questions that deserve clear answers and thoughtful guidance. By understanding how these items are evaluated and divided, you can approach each step with more confidence. If you are facing a separation that includes unusual or high-value property, Attorney Bernie is here to discuss your situation, review your records, and help you take the next steps with confidence. Contact us today so we can talk about your needs and outline the best path forward with our client-centered approach.