Moving Forward With Your Life When The Marriage Is Over

It’s never easy to face the prospect of starting over, but when the alternative is staying in an abusive or unworkable situation, it’s time to face facts and take action. At the family law offices of AttorneyBernie.Com, we help people through the process of divorce so they can begin life anew.

You Have Different Legal Options When It Comes To Divorce

One thing many people do not expect when starting the process of divorce is the multiple different ways you can end a marriage, including:

• Traditional divorce. This is by far the most common way. California is a no-fault divorce state, so “irreconcilable differences” is a valid ground for divorce. There’s no need to demonstrate that someone was at fault. However, there are still actions that can influence the family court’s decision about property division and child custody.
• Annulment, either legal or religious. With an annulment, it is as if the marriage never occurred. The grounds for legal versus religious annulments are different, however. It’s important to talk to a lawyer if you’re considering one of these types.
• Legal separation. Legal separation means your marriage continues, but your legal and financial affairs are separated. You will still need to divide your marital property and make decisions about spousal support.

Using Collaboration To Solve Your Problems

At AttorneyBernie.Com, we believe that we serve your interests best when we work tenaciously to settle your case before it goes to a family law judge. Going to divorce court is more costly, and you have less control over the outcome of your case when it is up to the judge to decide. Whenever possible, we empower our clients to help shape the agreements that will affect their future. When helpful, we participate in the collaborative law process.

However, not every case can be settled or negotiated outside of court. When the other party is being unreasonable, domestic violence is an issue or no acceptable compromise is possible, we will zealously argue your case in California divorce courts.

Get An Experienced Opinion On Your Situation

Contact divorce lawyer Bernie Kempen to learn more about how AttorneyBernie.Com can help resolve your property division issue – always with an eye toward helping you get a fresh start in your new life. You can reach us by chatting below or sending us a contact request.

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.