Divorce is a serious step that involves careful planning, decision-making, and can also be emotionally charged. This is especially true for couples with substantial wealth and property. Even when couples are content with the divorce decision, they still have to decide on how to divide their assets. For example, in California, couples with high assets may be curious about dividing luxury homes in Hermosa Beach divorce cases.
Hire a Firm With Decades of Experience
Each divorce case is different and requires a lawyer who can meet the unique needs of their clients. At Kramer & Zitser, LLP, our Hermosa Beach family lawyers have decades of experience serving a diverse clientele, including those with high assets. These divorces can be complex and may involve several professionals for couples to reach optimal solutions. Fortunately, we are property division attorneys in Hermosa Beach who understand California’s stringent laws and can help our clients navigate them.
Hermosa Beach Divorce Statistics
California overall has a lower divorce rate than the national average. Specifically, the divorce rate is 5.9% as of 2022, according to a US Census Bureau report. Los Angeles County, however, reported the most divorce filings in the 2024-2025 fiscal year with 25,288 of 107,146 filings — nearly 25%. While the overall rate is lower than the national average, a significant number of couples may still require legal assistance to help them finalize their divorce.
Hermosa Beach Divorce Laws
Hermosa Beach is a small coastal community in Los Angeles County with a population of less than 20,000 people. Their divorce laws follow California state laws, which are a no-fault state. This means no wrongdoing need be cited for couples to divorce beyond irreconcilable differences or legal incapacity. This makes divorcing relatively easy; however, specific divorce laws can be more complex.
One such law is property division. In California, couples divide property equally, instead of equitably, upon divorce. This means each party receives 50% of the value of their shared assets unless they reach another agreement approved by the court per Family Code 2550. However, not all assets need to be divided; only community property. Below is a description of what constitutes community property versus separate property:
- Community property. All assets purchased or debts owed during the marriage. This includes real estate, joint accounts, shared bank accounts, and other property purchased during the marriage, regardless of who paid for it.
- Separate property. All assets purchased or debts owed before the marriage or after the divorce. This includes real estate, bank accounts, and property purchased before the marriage or after the divorce. An example may include a house purchased before the marriage or property purchased with money used from the sale of a home purchased before the marriage.
While Hermosa Beach is a small town, the median housing value is over $2,000,000. This makes property division a critical issue in divorce, one that may require the couple to hire a property division lawyer.
Dividing Luxury Homes in Hermosa Beach Divorce Cases
If you and your spouse owned a luxury home in Hermosa Beach, like a beachfront home on The Strand, then there are many facets you must consider. Your lawyer may employ the help of a forensic accountant or appraiser to valuate the home so each spouse receives their fair share. From there, you have several options for dividing the home, which include:
- Splitting the home 50/50. This is the most common option and the most aligned with California’s community property laws. In this scenario, the couple sells the home and divides the proceeds equally.
- Selling the home. As another option, the couple may choose to sell the home and divide the proceeds equally between them.
- Buying out your spouse. If you want to remain in the home, you can buy out your spouse’s share of the equity, which may require refinancing.
- Do a Senate Bill 9 lot split. This entails splitting the lot 50/50 and building two separate properties on said lot.
In some cases, one spouse may attempt to conceal assets to avoid dividing them with their spouse. However, this is unlawful in California and can be met with serious consequences.
FAQs
Which Assets Are Not Divided in a Divorce in California?
Assets that are not divided in a divorce in California are considered separate property. Separate property or assets is property that is purchased or debts owed before coming into the marriage or after leaving it. This can include a home, cars, jewelry, or collectibles purchased before marrying; or it may include purchases made with money earned before the marriage.
Will My Luxury Home Be Divided in a Divorce?
It depends. Your luxury home may be divided in a divorce if it is considered community property. In California, property division laws state that community property is divided equally between both parties upon divorce. Therefore, if your luxury home was purchased with money earned during the marriage, regardless of who paid for it, it may be divided between you and your spouse.
Why Is Moving Out the Biggest Mistake in a Divorce?
Moving out is the biggest mistake in a divorce for several reasons. First, if you have children, it can impact custody arrangements. Moving out can appear to be abandonment, threatening your case. Second, it can increase your expenses if you have to pay bills at both residences. Third, it could weaken your leverage in divorce proceedings if you intend to make claims on the home.
Can My Spouse Cut Me Off Financially During Separation?
Generally, it is unlawful for your spouse to cut you off financially during separation. This is due to California’s community property laws, which enable both parties to make claims to any property earned during the marriage, regardless of whose name is on the account. Some spouses may decide to cease depositing money in joint accounts during separation, but this may be unlawful. Consult your lawyer to get a clearer idea of property laws during separation.
Call Us Today
At Kramer & Zitser, LLP, our goal is to help our clients reach an amicable property division agreement. However, if this is not possible, we can advocate for our clients in court. We are seasoned family lawyers who can effectively handle high-asset cases. Contact us today for a consultation and learn how we can help you with your property division case.
