Valencia is known for its quiet neighborhoods, tree-lined paseos, and families who’ve worked hard to build a good life. But when divorce disrupts that balance, it’s not just about ending your relationship. It’s about protecting everything you’ve built here, like the home you bought, the business you built, and the savings you worked for.
Whether dividing a Valencia home near Bridgeport Lake or sorting out investments tied to your family’s business, these decisions can feel overwhelming. A property division attorney in Valencia can help you make sense of California’s community property laws so you can keep what matters most.
At Barnholtz & Kugler, we’ve spent decades helping individuals and families in Valencia and the Santa Clarita Valley understand property division, reduce conflict, and move forward after divorce. Contact us online or call (661) 799-9140 to speak with an experienced Valencia property division attorney who can help you protect your assets and your peace of mind.
Property Division in California
California law generally requires that all community property be divided equally between spouses. But not all assets are the same, and what looks simple on paper often isn’t.
Community Property vs. Separate Property
Understanding the categories of property is key:
- Community property—assets and debts acquired during the marriage that belong equally to both spouses;
- Separate property—assets one spouse owned before marriage, as well as gifts or inheritances; and
- Mixed property—assets that combine both, such as a home purchased before marriage but paid down with shared income.
A Valencia property division attorney at Barnholtz & Kugler can help you trace funds and clarify ownership. We can help ensure a fair division of property.
Common Assets Subject to Division
Every case is different, but community assets often include:
- Real estate and the family home;
- Bank and investment accounts;
- Retirement plans and pensions;
- Vehicles and personal property; and
- Businesses or professional practices.
Even if property is in one spouse’s name, it might still be community property.
Factors That Can Influence Property Division
Although California law starts with a 50/50 division rule, real life rarely divides so neatly. Courts and attorneys must consider multiple factors that can affect property distribution or value, such as:
- Length of the marriage. Longer marriages typically involve more intertwined finances, making dividing community and separating property harder.
- Contributions to the household. Non-financial contributions, like raising children or supporting a spouse’s career, can influence property division.
- Agreements between spouses. Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements may set rules for property division if they meet California’s legal standards.
- Economic circumstances. Courts may consider each spouse’s earning capacity, health, and financial stability when dividing certain assets or debts.
A Barnholtz & Kugler Valencia property division attorney can help you present your case clearly so these factors can be weighed fairly.
Debt Division
Debts are divided much like assets. Loans, credit cards, and other liabilities taken on during the marriage generally belong to both spouses. It doesn’t matter whose name appears on the account. However, debts incurred before marriage or after separation are usually separate.
Working with our property division lawyers in Valencia helps ensure you’re not left paying for obligations that aren’t yours.
Can Mediation Help with Property Division?
Yes. Many couples resolve property division through mediation. Mediation is a cooperative process where spouses, guided by a neutral third party, work together to reach an agreement without going to court. It often reduces cost, stress, and emotional toll while keeping private matters out of the courtroom.
At Barnholtz & Kugler, attorney Heidi Kugler uses her 30 years of family law experience to help couples resolve disputes peacefully whenever possible. When agreement isn’t possible, attorney Brad Barnholtz provides the strong courtroom representation needed to protect your rights.
What Does a Property Division Attorney in Santa Clarita Valley Do?
California’s community property laws require that most assets and debts acquired during a marriage be divided equally. However, identifying which assets fall into that category and determining their worth can be far more complex than it seems.
Separate and community property often overlap, especially when spouses combine finances, invest together, or use marital funds to improve or maintain individual assets. A skilled attorney helps you determine what qualifies as community or separate property, ensures each item is valued correctly, and protects your rights at every stage of the process.
Your attorney’s role includes:
- Gathering and analyzing financial records to identify assets, debts, and potential hidden income;
- Valuing real estate, businesses, retirement accounts, and investment portfolios with the help of financial experts; and
- Negotiating or litigating to reach an equitable division that supports your financial stability and long-term goals.
Having an advocate ensures you make informed, confident decisions about your future. An experienced and knowledgeable attorney is also crucial to ensuring your rights are protected throughout the process.
Why Choose Barnholtz & Kugler?
Divorce can change your life, but it doesn’t have to destroy your financial foundation. With the right guidance, you can emerge with stability, fairness, and control.
At Barnholtz & Kugler, we have more than 60 years of combined legal experience helping clients in Valencia and throughout California. Heidi Kugler brings empathy and mediation experience that allows families to minimize conflict. Brad Barnholtz delivers the litigation skills needed when disputes escalate. Together, they offer balanced and practical representation rooted in compassion and strength.
We know your time and energy are limited. We aim to make the process manageable while keeping your goals and peace of mind at the center. Clients choose us because we combine big-firm experience with small-firm accessibility, giving every case the personal attention it deserves.
Contact Barnholtz & Kugler today to schedule a consultation with a property division attorney in Santa Clarita Valley. Let us walk you through the process so we can start protecting what matters most to you. You can also contact us online or call (661) 799-9140 to speak with an experienced Valencia property division lawyer who can help you move forward with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Property Division
What Is Considered Community Property in California?
Community property includes assets and debts acquired during marriage, such as income, real estate, and savings. Property owned before marriage or received as a gift or inheritance remains separate.
How Are Debts Split in a California Divorce?
Generally, debts incurred during marriage are divided equally. Debts incurred after separation usually belong only to the spouse who incurred them.
Can I Keep My House If We Divorce in Valencia?
It depends on when and how the home was acquired. A house purchased before marriage is usually separate property. However, if marital income helped pay the mortgage or improve the home, your spouse may have a community property interest in its increased value. Homes bought during marriage are generally divided equally, though one spouse may “buy out” the other’s share.
How Are Retirement Accounts Divided in California Divorces?
The portion earned during marriage is divided equally, often through a Qualified Domestic Relations Order or similar mechanism. These accounts can include multiple plans or complex tax implications. Working with a property division attorney in Valencia ensures an accurate handling of the division and protects your long-term financial interests.
What Happens If My Spouse Is Hiding Assets?
California law requires both spouses to disclose assets and debts accurately. Concealing property is fraud and can lead to severe penalties, including awarding the hidden asset to the other spouse. If you suspect financial dishonesty, your attorney can:
- Review tax returns and statements for inconsistencies,
- Subpoena records to verify income and assets, and
- Partner with forensic accountants to uncover what’s missing.
Full disclosure is not optional. It’s the foundation of a fair divorce.