Property division is often the most complex and financially consequential aspect of a divorce. When substantial assets, businesses, investments, or real estate are involved, even small missteps can have long-term consequences.
At Duncan Family Law, we represent clients in complex and high-asset property division matters throughout Los Angeles. Led by family law attorney Nicole Duncan, our firm provides strategic legal guidance and disciplined advocacy to protect your financial future.
California is a community property state, which generally means that assets and debts acquired during the marriage are divided equally. In practice, however, property division is rarely straightforward—especially in high-net-worth divorces.
Disputes commonly arise over:
Without experienced legal representation, you risk losing assets, assuming disproportionate debt, or accepting an unfavorable settlement that impacts your long-term financial stability.
Our role as your Los Angeles property division attorney is to ensure every asset is identified, accurately valued, and properly addressed under California law.
Serving Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica and nearby cities
Nicole Duncan is a seasoned family law attorney with extensive experience handling complex property division and high-asset divorce cases. Her background combines litigation experience, financial insight, and multi-jurisdictional legal knowledge—an essential skill set when significant assets are at stake.
Nicole regularly represents clients in Los Angeles County courts in matters involving:
Business ownership and professional practices
Real estate portfolios and investment properties
Executive compensation, stock options, and deferred income
Complex retirement and pension plans
Known for thorough preparation and strategic advocacy, Nicole approaches property division cases with both legal precision and financial awareness. When possible, she works to resolve disputes efficiently through negotiation or mediation—while remaining fully prepared to litigate when necessary.
High-asset property division requires a customized strategy that balances immediate outcomes with long-term financial security. At Duncan Family Law, our approach includes:
Collaborating with forensic accountants, business valuators, and financial experts
Ensuring accurate valuation of businesses, real estate, and investments
Structuring settlements with tax implications and future income in mind
Navigating California’s community property and reimbursement laws
Advocating decisively in court when settlement is not achievable
Maintaining discretion and confidentiality for high-profile or sensitive cases
We combine disciplined negotiation with courtroom readiness to protect your interests at every stage of the process.
Property division cases in Los Angeles often involve unique financial and real-estate considerations. Duncan Family Law represents clients throughout Los Angeles County, including Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Downtown Los Angeles, and the San Fernando Valley.
Whether your case involves luxury real estate in the Hollywood Hills, business interests in Santa Monica, or investment assets tied to Silicon Beach, our local experience ensures that no financial detail is overlooked.
Your assets, business interests, and long-term financial security deserve careful, strategic legal protection. Early legal guidance can significantly affect the outcome of a property division dispute.
Contact Duncan Family Law today to schedule a confidential consultation with Nicole Duncan, a Los Angeles property division attorney experienced in complex and high-asset divorce matters.
Duncan Family Law Divorce Lawyers Los Angeles
Address: 8075 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048
Phone: (855) 369-9993
California is a no-fault divorce state, meaning you do not have to prove wrongdoing to file for divorce. Most divorces are filed on the grounds of irreconcilable differences, which simply means the marriage cannot be repaired. In rare cases, divorce may also be granted due to incurable insanity, which requires medical proof and additional legal steps.
California requires a mandatory six-month waiting period from the date your spouse is served with divorce papers before a divorce can be finalized. Some cases resolve shortly after this period, while others may take longer depending on issues such as child custody, support, or asset division. An experienced divorce attorney can help move the process forward as efficiently as possible.
California follows community property law, meaning most assets and debts acquired during the marriage are generally divided equally. However, determining what qualifies as community versus separate property can be complex. A Los Angeles divorce attorney can help protect assets that may be rightfully separate and ensure a fair division based on your circumstances.
California courts base child custody decisions on the best interests of the child. Judges consider factors such as the child’s health and safety, parenting history, stability, and any history of domestic violence or substance abuse. Custody arrangements may include legal custody, physical custody, or a combination of both.
Spousal support, also known as alimony, is financial support paid by one spouse to the other during or after a divorce. Courts evaluate factors including the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income and earning capacity, standard of living, and financial obligations. In longer marriages, spousal support issues can be particularly complex.
Child support in California is calculated using a statewide guideline formula that considers each parent’s income, time spent with the child, tax considerations, and additional expenses such as healthcare or childcare. While the formula provides a baseline, certain circumstances may justify adjustments.
Yes, certain aspects of a divorce judgment — such as child custody, child support, or spousal support — may be modified if there has been a significant change in circumstances. Examples include job loss, income changes, relocation, or changes in a child’s needs. Court approval is required for any modification.
While you are legally allowed to represent yourself, divorce laws and court procedures can be complicated, especially when children or significant assets are involved. Working with a knowledgeable Los Angeles divorce attorney helps ensure your rights are protected and reduces the risk of costly mistakes.
Because California is a no-fault divorce state, your spouse does not need to agree for the divorce to proceed. If your spouse refuses to participate, the court may allow the divorce to move forward through a default judgment, provided all legal requirements are met.
A legal separation allows spouses to live apart and resolve issues related to custody, support, and property without ending the marriage. A divorce formally terminates the marriage and allows both parties to remarry. Legal separation is often chosen for religious, financial, or insurance reasons.
The cost of a divorce attorney varies depending on the complexity of the case, whether it is contested, and the issues involved. Some divorces resolve quickly, while others require extensive litigation. A consultation with a divorce attorney can help you understand potential costs and legal options.
The courthouse depends on where you or your spouse live when the case is filed. Common venues include the Stanley Mosk Courthouse, Van Nuys Courthouse, Pasadena Courthouse, Santa Monica Courthouse, and Torrance Courthouse. A divorce attorney can help determine the proper filing location.
While California divorce laws are uniform statewide, local court procedures, scheduling, and judicial preferences may differ. Having an attorney familiar with local court practices can help ensure compliance with court-specific requirements.
Not necessarily. However, filings are generally based on residency rules. Once a case is filed, appearances may be required in that specific courthouse unless otherwise permitted by the court.
In limited circumstances, a divorce case may be transferred, but court approval is required. Transfers often depend on changes in residency or court jurisdiction issues.
