Trace a Sizable Inheritance

Inheritances are generally considered to be separate property.  Paradoxically, this is one of the most difficult and highly contested areas of divorce and is often complicated by the existence of a pre-nuptial agreement.  

Common Questions Include:

• How can I know whether an inheritance is divisible as community property or not?
• What happens to the interest on the inheritance if it is invested during marriage? 
• Inheritances can affect support, but how? 
• What if the inheritance is used to pay the family’s bills or to buy a house?
• How does a pre-nuptial agreement affect the above questions?

How we can help:

We have experience guiding clients through the complexities of inherited wealth.  We estimate how much of the inheritance is separate from the community property.  We also help clients understand which negotiation approaches they should take in order to maximize the expected value they receive. 

Divorce is much like a chess match: for every move there is an equal countermove.  If the inheritance is entirely deemed as separate property, then support becomes the main issue.  We can create a framework for negotiation and approach for support.

We plan your divorce by isolating realistic goals and creating a timeline, the necessary steps, and a budget to achieve them.  We help you execute upon the plan by framing the communications with your attorney and your spouse.  We regularly benchmark progress against the plan to make sure the divorce is moving forward at the most efficient pace while ensuring you stay within your budget.  Lastly, our years of experience with numerous divorces enables us to advise you on proven ways to respond to the unplanned adversity you are likely to face.