California Property Division Attorneys

Worried about how your property will be divided in a California divorce? At Cage & Miles, our board-certified family law attorneys provide the guidance and advocacy you need to protect your financial future.

Find My Attorney
View of coastal homes and palm trees perched on rocky cliffs overlooking the ocean in Southern California during golden hour.

How Marital Property Is Divided In California

In a California divorce case, property division is generally accomplished in one of three ways:

  1. The parties may reach an agreement regarding property division either on their own or with the assistance of counsel which is memorialized in a Marital Settlement Agreement and filed with the court.
  2. The parties may participate in a formal alternate dispute resolution process such as mediation and agree to division of property which is memorialized in a Marital Settlement Agreement and filed with the court.
  3. If the parties are unable to reach an agreement on all or any of their property, the court will make orders for property division following a hearing or trial.

California is a community property state. If the court is making orders for division of property because the parties were unable to resolve their disputes, the court must follow the guidelines of the California Family Code and will divide all community property equally between the parties. If either party alleges a particular asset or debt is separate property, that issue will be adjudicated. Generally, separate property is defined as all property acquired before the marriage, after the date of separation, or during the marriage by gift, devise, or bequest.

Find My Attorney

What Is Separate Property vs. Community Property?

Although the general rules of property division appear clear and simple, oftentimes unique factors can make the decision more complex. For example, if one spouse purchased a home prior to marriage, the general rules would state that the home is the separate property of the purchasing spouse. However, the case becomes more complex if the parties used community property funds (income of either party) to make mortgage payments on the property which reduce the principal owed on the loan encumbering it.

Another complicating factor could be the refinancing of the separate property home during the marriage. During the refinance process or even separate from it, the parties may execute certain deeds regarding a separate property home which may impact characterization and reimbursement rights. The same type of complications can apply to a business owned by a spouse prior to marriage. If a business increases in value during the marriage, a community property interest may be established in the business.

Find My Attorney

Why You Need a Property Division Attorney

This area of family law requires that parties characterize and divide all community and separate property. At Cage and Miles, our family law attorneys understand complex financial issues such as the tracing of separate property, business valuations, apportionment, and property characterization. Prior to making any decision which may alter the character of your property, it is important to consult with an experienced family law attorney.

Find My Attorney
Cage & Miles employees working together in office.

Property Division Services

Hidden Assets

Uncover concealed property to ensure a fair resolution.
Hidden Assets
Property Division

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions?

Ask An Attorney
No items found.
Get started today

Speak With a Property Division Specialist

Contact us for a confidential, introductory conversation with our Intake Specialist. We’ll talk with you about your unique family law matter, and match you with an attorney who is best suited to handle the particular issues in your case, so we can help you take the next step forward.

Find My Attorney
Trusted by clients across California

Client Testimonials

Hear directly from the individuals and families we’ve helped through complex, emotional legal matters. Their words reflect our commitment to clarity, compassion, and successful outcomes.

See All Testimonials

I hired John Sylvester two years ago while I was going through several issues in my family law case. To date, he has helped me resolve every single one of those issues in my favor. His professionalism and knowledge of the law is second to none. He was always responsive when I had questions. He helped me understand how everything worked, from RFOs, to subpoenas, to trial litigation. John always had a plan, and he was always prepared. He was able to take all the information I gave him and make sense of it all. John never pushed me to spend more money and Rebecca the co-owner was kind enough to work out the financial aspects of my bills with me. I consider myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with John, and I have already recommended him to friends and family who want the best family attorney in San Diego.

Anthony C

Steven set my mind at ease immediately. My situation felt incredibly difficult and extreme. After our initial consultation I knew that when the time came for me to act that Steven was the perfect professional for me to hire. He was very diligent dotting every “i” and crossing every “t” while carefully explaining each step through completion. I can’t imagine anyone else doing a finer job. Thank you!

Coach Miller

This review is long over due. I cannot say enough nice things about Jillian Duggan-Herd. Over the past several years, Jillian has helped me with multiple family law issues. Every single time, Jillian was able to help clear up the issues with integrity, honesty and a high standard of ethics. Jillian is a professional of the highest standards. Without the help of Jillian, I know that I would not have had the successful outcomes I have had. Jillian will stand by your requests and will guide you through what is sometimes a very stressful and lengthy process. Though there were MANY difficult challenges for Jillian in my personal cases, she did not falter. Not once... Thank you Jillian for the dedication, professionalism, honesty and integrity. Your hard work has allowed many smiles within our family and we are extremely grateful. On a scale of 1 to 10, you are an 11. Keep up the amazing work!

James Dougherty

Jaime Cage helped me through one of the most difficult periods of my life. My ex-spouse had promised in the beginning that our divorce process would be "amicable" but instead hired 3 different attorneys to fight every step of the way. I had Jaime the entire time, and her calm demeanor helped me stay the course, even when opposing counsel continued to demand document after document. She even made sure that any battle I wanted to pursue was worth the attorney fees I would end up paying. She always kept me appraised of developments. I have recommended her to family members who are going through divorces.

Justin G

They are very good company to deal with the family law, I had Mehry Mohseni and Stephanie they did an awesome job. They will let you know what is going on in your case, help you how the court works and put you in the picture when you go inside the court what you expect to happen. They will prepare you for your court day very well.I’ll recommend them to anyone going through these kind of problems they will do their best for you.

Aya Lockman

I was involved in a highly complex and exhaustive family law case over the last couple years. Jillian Dugan-Herd was my 2nd attorney and thanks to her it's finally over! She is honest, fair, intelligent, professional, kind, unbelievably fierce and highly respected not only by the judge but also her colleagues (I saw that 1st hand). She's quite simply a bad-ass. Other attorneys were coming out of the attorney room telling me how hard she was fighting for me. I was humbled by and grateful for her intense dedication to my case and her incredible ability to argue on my behalf. She never gave up! I was wholly represented and no words will ever fully express my gratitude! My case was not an easy one and the results she got me were fair but also life changing. I know I would not have gotten the results I got with any other attorney. Listen to her, she will not steer you in the wrong direction. She has your & your children's best interest at heart.

Brandee D

After calling around to several firms, I went with my gut feeling and trusted Cage & Miles with my divorce. I was pleasantly surprised by their professionalism and ability to explain my case to me in a clear and concise manner, taking steps to ensure my complete understanding of the process. They handled my divorce along with what I would have considered complex financial issues surrounding it with ease and certainty. I put my trust in Cage & Miles, was rewarded, and would recommend them to anyone requiring an attorney with expertise in family law. I wouldn't want anyone else representing me in my next divorce, but let's hope it doesn't come to that!

David J

I highly recommend Ksenya Kogan to anyone who finds themselves in the tough spot of navigating a divorce. She was highly recommended to me by an friend, and hiring her was the best decision I ever made. Without her assistance, I would have given in so many times along this journey. She fought for me when I didn’t know how to stand-up for myself, and the end result was a settlement that far exceeded my expectations and at a cost far lower than the other party paid their attorney. Without her, I have no doubt I would have been paying outrageous alimony for the rest of my life. Instead, her expertise and tenacity resulted in me finally being able to completely move forward without being tied to my ex.

Jaclyn Skinner

My case was a divorce with a challenging and consistently non-responsive ex wife who toggled through 3 different lawyers in as many years. Thanks to the sustained efforts of Sandra Mayberry and team, the matter was resolved favorably, and in a timely manner, sparing me substantial payments of stock option proceeds to my ex.

Gregg Timony

I wanted to hire them but I couldn't because of a conflict of interest but I am well aware of a certain case that one of their lawyers is working on. I am close with her client (hence the conflict of interest). Jillian is an absolute beast and I totally wish I could hire her to take on my case! But she fights for her clients! She does her work and then some! She is on top of everything! She knows what she's doing and she is one of the best lawyers I've ever seen. If you're looking for a Trial/Family Law lawyer, she is the woman for you! She took my "friend's" case on and now his case is literally 180 from what it was before! Trust me, she is worth every penny!

Katey Figueroa

I cannot express my gratitude and immense satisfaction choosing Cage & Miles, my attorney was Mehry Mohseni. I work often with attorneys, both private and in the public sector. It is my opinion that Ms. Mohseni JD is possibly one of the great legal minds of our time. I had a rather difficult case that other attorneys seemed intimated by. But my Counsel Mohseni was tenacious, fought for what was RIGHT for my family, and always showed up with a smile and calm demeanor. Many times, I, myself, became frustrated and hopeless with family court. I could always count on a call or text from Ms Mohseni, explaining protocol or talking me off a cliff. Bright, knowledgeable and never backing down, she's a real Bulldog when you need one. Family court is never fun, but when you have the support of Cage & Miles, know you have the very very best!

Laurin C

I have no hesitation in recommending Cage & Miles and Steven Brumer in particular. He shepherded me through my divorce with patience, wisdom, and clarity, helping me to protect my financial interests at every turn. My ex paid much more for his lawyer, but I ended up getting everything I felt legally entitled to -- and more -- thanks to Steve's knowledgeable guidance. That says it all, really

Megan Masucci

Jaime and the team at Cage and Miles are top-notch: professional, knowledgeable, proficient, and so pleasant to work with. Jaime has a calm and pleasant demeanor that not only kept me at ease, but kept things non-confrontational with my bullheaded ex. Jaime would promptly answer my concerns and questions, simplifying complicated legal issues for me. When the asset situation became too complex, she referred me to an expert financial advisor who worked with us to analyze the best options. Jaime helped me hold my ground when the ex tried to manipulate the settlement terms again and again - in the end, the law prevailed and we avoided an expensive court hearing. I highly recommend this firm

LW

I can not say enough about how helpful and professional both Shannon and Jaime are. They walked me through every step of my case and were always well prepared. They were both available to answer any questions I had during a tough time. Both of these ladies show great professionalism and dedication to their clients and I definitely felt this the whole time working with them. I would recommend them to anyone in need of a Family Law Attorney. Thank you both again!

Miranda T

Cage and Miles is an awesome law firm that always looked out for your best interests even if I didn’t always agree. Mehry Mohseni, is highly knowledgeable and a hard-working attorney who spends countless hours with you and provides excellent representation. She will look out for your interest but more importantly your child’s interests as well. Cage and Miles will also litigate when they need to, so you can avoid costly court and legal fees. Highly Recommend!

Nick Chu

I had been through 3 very popular and prominent family law lawyers in town, and it was only when I found Cage and Miles that my case actually moved forward and the resolution was in my favor! Thank you so much for standing by me through my most difficult times. I am forever grateful. Thank you to Basma and James for your hard work and commitment to what is just and right in a very twisted society.

Sahar S.

I retained Avi Levy on two occasions and recommend him as a family law attorney. He is an exceptional attorney with many strengths, including intelligent, persuasive, and likable. He also has excellent communication skills. Thus, he is able to capture the attention and favor of judges in court. Avi has strong problem solving skills, pays attention to details, and has a solid grasp of accounting (and math skills), which are often relevant in family law cases that require forensic accounting. He is indeed expensive, but if you have abundant financial resources to hire a top notch attorney you will not be disappointed. Avi will work hard to optimally defend your case and help protect your most important assets, including children and finances.

Tina B
Previous
Next

Your Property Division Attorneys

Find My Attorney
Shannon B. Miles
Founding Partner
Shannon B. Miles
Shannon B. Miles
Jaime N. Cage
Founding Partner
Jaime N. Cage
Jaime N. Cage
Jillian Duggan-Herd
Partner
Jillian Duggan-Herd
Jillian Duggan-Herd
Avi Levy
Partner
Avi Levy
Avi Levy
Adrian Doty
Attorney
Adrian Doty
Adrian Doty
Alaina Lynch
Attorney
Alaina Lynch
Alaina Lynch
Allison Kuska
Attorney
Allison Kuska
Allison Kuska
Ashley Bell
Attorney
Ashley Bell
Ashley Bell
Carmen Ramos
Certified Family Law Specialist
Carmen Ramos
Carmen Ramos
Chelcee Eads
Attorney
Chelcee Eads
Chelcee Eads
David Crosgrove
Attorney
David Crosgrove
David Crosgrove
Deanne Arthur
Attorney
Deanne Arthur
Deanne Arthur
Dillon Clayton
Attorney
Dillon Clayton
Dillon Clayton
Evan Wender
Certified Family Law Specialist
Evan Wender
Evan Wender
Garen Gevorkian
Attorney
Garen Gevorkian
Garen Gevorkian
Jaimee Johanning
Attorney
Jaimee Johanning
Jaimee Johanning
James Dooley
Certified Family Law Specialist
James Dooley
James Dooley
Jamie Learakos
Attorney
Jamie Learakos
Jamie Learakos
Lauren Trinrud
Attorney
Lauren Trinrud
Lauren Trinrud
Leyla Tabatabaie
Certified Family Law Specialist
Leyla Tabatabaie
Leyla Tabatabaie
Lindsay Abel
Attorney
Lindsay Abel
Lindsay Abel
Maria Spear
Certified Family Law Specialist
Maria Spear
Maria Spear
Mehry Mohseni
Certified Family Law Specialist
Mehry Mohseni
Mehry Mohseni
Naomi Fribourg
Attorney
Naomi Fribourg
Naomi Fribourg
Ryan Goulet
Attorney
Ryan Goulet
Ryan Goulet
Sandra Mayberry
Certified Family Law Specialist
Sandra Mayberry
Sandra Mayberry
Traci Hoppes
Certified Family Law Specialist
Traci Hoppes
Traci Hoppes
Vanessa Gomez
Attorney
Vanessa Gomez
Vanessa Gomez
Get Started Today

Speak with a Property Division Attorney

Schedule a confidential, no-obligation conversation with our team.
We’ll discuss your unique situation and match you with the attorney best suited to help you move forward.

Find My Attorney
Serving southern California

Experienced Property Division Attorneys Near You

Cage & Miles family law attorneys serve all of San Diego County, Los Angeles County, Riverside County, and San Bernardino. No matter where you are in Southern California, our family law attorneys are prepared to speak with you so that you can gain insight into the options for your family law case.

Los Angeles, CA
Palm tree–lined city street in Los Angeles with cars, traffic lights, and buildings in the background.
Los Angeles, CA
Riverside, CA
Overhead view of a residential California neighborhood with houses, streets, and greenery.
Riverside, CA
San Diego, CA
Sunset view of waves washing against a sandy beach at the base of cliffs in San Diego, California.
San Diego, CA
Legal Insights & Tips

Family Law Blog

View All Blog Articles
Two wedding rings rest on a judge’s gavel beside legal divorce documents, with a small model house and a set of house keys in the background.
Family Law

How Is Property Divided in a California Divorce?

This guide explains the difference between community, separate, and commingled property, how courts value assets like homes, businesses, and retirement accounts, and strategies to resolve disputes. It also highlights the role of mediation in achieving fair and cost-effective settlements.
AUTHORS
PRIMARY SERVICES
SECONDARY SERVICES
Read Article
How Is Property Divided in a California Divorce?
Family Law

Don’t Be Like Denise – Why It Is So Important to Disclose ALL Your Assets in CA Divorce

Learn why disclosing all assets in a California divorce is crucial and avoid the mistakes Denise made in her case.
AUTHORS
PRIMARY SERVICES
SECONDARY SERVICES
Read Article
Don’t Be Like Denise – Why It Is So Important to Disclose ALL Your Assets in CA Divorce
Family Law

Top Asset Protection Strategies for Your California Divorce

Asset division during divorce can be messy and complicated. Use these divorce asset protection strategies to protect your assets during your California divorce.
AUTHORS
PRIMARY SERVICES
SECONDARY SERVICES
Read Article
Top Asset Protection Strategies for Your California Divorce

Explore Related Services

Divorce

Navigate the complex legal, financial, and emotional aspects of divorce with experienced, strategic representation.
Divorce
Get started today

Get matched with the right Property Division attorney for your case

Get matched with a trusted Cage & Miles attorney who understands your unique situation. We’ll guide you every step of the way, from your first conversation to confident resolution.

Find My Attorney