SAN DIEGO BUSINESS VALUATION LAWYERS

Guidance from Experienced San Diego Divorce Attorneys

Complex business valuation and division of business interests is one of our areas of special expertise in family law. Our San Diego business valuation attorneys can provide you with the expert advice you need to navigate the legal complexities of these areas.

As part of the domestic process, California courts have jurisdiction to determine the community property interest, if any, in a business owned by one or both parties. To divide or award the community interest in a business, the value of the business must be ascertained.

Even when a business existed prior to marriage, California case law provides the community may have a proportionate interest in this premarital business. When the issue of community versus separate character of a business arises during a divorce law process, expert witnesses are generally required to provide appraisals at various dates. High asset divorces may involve greater complexity in relation to business interest valuation.

In addition, a detailed analysis may be required, including the amount of community effort devoted by either party to the operation of business, the reasonable compensation for any services rendered, and a return on the separate property investment that existed on the date of marriage.

Financial Issues That Must Be Addressed During San Diego Divorces

A related issue is a determination of income available to the operating spouse with which to pay spousal support or determine child support. A forensic expert may review the business records to determine the correct income. In a complex case, it may be necessary to examine source documents, tax returns and profit and loss statements.

A further complication is that the Family Court does not always value a business at “fair market value”, i.e., what a third party buyer would offer to purchase the asset. The Family Court has the authority to place a dollar value on a business, even if it is not saleable on the open market. The Family Court has the jurisdiction to award a business to a spouse, even if that spouse does not wish to receive the asset.

Results-Oriented Legal Counsel

“My divorce case was very contentious and difficult for several reasons. First, my former wife had unrealistic expectations as to the value of our assets and made unreasonable demands. She hired an attorney that was not knowledgeable in family law and practices outside of San Diego. Given Ms. Sickler’s expertise in family law coupled with her knowledge of business valuation and tax issues, we were able to accomplish a settlement beyond my expectations. In addition, her paralegal Anita was always available to answer questions and kept me informed as to the status of my case which alleviated my stress during the divorce process.”

Speak with the Law Offices of Beatrice L. Snider, APC

The San Diego County family law attorneys at the Law Offices of Beatrice L. Snider, APC can assist the client in either assembling the required documentation or requesting this documentation from the operating spouse, to complete the necessary valuation of a business. Contact our San Diego family lawyers to discuss your case.