Tracing of Assets

Asset tracing is the process of determining the source and nature of property to establish whether it is community or separate property. Complex asset tracing calls for the attention of an experienced family law attorney. Since 1960 the attorneys at Hoover & Bechtel, L.L.P., have represented individuals through the process of a divorce and to obtain fair property division settlements. We have extensive experience representing individuals whose community estates have substantial assets, some worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

For couples with a substantial community estate, the size of the estate and the complexity of the financial matters involved make it critical to obtain the most qualified legal counsel. As the largest law firm in the Bay Area devoted exclusively to family law issues, we have the experience to handle complex property division issues and when needed retain qualified financial experts to assist in the process.

One of the most common issues involved in the division of property is determining whether it is community or separate property. As a general rule, property obtained during a marriage or domestic partnership is community property. There are exceptions to this rule, including property obtained prior to the date of marriage or the registration of the domestic partnership, property inherited solely by one individual and certain portions of some personal injury settlements.

The commingling of funds complicates the determination of separate and community property. Couples typically share one joint checking account, make investments together, and assets that were separate property become intertwined with assets that are community property.

If you are preparing for a divorce or have been served with a summons and petition for divorce, contact an experienced family law lawyer at Hoover & Bechtel, L.L.P., for assistance. Let us put our decades of legal experience to work for you.

With offices located in San Jose, CA, the family law attorneys of Hoover & Bechtel, L.L.P., serve clients throughout the Bay Area and Silicon Valley in Northern California. We routinely represent clients in the 11 Bay Area counties and beyond including Santa Clara County, Monterey County, Alameda County, Contra Costa County, Santa Cruz County, San Mateo County, San Benito County. Many of our clients are located in the cities of San Jose, Campbell, Cupertino, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Fremont, Milpitas, Palo Alto, Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Santa Cruz, Los Altos, Monte Sereno, Woodside, Menlo Park, and Atherton.

Hoover & Bechtel, LLP | 1570 The Alameda, Suite 101 | San Jose, CA 95126