Meyer, Olson, Lowy & Meyers, LLP FindLaw IM Template 2026-06-18T08:05:18Z https://www.molmfamlaw.com/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1402667/2022/04/cropped-molm-site-icon-32x32.jpg On Behalf of Meyer, Olson, Lowy & Meyers, LLP <![CDATA[3 financial documents you need for a high-asset support case]]> https://www.molmfamlaw.com/?p=54423 2026-06-18T08:05:18Z 2026-06-18T08:05:18Z Income records Not all compensation arrives in the form of a paycheck. Depending on your situation, income records may include tax returns, pay stubs, bonus statements, partnership distributions and more. Gathering these records can help show where your earnings come from and whether they fluctuate from year to year.

Asset documentation

Your annual earnings may not be enough to show your full financial situation. Other assets you may need to include are:
  • Investment accounts
  • Retirement accounts
  • Business ownership documents
  • Real estate records
In many high-asset divorces, these holdings represent a significant share of a person's wealth and deserve careful attention.

Lifestyle records

Your spending patterns can provide important context in a spousal support case. Credit card statements, travel records and household budgets can help show the lifestyle you maintained during the marriage. They may also provide a clearer understanding of recurring expenses that income and asset records alone cannot explain.

Start gathering information early

The sooner you begin organizing these documents, the easier it may be to respond to questions as your case moves forward. Taking time to collect records now can help reduce confusion later and ensure that important details are not overlooked. If you are unsure which documents may be relevant to your situation, an experienced family law attorney can help you determine what information may be most important.]]> On Behalf of Meyer, Olson, Lowy & Meyers, LLP <![CDATA[Hiring a private investigator will only complicate your divorce]]> https://www.molmfamlaw.com/?p=54394 2026-06-11T09:42:08Z 2026-06-11T09:42:08Z You’ve probably seen it in countless old movies and TV shows – someone hiring a private investigator (PI) to follow their spouse so they can take pictures of them as they meet up with another man or woman for an affair or engage in some other activity that will give them solid grounds for divorce. Of course, most divorces are “no-fault” these days, and a spouse’s adultery likely isn’t going to give you a better outcome in the settlement. Besides, it’s easier to get evidence of wrongdoing by going through their phone or searching their browser history on their laptop.  Nonetheless, some people still choose to hire a PI to find evidence that their spouses are hiding assets, losing considerable money gambling or maybe even supporting another family. They may want to prove that their spouse is engaging in activity involving drugs, pornography or organized crime that would give them ammunition to seek sole custody of the children. There may be solid reasons to investigate your soon-to-be ex – especially if you believe they haven’t been honest about the assets you will be dividing, have hidden debts or aren’t fit to share child custody. However, you should never do that on your own. It’s crucial to share any concerns with your legal team – even if you only have a suspicion. They likely know a variety of investigators and other professionals who can do any kind of digging they agree is warranted. For example, forensic accountants are often brought in to find undisclosed assets, debts and financial wrongdoing.

What can happen if you don’t trust the investigating to your legal team?

Hiring a PI or even doing too much sleuthing on your own can backfire. If your spouse can show a judge that you violated their privacy or used potentially illegal means to access confidential information, that judge may consider that worse than whatever it is you learned about them. Further, you can never know how your spouse will react when they learn you’ve been spying on them. This could turn a fairly amicable divorce into a messy one. You may have to prepare for things you never wanted brought up to be exposed. Your spouse may end up fighting for things they don’t even want just to get back at you. If you’ve already got information on your spouse gathered by a PI, it’s important to share it with your legal team. They can determine whether it’s admissible and worth using. However, if you haven’t yet taken that step, it’s crucial not to do so. Instead, make sure that you have experienced legal guidance to work toward the best possible outcome.]]> On Behalf of Meyer, Olson, Lowy & Meyers, LLP <![CDATA[2 mistakes couples make with premarital agreements]]> https://www.molmfamlaw.com/?p=54382 2026-06-09T20:30:53Z 2026-06-04T10:22:29Z Marriage is one of life's biggest commitments. Along with joining two lives, it often involves combining finances, property and long-term plans. While many couples focus on the wedding itself, some put off important legal discussions. When it comes to premarital agreements, timing and expectations matter. [ez-toc]

What is a premarital agreement?

A premarital agreement, often called a prenup, is a legal contract signed before marriage. It can address issues such as property ownership, debt, spousal support and the treatment of certain assets if the marriage ends. A prenup cannot cover every possible issue, but it can help couples set clear expectations and reduce uncertainty.

What mistakes should couples avoid when creating a prenup? 

Here are two common mistakes couples make when creating a premarital agreement: 

1. Waiting too long to start the process

Many couples wait until the wedding is just around the corner before discussing a prenup. This can create unnecessary stress. A premarital agreement requires careful thought and planning. Both parties usually need time to gather financial records, review proposed terms and consider how the agreement may affect their rights. Some may also choose to seek independent legal advice. When the process begins too close to the wedding date, both parties may feel pressure to move quickly. At the same time, they are often dealing with guest lists, vendors and other wedding plans. This can make it harder to focus on important legal and financial decisions. Starting the conversation early gives both parties time to understand the agreement and discuss concerns. It can also help reduce conflict and make the process more productive.

2. Entering the process with unrealistic expectations

Some couples believe that because they have already talked about finances, creating a prenup will be simple. In reality, a casual conversation is not the same as a legal agreement. A valid premarital agreement must meet legal requirements. As attorneys review the proposed terms, each party may learn more about the rights they currently have and the rights they may give up by signing the agreement. This process can bring up issues that neither person expected. A term that seemed fair during a private discussion may look different once its legal effects become clear. Couples may also learn that some goals require different language or may not be enforceable under state law. These conversations are not always easy. However, they can help both parties understand the agreement and make informed decisions. Approaching the process with realistic expectations can reduce misunderstandings and help create a stronger agreement. By starting early and keeping realistic expectations, couples can give themselves a better chance of creating an agreement that supports their future goals.

Building a foundation for the future

A premarital agreement is not just about protecting assets. It can also help couples address difficult topics before they become sources of conflict later on. Taking the time to discuss these things before saying “I do” can strengthen communication and create a stronger foundation for the marriage itself. Because a prenup can affect important legal rights, working with an experienced family law attorney can help both parties understand the agreement and its long-term implications. Even when the conversations are challenging, having the right legal guidance can help couples move forward with reassurance and peace of mind.

Premarital Agreement Video with Attorney Dana Lowy

(video transcript)]]> On Behalf of Meyer, Olson, Lowy & Meyers, LLP <![CDATA[Should you replace your prenup with a postnup?]]> https://www.molmfamlaw.com/?p=54379 2026-05-28T03:33:12Z 2026-05-28T03:33:12Z Many California couples put a prenuptial agreement in place before they get married to detail things like which assets they would each keep if the marriage ended in divorce. This can be important in a community property state like ours. They might also address things like inheritances and even alimony.  If the marriage is going well, they might rarely think about their prenup. Some people even assume that the prenup expires or at least no longer holds any legal weight after a while. That’s not the case unless they included a “sunset” provision in it. Assuming there’s no sunset provision, if they were to divorce, they could have to deal with a prenup that no longer addresses the needs of one or both of them. While a prenup can’t technically be modified once a couple is married, it can be replaced with a postnuptial agreement. Similarly, couples without a prenup can put a postnup in place instead.

What circumstances make it worthwhile to replace a prenup with a postnup?

It can be worth the time and expense of voiding the prenup and creating a postnup in one or more of the following scenarios:
  • One spouse has ended up with a far higher income than the other.
  • One or both spouses have their own business.
  • One or both spouses have received an unexpected inheritance.
  • One spouse has become a stay-at-home parent or elder caregiver and left the full-time workforce.
  • One spouse has developed serious health issues that prevent them from working.
  • One spouse has accumulated considerable debt (through failed business ventures, gambling or overspending).
  • One spouse has paid off the other’s debt (like student loans or individual credit card debt).
  • One spouse worked to support the couple while the other spouse got an advanced degree or built a business.
  • One or both spouses purchased specific assets that they want to retain in a divorce.
These are all things that can be addressed in a postnup. If a couple divorces, a well-crafted and up-to-date postnup can help the process go more quickly and smoothly. If they remain together, it’s still beneficial to be on the same page about these important financial matters.  As with a prenup, each spouse needs to have their own legal representation as they negotiate and codify a postnup. This helps ensure that their rights and interests are protected.]]> On Behalf of Meyer, Olson, Lowy & Meyers, LLP <![CDATA[Can domestic violence affect divorce judgments in California?]]> https://www.molmfamlaw.com/?p=54361 2026-05-15T22:18:50Z 2026-05-15T22:17:54Z When a marriage ends under the shadow of abuse, you might wonder whether the courts will take what happened behind closed doors into account. The short answer is yes. Judges often look beyond the surface of the separation, and a history of domestic violence can affect various aspects of a divorce settlement. Whether you're the survivor seeking protection or trying to understand where you stand, knowing how California law treats such situations can make a difference in how you approach these proceedings.

The law in California

One of the most significant ways domestic violence affects divorce judgments in California is through child custody and visitation orders. Courts prioritize the best interests of the child, and a proven history of abuse can limit custody rights or result in supervised visitation. Even credible allegations may prompt temporary restrictions while investigations and divorce proceedings unfold. Spousal support in California is not determined by financial figures alone. While income, earning capacity and the standard factors still play a central role, courts also consider the broader circumstances of the marriage. This includes any evidence of domestic violence, which can influence both the amount and duration of spousal support. Lastly, California courts can award a larger share of community property to the victim if domestic violence caused financial harm, including through economic control, depletion of assets or other conduct that reduced the marital estate.

Why documentation is everything

Courts base their decisions on the evidence presented. If you've experienced domestic violence, documenting every incident through police reports, photographs, medical visits and text messages can build a strong foundation of your case. Reaching out to a qualified legal professional can help you take the right steps forward, make sense of what to document and ensure your concerns are clearly presented in the legal process.  ]]> On Behalf of Meyer, Olson, Lowy & Meyers, LLP <![CDATA[How to optimize privacy during a high-asset divorce]]> https://www.molmfamlaw.com/?p=54292 2026-05-02T23:08:33Z 2026-05-02T23:08:33Z Push to settle outside of court Divorce does not always require litigation. Even in cases where there are intense disagreements about property distribution, custody matters or financial support, spouses can find ways to settle their disagreements and proceed with an uncontested divorce. If they settle their disputes outside of court, only the signed agreements they present to the courts to guide the final orders become part of the public record. Any issues they discuss as they negotiate outside of court remain private. Spouses often need assistance from outside professionals, ranging from child care specialists to financial advisors, as they work toward an amicable settlement in a high-asset divorce. In scenarios where emotions run high and there are allegations of misconduct, reaching a settlement that includes a mutual non-disparagement clause can also help protect the privacy and reputation of the divorcing spouses. Discussing privacy concerns with an attorney early in the high-asset divorce process can help spouses limit reputation-damaging public disclosures. The right approach to divorce can minimize the damaging fallout of the end of a marriage.]]> On Behalf of Meyer, Olson, Lowy & Meyers, LLP <![CDATA[Which income sources count towards your spousal support payments?]]> https://www.molmfamlaw.com/?p=54281 2026-04-22T17:30:23Z 2026-04-22T17:30:23Z When you go through a high-asset California divorce, courts rarely use just the number on your W-2 to calculate your spousal support. If you earn money from multiple sources, courts look far beyond your base salary. In high-stakes divorces, income is a moving target. Hence, knowing what courts count gives you a clearer picture of what to expect and how to prepare your case.

How California law broadly defines income

California courts define income very broadly for spousal support purposes. In fact, judges consider virtually all sources of recurring money to assess each spouse's ability to pay and to preserve the marital standard of living that both parties shared during the marriage. This means the court does not stop at reviewing your paycheck alone. It examines the full scope of your financial life, including sources that may not appear on a standard tax return. With that broad legal definition in mind, here are the five income streams courts focus on.

Five income streams courts examine

Because California courts cast a wide net, nearly every dollar you earn or receive is fair game during a support review. Here are the five income streams courts commonly examine when determining a spousal support order:
  • Wages and compensation: Courts review this because it reflects your most direct and consistent earning capacity. This includes your salary, hourly wages, overtime pay, commissions and bonuses.
  • Self-employment earnings: Courts look at this to get an accurate picture of what your business actually puts in your pocket. This covers net earnings from any business you own or operate.
  • Investment and passive income: Courts factor this in because it represents real financial resources available to you, even when you are not actively working. Common examples include dividends, interest, royalties and rental property income.
  • Retirement and benefits: Courts examine these sources because they contribute to your long-term financial stability. This category includes pensions, annuities, Social Security benefits, disability insurance and worker's compensation.
  • Other income sources: Courts consider these because even irregular or non-taxable funds can reflect your overall financial position. Examples include trust income, lottery winnings, inheritances and certain non-taxable payments.
Each of these income streams can directly affect how much support a court orders you to pay or receive. With a full picture of what courts examine, you can better understand what is at stake and why taking the right steps early on matters.

Protect the income you’ve worked hard to earn

High-asset divorces rarely produce straightforward spousal support outcomes. The broader your income picture, the more important it becomes to fully understand how the court evaluates each source and what that means for your financial future. Therefore, knowing your rights and your options puts you in a stronger position to make informed decisions every step of the way.]]> On Behalf of Meyer, Olson, Lowy & Meyers, LLP <![CDATA[Can you afford to keep the home after divorce?]]> https://www.molmfamlaw.com/?p=54269 2026-04-15T14:07:43Z 2026-04-15T14:07:43Z If you are getting divorced, there are many potential reasons why you would want to keep the house. Perhaps you have children, and you want them to have a stable living situation. Maybe you understand how competitive the modern housing market is, so a home is a major asset to consider. While the desire to keep the house is understandable, it is important to carefully consider if it will be affordable. This is part of the reason why it is so helpful to make a post-divorce budget.

Your standard of living will likely decline

One thing to keep in mind is that your overall income will decline when you get divorced, as will your standard of living. Even if you and your spouse both work, many of the costs that you used to share – like a mortgage or utility payments – will now be your responsibility alone. Exactly how your income changes after divorce depends on many factors, such as spousal support or child support. But your post-divorce budget can help you determine whether the same home is still affordable on one income, the way that it was on two.

Refinancing your mortgage

Another thing to consider is the potential need to refinance your mortgage, even if you get to keep the house during property division. Anyone on the mortgage is responsible for payments, so your spouse would likely want you to refinance into your own name. But since you are now on one income with a higher percentage of financial obligations, it may be more difficult to qualify for a mortgage. This does not apply if your house is paid off, of course, where all you have to consider are ongoing payments like utilities, property taxes and maintenance and upkeep costs.

Planning for the future

Everyone’s situation is unique when it comes to property division and their post-divorce budget. Just be sure you know what options you have and what legal steps to take at this time.  ]]> On Behalf of Meyer, Olson, Lowy & Meyers, LLP <![CDATA[Preparing for an international relocation when sharing custody]]> https://www.molmfamlaw.com/?p=54262 2026-04-13T15:22:46Z 2026-04-12T11:49:48Z Relocations are often complicated matters, as they generally require a post-decree custody modification. In scenarios involving a relocation out of this country, advance planning is necessary to avoid legal complications that could include an inability to travel abroad or the return of one’s children to the United States.

Prior consent is mandatory

Some parents relocating when they share custody have the option of moving without discussing the matter with their co-parent. The move is close enough to their existing residence or the home of the co-parent to ensure that the new housing arrangement does not interfere with custody exchanges. In many cases, parents require pre-approval when moving far enough away to disrupt the parenting schedule or out of the state of California. Prior permission is absolutely required in cases where the relocation takes the parent and the minor children out of the United States. Occasionally, a co-parent may consent to an international relocation. If they recognize that it is likely to be beneficial for the children, they might agree to take them for the entirety of summer break every year, for example. Parents can always cooperate with one another to adjust their custody order when one of them must relocate while the children are still minors. If there is a dispute about the necessity of the move or how to adjust custody to ensure that the children can still maintain a bond with the other parent, then the matter may require litigation. A family law judge can theoretically approve an international relocation and modify a custody order to include regular travel back to the United States and even virtual visitation to facilitate regular communication between the children and the parent still located in California. Failing to follow the right procedures could result in claims of an international parental kidnapping and the invocation of the Hague Convention. Taking the right steps to modify a custody order is of the utmost importance for parents who want to relocate, especially if the plan is to leave the country. An attorney can help parents planning a move to ensure that they follow the appropriate procedure to secure the consent they need.  ]]> On Behalf of Meyer, Olson, Lowy & Meyers, LLP <![CDATA[Is your spouse hiding assets from you?]]> https://www.molmfamlaw.com/?p=54237 2026-04-08T15:00:13Z 2026-04-08T15:00:13Z how to divide property and assets based on community property distribution. To do this. They will require accurate financial records from both partners. All documents related to poverty ownership, savings, income and debt should be disclosed. Sometimes, one partner believes that they are not going to get a fair deal, and tries to hide assets as a result. What are some of the more common signs that this is the case?

Restricting your access to accounts

Throughout the marriage, you and your spouse had shared access to the accounts. You’ve recently tried to log on in preparation for the divorce, only to find that your access has been restricted. Your spouse is the only person who could have done this. The question is why? Are they trying to hide something?

Your spouse travels a lot

The family court is not a criminal court and as long as your spouse attends scheduled dates, they shouldn’t be subjected to any travel restrictions. Your spouse has taken several trips abroad within a short space of time, which is highly unusual. Could they be opening up accounts elsewhere and looking for loopholes to prevent you from obtaining a fair divorce settlement? Hiding assets from the court is a serious matter and it is one that needs to be resolved quickly. Having legal guidance on your side will help ensure that you are not taken advantage of. [author] [author_image timthumb='on']/wp-content/uploads/sites/1402667/2026/04/molm-divorce-attorneys.jpg[/author_image] [author_info]The award-winning attorneys at [nap_names id="FIRM-NAME-1"] handle high-asset divorce cases. Based in Los Angeles, they represent clients with complex, high-net-worth divorce matters throughout California. For a confidential consultation, call [nap_phone id="LOCAL-CT-NUMBER-1"] or email us now.[/author_info] [/author]  ]]>