Office Hours
Office Hours
  • Mo - Th: 9:00 am-5.00 pm
  • Fr: 9:00 am-1.00 pm
  • Sa - Su: Closed
(916) 434-1600
Portrait of Jessica Abdollahi wearing a pink blazer, experienced Sacramento family law attorney.

Sacramento Property Division Attorney

Your Property, Your Rights
Get What's Rightfully Yours

Dividing property during a divorce typically involves more than just filing paperwork. Sometimes it's a battle to secure your financial future. I fight for what's rightfully yours.

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  • 14+
    Years of Experience
  • 75+
    Family Cases Resolved
  • 80%
    Client Referral Rate
  • avvo trust
  • scba trust
  • the state bar of california trust

Property Division Services in Sacramento

  • Community Property Classification

    California's equal distribution (50/50) rule may sound simple, but it becomes complicated when trying to untangle 20 years of finances. I classify every asset with surgical precision — what's yours, what's theirs, what's shared. Family Code 2550 mandates equal division, but equal doesn't mean simple.

  • Complex Asset Division

    High-value divorces demand sophisticated strategies. From family businesses to stock portfolios, I work closely with forensic accountants to reveal the actual value of the property involved. Your retirement accounts, real estate holdings, and investment properties require expert handling to avoid costly mistakes.

    About High-Asset Divorce

  • Separate Property Protection

    That inheritance from your grandmother? The business you started before marriage? I ensure your separate property stays separate. But beware, commingling can convert separate assets to community property. I trace every dollar to protect what's rightfully yours.

  • Hidden Asset Investigation

    Some spouses hide assets. I use the tools at my disposal to find them. Using financial discovery tools and forensic accounting, I uncover concealed bank accounts, understated business values, and cryptocurrency holdings. Full disclosure isn't optional - it's mandatory under California law.

  • Debt Division Strategy

    Debts divide equally, too, but blindly splitting the debt 50/50 without strategic planning is foolish. Like playing chess and thinking five moves ahead, I structure debt allocation to minimize your long-term burden, taking into account tax implications and refinancing requirements. Just because the court assigns debt doesn't mean creditors will honor that division. I factor all of these parameters into our game plan.

  • QDRO Preparation

    Dividing retirement accounts requires a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO). One mistake can cost thousands in taxes and penalties. I ensure proper division of 401(k)s, pensions, and IRAs without triggering unnecessary tax consequences.

What's Really Yours After "I Do"

The 50/50 Reality

California's community property law means that everything earned or acquired during marriage is split equally, including your salary, the house you bought together, retirement contributions, business growth, and even debts. But here's what matters most: equal division of total value shouldn't mean merely sawing everything in half and calling it a day. The best legal representation requires more thought and planning than that. I structure property divisions that protect your interests while also ensuring compliance with legal requirements.

Separate vs. Community Property

Not everything divides. Property owned before marriage, inheritances, personal gifts, and injury settlements stay yours, assuming you can prove it. Documentation is everything. Without clear records, separate property loses protection. I maintain the paper trail that preserves what's rightfully yours.

Know Your Assets: Separate vs. Community

Type of Property What It Is Key Detail
Separate Property Assets before marriage, gifts, inheritances, and injury awards. Requires proof; avoid mixing.
Community Property Everything earned/acquired during marriage (salaries, house, etc.). Divided 50/50 in California.

When "Mine" Becomes "Ours"

When separate funds are mixed with community funds, transformation can occur, often referred to as "commingling." This blending makes it challenging to distinguish between separate and community assets during a divorce.

Comingling Examples:

  • Using inheritance money for a mortgage on a house acquired during marriage.
  • Depositing a paycheck (community property) into a pre-marital account.

Why It Matters: Commingling can convert your separate assets into divisible community property.

My Approach: I meticulously trace funds to preserve the character of your separate property. This detailed financial analysis is crucial for protection.

Make the First Move.
Numbers Don't Wait.

The strongest position in support of negotiations? First strike advantage. While your ex delays, we're already calculating. Make the first move.

A puma representing confidence and determination in legal advocacy
Like a panther, we don’t pounce on every fight. We wait, we watch, and we act with purpose. Your case deserves nothing less.

Stop Hoping for Fair Treatment.

Start Fighting for It.

Property division shapes your post-divorce life. While others guess at values, I calculate. While they overlook assets, I investigate. Make the call that secures your tomorrow.

Meet Jessica Abdollahi

You Definitely Earned It, But I’ll Protect It.

“I methodically uncover what's hidden and protect what's yours. In property division, thoroughness beats aggression and every dollar matters.”

Portrait of Jessica Abdollahi wearing a pink blazer, experienced Sacramento family law attorney.Portrait of Jessica Abdollahi wearing a pink blazer, experienced Sacramento family law attorney.

With over 14 years navigating California's complex divorce property laws, I founded AF Law Firm on one principle: smart strategy secures lasting outcomes.

Here's my approach:

  • Forensic focus: Uncovering hidden assets others miss
  • Strategic valuation: Knowing when to appraise, when to negotiate
  • No-nonsense division: Clear calculations, not emotional arguments‍
  • Results-driven: Your financial future, not prolonged battles
Meet Your Advocate

Why Sacramento Clients Trust AF Law

Thorough. Direct. Effective.
  • Honest Answers. 
No Sugarcoating.

    Direct Answers. No Runaround.

  • Honest Answers. 
No Sugarcoating.

    Courtroom Credibility. Victory-Focused.

  • Honest Answers. 
No Sugarcoating.

    Results Speak. Clients Return.

21 reviews

Common Property Division Mistakes

(And How I Prevent Them)
Common Property Division Mistakes

  • Keeping the house sounds great until capital gains taxes kick in. I structure divisions considering long-term tax implications, not just today's values.

  • The divorce decree doesn't bind creditors. If your name's on the loan, you're liable regardless of court orders. I ensure practical debt resolution through refinancing and account closures.

  • That "worthless" business might hold significant value. Professional valuations reveal true worth, preventing costly underestimations.

  • Early withdrawal penalties devastate retirement savings. Proper QDROs protect your future while ensuring compliant division.

Serving Northern California

From Sacramento to Placer County, from Yolo to your neighborhood - I protect what matters wherever you call home.

  • Sacramento County: Sacramento, Elk Grove, Citrus Heights, Folsom
  • Yolo County: Davis, West Sacramento, Woodland‍
  • Placer County: Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln, Auburn
View All Service Areas
Serving Northern CaliforniaServing Northern California
Portrait of Jessica Abdollahi, founder of a Sacramento family law firm with over fifteen years of experience.Portrait of Jessica Abdollahi, founder of a Sacramento family law firm with over fifteen years of experience.
Office Hours

Monday - Thursday: 9:00 am-5.00 pm

Friday: 9:00 am-1.00 pm

Saturday - Sunday: Closed

Drama Costs.

Strategy Pays.

Emotion won’t win this. Strategy will. While your ex escalates, I calculate. Protect what matters with a plan. Start with a consultation that puts strategy first.

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    (916) 434-1600
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    Frequently Asked Questions

    • California mandates equal division of community property under Family Code 2550. All assets and debts acquired during marriage are split 50/50, regardless of whose name appears on titles. However, an equal division of the total value doesn't require splitting each asset; strategic allocation achieves equality while protecting your interests.

    • Separate property includes assets owned before marriage, inheritances, gifts to one spouse, and personal injury awards. Family Code 2581 establishes presumptions; however, maintaining separate property requires vigilant documentation and the avoidance of commingling with community funds.

    • California law requires complete financial disclosure. Hiding assets constitutes fraud, punishable by awarding 100% of concealed assets to the innocent spouse plus attorney fees. I use forensic accounting and discovery tools to uncover hidden accounts, undervalued businesses, and cryptocurrency holdings.

    • Some retirement accounts require Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for division without tax penalties. The community property portion encompasses all contributions and growth made during the marriage. Mistakes trigger taxes and penalties, making proper documentation essential.

    • No automatic rules determine house ownership. Options include selling and splitting proceeds, one spouse buying out the other's share, or continued co-ownership. Factors include children's stability, affordability, and mortgage qualification. I structure solutions considering both immediate needs and long-term financial impact.