I have a successful business. I built it myself with years of my hard work. My husband didn’t do anything to help. Shouldn’t the business be awarded to me as separate property when we divorce?

by | Jan 17, 2011 | Uncategorized | 1 comment

“Should” is simply the wrong question to ask when considering whether you have a community property business. The right question has more to do with what “is” under the law. California is a community property state. This means that anything that was acquired through labor or skill during the marriage is community property. If you built your  business with the sweat of your brow, but that sweat came during the marriage, the fruits of such labor will be community property. So, yes, if you worked to grow your business during the marriage, chances are it is a community property business.

Even if your business was established prior to marriage, but it grew as a result of your labor during the marriage, there is a good chance the community has at least part ownership. Below are links to some cases and code sections relevant to the community property business:

Pereira v. Pereira (1909) 156 Cal. 1., 103 P. 488.

Van Camp v. Van Camp (1921) 53 Cal.App. 17, 199 P. 855.

Todd v. Commissioner (9 Cir 1945) 153 F.2d 553

CA. Family Code section 760.

CA Family Code section 770.

Community property business, FAQ, California divorce law

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1 Comment

  1. Kristina doome
    Kristina doome on July 22, 2011 at 6:35 am

    for the law if what is your business in your mirage life, if you got divorce your partner can get they’re shares too.

    Jamie Dingman