Debt Division Put a Board Certified Family Law Specialist In Your Corner

Pasadena & Beverly Hills Divorce Attorney

Splitting the Debt in Divorce

Making decisions such as who owes child support and how retirement accounts will be divided are important issues in a divorce, but dividing the marital debt is equally important. In many cases, couples owe a significant amount of money and feel extremely worried about their financial situation. Are you someone who is divorcing and anxious about your bills? If so, we can help. Get in touch with an experienced divorce lawyer at The Graves Law Firm as soon as possible to discuss your case. Just hearing their honest evaluation of your circumstances may serve to ease your anxiety. Contact the firm for help from a law firm that sincerely works to help you and is fully committed to your case and your cause.

In the property division section of the California Family Code is stated that divorcing couples are equally liable for all debts incurred in the marriage and prior to separation. The law doesn't differentiate between cases where the debt was acquired for one's sole benefit and cases where the debt was made for the family's needs. The law also doesn't factor in that a credit card may have been taken out in one spouse's name and not in the other's. In the eyes of the law all such debts are divided equally.

Following are some typical debts that are included in a divorce settlement:

  • Credit card debt
  • Home equity loans
  • Boat and vehicle loans
  • Vacation timeshares contracts
  • Family and business loans
  • Back taxes

Compassionate Divorce Lawyer

The firm of The Graves Law Firm provides total attention to their clients' needs, and works to protect their rights and those of their children. They try to achieve solutions in a non-confrontational manner, however, it is sometimes necessary to go to court and if that is the case, they will act as your advocate and will zealously protect your rights . As part of their five point guarantee, if they have been hired by you, the firm promises to "effectively and respectfully represent your interests in court."

To discuss your case and get onboard with a caring and skillful law firm, contact a divorce attorney at The Graves Law Firmat your earliest opportunity.

Read what our past clients have to say about us

    “I would recommend her to anyone.”
    I used Ms. Graves services for my divorce last year and I found her and her staff to be very efficient. Sometimes when I was worried about something she would calm me down and say that everything was going to be OK. She was right every time. I would recommend her to anyone. She is a very good lawyer! Sabrina, her assistant, is great at responding quickly when you have a question. Thank you both for your services! - Sandra Castaneda
    - Sandra Castaneda
    “I have, and will continue to refer Demetria Graves to anyone in need of counsel.”
    I have a small girl whom I've been completely involved with since her birth, despite her mother and I having never been married. We had a mutual agreement that the courts never needed to be involved, and everything would be 50/50. But eventually she filed for full custody, demanding I see my little girl 2 days a month. All this after 3 years without incident. Frankly, I was scared. She had retained an attorney, but I could not afford one. We ultimately came to an agreement which held briefly. I thought my child was residing out of town with her mother for 4 months, when in fact, she was only 12 minutes away. At this point I immediately asked a friend in the law field for help. That friend came up with Demetria L. Graves. Upon meeting Ms. Graves, I was immediately impressed with her demeanor. Previous potential counselors were unnecessarily "cut-throat." One went as far as to say "I'll get you full custody and MAKE her pay you support. We'll stick it to her!" This coming from a lawyer at a large and well-to-do firm. Demetria asked me what I wanted, as opposed to telling me what to do just to get even. She understood my position and respected it. Demetria also never hesitated to tell me when my approach to the situation was wrong. She moved quickly and her assistant, Sabrina, kept me informed every step of the way, via phone, email, and mail. Access to her newsletter led me to hold Demetria in even higher regard as a person truly dedicated to their field and wanting to help others understand it. I now have joint custody of my little girl, with equal time/expenses shared. All I wanted was fair treatment for my Baby Girl, which is; both parents in her life. I have, and will continue to refer Demetria Graves to anyone in need of counsel. - Crescen Bacon
    - Crescen Bacon
    “Her composed and serene demeanor inspires comfort and confidence. She is always responsive to my needs and resolved my questions and concerns very quickly.”
    When I came to see Demetria for the first time, I was confused and scared. However, Demetria has always been honest and straightforward about what I should expect. Her composed and serene demeanor inspires comfort and confidence. She is always responsive to my needs and resolved my questions and concerns very quickly - and there are many! She truly has been a breath of sanity in a sea of Chaos. - Eliot Trainer
    - Eliot Trainer
    “I am very appreciative of her efforts and will most definitely call her should I need her services again.”
    I cannot express enough my gratitude for the efforts made to my case. Demetria was truly attentive, patient and essentially was able to close my case with ease. I am very appreciative of her efforts and will most definitely call her should I need her services again. - John Williams
    - John Williams
    “I would definitely, without hesitation, retain Demetria again if any situation arose in my life where I needed legal assistance because she is a brilliant attorney armed with an essence of quality, professionalism and who gets results!”
    At each of our meetings the interest Demetria took, coupled with the way she listened to my personal situation gave her the facts she needed to produce an excellent strategy that proved to be invaluable and ultimately brought us success in court. That was such a happy day for me. One that I have replayed in my mind time and time again. I would definitely, without hesitation, retain Demetria again if any situation arose in my life where I needed legal assistance because she is a brilliant attorney armed with an essence of quality, professionalism and who gets results! - Charlesetta M. Long
    - Charlesetta M. Long
    “I chose Attorney Demetria Graves for my divorce attorney based on what she said that she would try to accomplish for me. Well, all I can say is that she definitely delivered, and I am - once again- in control of my life. Thanks Demetria!”
    I chose Attorney Demetria Graves for my divorce attorney based on what she said that she would try to accomplish for me. Well, all I can say is that she definitely delivered, and I am - once again- in control of my life. Thanks Demetria! - Ton Nelson
    - Ton Nelson
    “Ms. Graves was there to assist, advise and guide me through this very difficult time. She offered more than just legal counsel; she gave me a heads up as to what I might expect to see plus ways to handle the situations and people.”
    I came into Attorney Graves office as I imagine most do, at one of the worst times in my life. I was full of anger and questions, and I needed help. Demetria started answering my questions, and immediately helped me understand the process and the best ways to get through it. Ms. Graves was there to assist, advise and guide me through this very difficult time. She offered more than just legal counsel; she gave me a heads up as to what I might expect to see plus ways to handle the situations and people. She was there to help me get the best results, and came through every time, including helping me retain custody of my three kids. I have already recommended her to several people and will continue to do so. - Brian Beck
    - Brian Beck
    “Demetria Graves and her staff strike me as a vibrant young up and coming firm with the right energy and fortitude to tackle the most difficult and complex cases.”
    I first made contact with the Law Offices of Demetria Graves back in a time where I needed advice and counsel in the most urgent and cost effective manner. I needed a strategy that could help me address my situation while supporting my budgetary challenges. I had solicited several firms prior to Demetria Graves and recognized rather quickly that she had the technical expertise I needed and was very reasonably priced. "Demetria has been very responsive and diligent in her actions to mitigate personal exposure on my part. She was very forthright in laying out the truth and reality associated with the process. Sometimes the truth in these situations isn't what you want to hear, but Demetria was very good a keeping it real and never sugar coating any personal exposure and/or financial commitments that will be imposed by the courts. For me the truth was essential and the truth is what clients can rely on from Demetria and her staff. "Because of Demetria's strategic approach to mitigating and minimizing my long-term damages, I am pleased to say I successfully got through the process and while I am committed to the financial support of another, I feel I was well represented and was able to weigh the options and make the right decision for my life moving forward. "Demetria Graves and her staff strike me as a vibrant young up and coming firm with the right energy and fortitude to tackle the most difficult and complex cases, while remembering the economics of it all. For this I am grateful and appreciative. It has allowed me to move on and begin a new chapter with brighter things to come. - Robert C. Harrelson
    - Robert C. Harrelson

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