Carlsbad, CA asked in Divorce and Family Law for California

Q: Stocks that are purchased jointly during marriage but have only partially vested as the company has yet to go IPO?

We purchases jointly some stocks. They were for my husbands company that has yet to go public. We still cannot exercise the stocks as of our separation date because the company has not gone public yet. But we still own the stocks that were purchased "together". He is claiming I don't have any right to them as they are "worth nothing". I am not asking to be paid out my portion. I am aware I have to "wait" just as we were doing as a married couple. But now he doesnt' want to give me my 50% share of this community property. Please help me understand what my rights are. They were purchased via a check from our joint bank account with the memo stating "stock purchase". Why would this not be split 50/50 as community property?

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1 Lawyer Answer
Jackie Marie Howard
PREMIUM
Jackie Marie Howard
Answered
  • Roseville, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Assets purchased from your joint account during your marriage are community property; therefore, each of you have a 1/2 interest. You should seek legal counsel in order to ensure that you pursue all of your legal rights.

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