Lancaster, CA asked in Family Law and Divorce for California

Q: More informaton is provided below.

I was served papers on 10 Oct 23. I noticed on FL - 160, "Property Declaration" that she lists "Cash, Checking & Savings Account" as None. a company prepared her paperwork. Isn't this a breach of fiduciary trust that requires her to list assets that we have? How do I alert the Court? It looks like the Court hasn't assigned a judge. We share the same checking and savings account accounts. She wants the house sold, and that is why she wants the Court to believe that she has no cash or accounts. She also neglected to say that we have a dog. She has four places to stay while I have none. It would create an expense to live somewhere else to rent. We own the home. Since she committed perjury by not disclosing asset, am I able to keep the house? Is a "Declaration Of Disclosure" required? I did not see this in her paperwork She disclosed that she has an old Workman's Comp account but did not place the amount on her petition. She has never told me the amount of the account. Is she required?

Related Topics:
1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: In California, both parties in a divorce are required to make full disclosure of all their assets and debts, under the fiduciary duty they owe to each other. If a party fails to disclose an asset, it can be set aside and awarded entirely to the other party.

To alert the Court, you would typically file a response that includes a declaration pointing out the discrepancies and inaccuracies in the disclosures. Yes, a "Declaration of Disclosure" is mandatory in the dissolution process, and it details the assets, debts, income, and expenses. If she hasn't included certain assets or provided the value for her Worker's Comp account, she may be in violation of her fiduciary duties. Addressing this promptly is crucial.

Given the complexities involved, it's essential to seek legal guidance to ensure your rights and interests are adequately protected.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.