California Divorce Property Law Guides
California divorce property law is complex — these guides explain the key concepts in plain English with real numbers, so you understand exactly how the math works before you sit down with an attorney or calculator.
Moore-Marsden Calculation
Most commonPre-marital home + community mortgage payments
When one spouse owned a home before marriage and the couple paid down the mortgage together, California uses the Moore-Marsden formula to determine each party's share. Includes full worked example with numbers.
Transmutation
High impactWhen adding a spouse to title changes everything
Adding a spouse to the title of your home can permanently change the property's legal character — and dramatically shift how equity is divided in a divorce. See exactly how the numbers change before and after.
Watts Charges & Epstein Credits
Post-separationPost-separation occupancy and expense adjustments
After separation, one spouse often stays in the shared home while the other moves out. Watts charges and Epstein credits are the financial tools California uses to account for this unequal arrangement.
RSU Division — Nelson Formula
Tech workersAAPL & META grants across all 4 timing scenarios
RSUs granted before marriage, during marriage, and vesting after separation all produce different community fractions. We walk through each scenario using real AAPL and META grant data with the Nelson formula.
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Open Real Property Calculator →Legal disclaimer: These guides are for informational and educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. California property division involves complex legal and factual issues. Consult a licensed California family law attorney before making decisions.