How does the cost of a degree or professional certification matter in a Carlsbad or North County divorce? It’s a competitive world, and many people today work to achieve advanced post-graduate degrees and professional licensing or certification. It is not uncommon for one spouse to work to support the other as they pursue their advanced degree or professional license or certification.
In a divorce, the spouse who worked to support the other may be entitled to reimbursement for their contributions to the “community” so their partner could obtain the degree or license.
Additionally, community funds are often used to pay for the education or professional licensing process required in these cases. While the value of the degree itself or a professional license or certification is not divisible under California law, the spouse who worked to support the other may be entitled to community property reimbursement for the student loans or other loans required to obtain the degree or licensure.
The process to track and accurately account for the community fund contributions of the working spouse in this example are quite complex. This is why it is so important to work with the experienced divorce attorneys at Burke & Domercq. Our Certified Family Law Specialists have represented both types of spouses in the example case above for decades before North County family law courts.
Obtaining an advanced degree or professional license increases the earning capacity of the party, and is rewarding for all involved. However, in a North County or Carlsbad divorce case there may be a right to reimbursement for community contributions toward the cost of a degree or professional certification or an impact upon spousal support.
Learn more about community property division and protecting your interests in a divorce. We invite you to review the recommendations of our clients and the legal industry and contact us or call 760-389-3927 to schedule an appointment.