Assets Archives - Helene L. Taylor

California community property explained

Jack and Jane fell in love, and Jane moved into Jack's San Francisco apartment that he had purchased and paid off years earlier. Two years later, Jack and Jane married and bought a second home in Sausalito. The couple used Jack's bonuses earned during marriage for the down … [Read more...]

How to determine the house value in divorce

You and your spouse or partner own a home together and want to know the house value for purposes of dividing or equalization your assets. How do you determine a house's value for purposes of legal separation, divorce or the dissolution of a domestic partnership? If you … [Read more...]

What is an equitable distribution of assets in divorce?

Equitable Distribution Defined Community property laws control the distribution of property in dissolution, divorce and legal separation in nine states including Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin. Equitable division law … [Read more...]

It’s easy to see divorce as a painful path you must walk alone without the expertise of a lawyer because you don’t know who to trust. But compassionate competent advice is available and empowers you to solve salient problems consciously.

I’m Helene L. Taylor. I’m a former San Francisco trial lawyer who has, for 27 years, worked with the most formidable attorneys, judges, and experts in Hawaii and California. I’ve helped over a thousand people mediate, litigate, and resolve contentious complex divorce issues in Marin, OC, Contra Costa, San Mateo, Napa, LA, Silicon Valley, and beyond. I’m also divorced.

If you want trustworthy legal advice and strategies you can use to navigate the legal system and negotiate settlement agreements, Speak to Me.

"Helene understands human behavior, and has a gift for deescalating conflict. I felt safe with Helene representing me during a complicated divorce. We've been friends ever since my divorce sixteen years ago." ~Toni Wroolie, PhD, Clinical Associate Professor, Psychiatry, Stanford University Medicine

"When I realized that I was getting a divorce I knew I needed to find a guide. She’d need to be smart, soulful, kind, and know her way around the legal system like nobody’s business. I loved working with Helene because she covered all of those bases beautifully, and she made it possible for me to move through my divorce with peace of mind and confidence" ~Laurie Wagner, 27powers.org

"Helene gently challenged me to consider which outcome would be best for my daughter and I, and gave me the courage and consistency I needed to pursue it successfully. I learned so much about myself as a result. Helene's is a compassionate and strategic approach. On a personal level, Helene is exceptionally positive and inspiring. I feel blessed to have received Helene's help through a challenging divorce during the pandemic." ~NC, Mother, Los Angeles Small Business Owner