The Marriage of Collins: Turning a $4,000 Client Investment into a $300,000+ Savings in Spousal Support

Case Background Melvin and Maureen Collins were married for thirty-five years. In 2005, the couple separated and subsequently divorced. Melvin, who was the sole breadwinner, has been employed as a professor of economics at a prestigious Orange County university. During their marriage, Maureen was a stay-at-home mom. Their divorce settlement included a monthly spousal support…

In re Marriage of Dawnel and Frank Bonvino Findings Change Precedence in Real Property Apportionment Calculations (Part 1)

Approximately three years after their marriage, Dawnel and Frank Bonvino purchased a family home in Westlake Village with a down payment from husband’s resources and the proceeds from a loan in his name.  The property was purchased in 1996. Title to the home was taken in Frank’s name as sole and separate property.  Approximately 15…

In re Marriage of Dawnel and Frank Bonvino: Part 2 – Findings of the Court of Appeal

Frank Bonvino’s Appeal Frank Bonvino based his appeal of the trial court’s decision on the contention that there was no evidence he transmuted his separate property to community property.  By plain language of this statute, Family Code §2640 applies to separate property contributions that are traceable from a community property asset at dissolution.  Section 2640…

Euphrasia Van Camp, Respondent, v. Frank Van Camp, Appellant/Euphrasia Van Camp, Appellant v. Frank Van Camp, Respondent

By Ron J. Anfuso, CPA, ABV, CFF, CDFA, FABFA* Case Cite: 53 Cal. App. 17, 199 P. 885Date: May 26, 1921Court: Second Appellate District, Division One This case involved apportionment of community and separate property business interests Background: In March of 1916, when Frank Van Camp married Euphrasia, he was the president and general manager…

Important Family Law Cases: Anna Agnes Pereira, Respondent, v. Frank Pereira, Appellant

By Ron J. Anfuso, CPA, ABV, CFF, CDFA, FABFA This case involves apportionment of community and separate property for business interests and provides the guidelines for Forensic Accountants in valuing the community property interest in premarital businesses for dissolution cases. Background: Family Code §770 states that when a spouse owns a business at the date…

Forensic Accounting and In re the Marriage of Launa and David Morton

On September 26, 2018, the LA County Bar Association’s Daily eBrief included the case of Launa Morton, Appellant vs. David Morton, Respondent.  This was a significant case for forensic accountants because it gave case authority to include 401(k) contributions when calculating spousal and child support. The following excerpts are taken from the opinion filed by…