Our Irvine Divorce Attorneys Understand the Needs of Medical Professionals in a Divorce

As a doctor or other medical professional, thinking about getting divorced can add stress to your already-stressful life. How long will the process take? How much will you need to be involved? What assets will you have to give up, and how will getting divorced impact your relationship with your children? Will you have to pay a significant portion of your post-divorce income to your former spouse? If you ow25n your practice, will your spouse be entitled to a share of your business in your divorce? Chances are, you’re facing a high net-worth divorce and your finances are a big concern. 

These are all very valid questions. At the same time, however, it is important not to let uncertainty prevent you from moving forward. At Seastrom Tuttle & Murphy, we have particular experience representing doctors and other medical professionals, and we understand your concerns. We also know that it is very possible to achieve a positive outcome in an efficient manner, and that with the right approach you can protect what matters most as you prepare to start your post-divorce life.

Special Considerations for Getting Divorced as a Doctor or Other Medical Professional in California

Fundamentally, your profession does not impact the divorce process. All divorcing spouses must address the issues of property division, financial support and child custody, and all couples have the same options with regard to pursuing private settlement negotiations, mediation and divorce litigation. However, as a doctor or other medical professional, getting divorced involves some special considerations, and addressing these considerations directly can be critical to achieving a favorable result.

Some examples of these special considerations include:

• Alimony and Child Support for High-Earning Spouses­ – As a general rule, California’s alimony laws require the consideration of both spouse’s standard of living after their divorce. If you have used your earnings to finance a high-end lifestyle, or if you spend a significant amount of money on your children, these are both factors that could impact the financial aspects of your divorce.
• Child Custody for Doctors Who Work Long or Odd Hours – As a doctor, your profession should not work against you when it comes to spending time with your children. As a practical matter, however, working long or odd hours can impact the determination of child custody, and this is an issue that you will need to be prepared to confront head-on in your divorce.
• Ownership of Your Private Medical Practice – If you own a medical practice and started it during your marriage, then all or a portion of your practice may qualify as “community property” that is subject to division in your divorce. If your medical practice is on the table, you will need to develop a strategy focused on preserving your professional autonomy after your marriage is over.

Speak with an Orange County High-Net-Worth Divorce Lawyer in Confidence

These are just a few examples of the numerous issues that doctors and other medical professionals must carefully address during the divorce process. If you have questions and would like to speak with one of our Orange County divorce lawyers in confidence, we encourage you to call 949-474-0800 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation.