financial contributions – can made directly or indirectly to the “acquisition, conservation or improvement of any property of the parties” and can include paying the deposit for the purchase of the family home (direct) or where one party purchases groceries so that the other party can pay the mortgage (indirect) or …

Consequently, What are Epstein credits? Many people hear the phrase “Epstein credits” and “Watts charges,” and wonder what that is all about. An Epstein credit is a right to be reimbursed by the other spouse for one-half of separate property money used after the date of separation to pay a community debt.

Is my wife entitled to half my super? The superannuation splitting laws allow separating couples to value and divide their superannuation after a relationship break down. Under the laws, one partner may split the amount remaining in their superannuation fund and make a payment to the other partner’s superannuation fund after separation.

Keeping this in consideration, What is the average split in a divorce settlement Australia?

While a 50/50 split is rare, you are more likely to end up with a 60/40 or even 70/30 divorce settlement. The most common percentage split in the division of assets in Australia is 60/40.

What counts as an exceptional contribution divorce?

A special contribution is usually argued where one party has earned and amassed exceptional wealth by their acumen and drive, which they say is unmatched by the contributions made to the welfare of the family by the other party.

What are Watts charges in a divorce? Watts charges are named after a 1985 California divorce case called In re Marriage of Watts. Watts charges are basically one spouse’s obligation to the other spouse for one half of the reasonable value for the exclusive use of a community asset after separation.

What Is Marriage of Epstein? In 1979, the landmark California Supreme Court case, “In Re Marriage of Epstein,” established guidelines for reimbursements of separate property payments (normally from post-separation earnings) on community property debt.

Who pays Epstein credits? Epstein Credits During Divorce in California

In 1979, the court determined that a spouse who pays a community debt is owed a credit on the payment. If you pay 100 percent of the mortgage, your spouse owes you an amount equal to half the payment. If your spouse pays the mortgage, you owe him half the payment.

Does super get split 50/50 in a divorce?

All superannuation is taken into account, irrespective of when it was acquired (before or during marriage or after separation). It is not automatically subject to a 50/50 split.

What is the wife entitled to in a divorce in Australia? Australia is an equitable distribution country, meaning that on the divorce or death of a spouse, net wealth is not split evenly (i.e. 50/50) as “community property”. Property adjustment in Australia is calculated using a four-step process which is referable to section 79 of the Act.

How do I protect my super in a divorce?

Defer your decision until another time, such as retirement. A couple can choose to wait for an event (such as retirement) to occur before dealing with the super account by making a flagging agreement, which prevents the super fund from making a payment out of the superannuation account until the flag is lifted.

What is a wife entitled to in a divorce in Australia? Financial contributions include and direct or non-direct contributions to the acquisition, conservation or improvement of any of the property of the parties or either of them and can include real estate, cars, income, gifts, inheritances, redundancy packages, compensation, dividend payments and more.

Can my ex wife claim money after divorce Australia?

The short answer is yes. If you are married – after a divorce is finalised, your ex wife or partner is entitled to make a claim for your superannuation for up to a year.

Does length of marriage affect divorce settlement Australia?

Whether a marriage is viewed as a short one in court can also depend on how long the couple lived together before getting married. The length of a marriage can and often does have an effect on the way a property settlement is carried out.

What is a Stella contribution? A stellar or special contribution requires a spouse to have exhibited exceptional prowess. Each case will depend on its own facts and in practice only cases involving considerable wealth tend to fall within the remit of special contribution.

What is a special contribution? A favourite of (usually) very wealthy parties is what is known as “special contribution”, which involves arguing that their contribution is so significant that the award should be increased in their favour.

What are Epstein and Watts credits?

Watts and Epstein credits/charges refer to reimbursements due at property division. For example, if you own a family home, and one of you vacates, leaving the other person in there to pay the mortgage (or, if you vacate, but still pay the mortgage while the person lives there), you may be due reimbursements.

Are Watts credits mandatory? While Epstein reimbursements appear to be mandatory in dividing the community assets and liabilities, Watts and Jeffries credits are viewed as discretionary reimbursements. Many judges don’t favor these reimbursements and so exercise their discretion to deny them.

How are Watts credits calculated?

Watts Charges are generally calculated by determining the fair market rental value or use of a community asset. If the community asset is a home, the fair market rental value would be the most accurate and appropriate figure.

Who are Epstein credits named after? Epstein credits are named after the case, 24 Cal. 3d 76, 23933, In re Marriage of Epstein. In that case, husband (psychiatrist) moved out of the family home and continued to support his stay-at-home wife and son (who remained in the home), as well as to pay the mortgage and taxes on the home.

How is Moore Marsden calculated?

Thus, we have the Moore/Marsden calculation, which is as follows: Add together the dollar-for-dollar reimbursement and the pro tanto share and you get the community interest in the property. Multiply this by this equation: Numerator = Community property payments of principal.


Don’t forget to share this post !