Legal Question in Family Law in California

Your question raises some complex issues regarding reimbursement of separate funds used to purchase real property. The general rule is that the individual contributing separate property to the purchase of real property is reimbursed the amount of the separate funds, to the extent that there is sufficient equity to cover the separate fund invested. There is no reimbursement for taxes, interest and insurance paid for with either separate or community funds. Also it is unclear as to the disposition of the first house. Assuming that it was sold and the equity was invested in the second home it appears that the amount of equity would be around $20,000 which would be divided in shares depending upon how much each of you actually contributed to the purchase price. All funds for reimbursement, as a general rule, must come from the equity of the house. You should gather all the documents that support the facts you laid out in your question and discuss them with an attorney.

I agree with Attorney Johnson. You have a lot of resources at issue and while an attorney may seem expensive truly protecting yourself in this matter requires that you rely on the expertise of a competent professional.