Legal Question in Family Law in California

Re: Personal Property stolen by spouse

I see no reason why your research, notes etc have no value. I would start by making a detailed list of what he took and assigning it the highest possible value (like replacement cost if you earned $25/hr) Add this to your Declaration of Disclosure. In you mediation session you need to stand firm that you must get this stuff back. He in turn may claim other community property of equal value. A restraining order is inappropriate in this situation. If you can't resolve this in mediation then get an attorney to take the division of property, including your intellectual property, before a judge. If the judge awards you the stuff and he still doesn't give it to you he can be found to be in contempt of court. If he has already given you a deed to the house I don't see why the police were unwilling to charge him with burglery. Did you ever talk to the district attorney? You shouldn't have to get a TRO to keep him off your property if he is not on the deed or a tenant. I hope this has been helpful, good luck.