FICTIONAL EDITORIAL DRAFT · MODERATE TO HIGH CONFLICT

The Vale Divorce

A high-asset marriage with properties and a family business

Priya and Daniel have substantial assets accumulated during a seventeen-year marriage. They agree on many parenting issues but dispute business valuation, tracing of premarital funds, and whether a vacation property should be sold.

11 months so farSanta Clara County, California2 children

THE SPOUSES

Priya Vale

Petitioner / wife · age 48

Work: Product design director at a technology company
At the start of the marriage: A condominium later sold for the down payment on the family residence
Current priorities: Trace her premarital contribution and preserve stability for the children

Daniel Vale

Respondent / husband · age 50

Work: Founder of Vale Lighting Studio
At the start of the marriage: A small design business and $64,000 investment account
Current priorities: Keep operating control of the company and retain the vacation property

THE CHILDREN

Mira ValeAge 15

High-school student, theater and debate

Jonah ValeAge 11

Middle-school student, soccer and robotics

ASSETS AND ISSUES

Primary residence valued near $2.4 million
Lake Tahoe vacation property
Vale Lighting Studio
Brokerage and retirement accounts
Two vehicles
Art and design collection

PROFESSIONAL TEAM

Amara Brooks — Priya’s attorney, Brooks Family Law
Gavin Holt — Daniel’s attorney, Holt & Reed LLP
Simone Park — forensic accountant
Eli Navarro — business valuation expert
Tessa Moon — child specialist

CASE STORY

Temporary parenting and support orders were entered early.
Tracing documents for Priya’s condominium proceeds are incomplete.
The business expert and forensic accountant disagree about normalization of income.
The children use Family Communication for calendars and requests but cannot see financial litigation.

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