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A BOUTIQUE LAW FIRM

Focused on retirement benefits and equity-based compensation legal services

 

Photography credit to AaronChang.com

PRACTICE

AREAS

QDROs

 

Preparation of Qualified Domestic Relations Orders ("QDROs") to divide the community interest in retirement benefits. 

DROs

 

Preparation of Domestic Relations Orders ("DROS") to divide the community interest in government benefits.

 

EQUITY COMPENSATION

 

Determination of the community interest and valuation of equity based compensation (stock options, restricted stock units, and other stock plans).

EXPERT WITNESS

Expert consultation or expert witness testimony when retirement benefits issues are contested. 

 

MSA LANGUAGE

 

Review and drafting Marital Settlement Agreement ("MSA") language to divide retirement benefits. 

MEDIATION SUPPORT

 

Neutral representation of both parties to calculate and determine an equal division of the community interest in retirement benefits. 

PRACTICE AREAS

OUR VISION

APPROACH

 

We use a logical and fair approach to the division of retirement benefits and equity-based compensation in divorce or legal separation proceedings. Our team is focused on providing excellent customer service to our clients and the family law community so that we are an asset and an ally in facilitating the resolution of cases when retirement benefits are at issue.

EXPERIENCE

We have extensive experience with all types of qualified retirement benefit plans including defined contribution and defined benefit plans, as well as government plans such as the City of San Diego Retirement System (“SDCERS”), San Diego County Employees Retirement Association (“SDCERA”), California Public Employees Retirement System (“CalPERS”), Federal Employees Retirement System (“FERS”), and military retirement benefits.

Our experience with equity-based compensation includes stock option plans, restricted stock units, incentive units, deferred compensation plans, and partner non-qualified plans.  

SERVICES

We perform calculations of the community interest, including valuations of retirement benefits, as well as preparing or reviewing the necessary court documents (QDROs, DROs, MSA language, or Division Agreement language).

We accept direct representation of divorcing spouses or representation through the attorney of record. Our services provide an attorney-client relationship or an expert-witness relationship. We are solution oriented, and our goal as a neutral or an expert witness is to effectuate the accurate division of the community interest in retirement benefits.

Please contact us for hourly rates or a flat fee quote for the scope of work needed.

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OUR ATTORNEYS

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ELIZABETH VAN CLIEF

ELIZABETH VAN CLIEF is a founder and partner of the firm. Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from UCSD, a law degree from the University of San Diego School of Law, and a Masters of Laws in Taxation from the University of San Diego School of Law. Elizabeth’s technical background allows her to bring a mathematical approach to her practice.

Elizabeth is dedicated to providing the highest level of expert services to divorcing spouses and family law attorneys in the areas of retirement benefits and equity-based compensation. Elizabeth is a frequent lecturer to family law attorneys and retirement benefits plan administrators in California on the topics of QDROs, division of community property, drafting marital settlement agreement language, subpoenaing retirement benefits information, effective use of an expert, and advanced stock options calculations. Elizabeth is also the past president of the Western Pension & Benefits Council, San Diego, and the past Co-Chair of the Taxation Section of  the San Diego County Bar Association.

 

Elizabeth is proud to offer her clients an efficient, cost-effective, and ethical approach to accurately valuing and dividing the community interest in retirement benefits.

 

Please contact us for a copy of Elizabeth’s current CV. 

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DAVID VAN CLIEF

DAVID VAN CLIEF is a founder and partner of the firm. David holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the A.B. Freeman School of Business at Tulane University, a law degree from the University of San Diego School of Law, and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of San Diego.

 

David is licensed to practice in California, Texas, and Florida.

 

David’s legal experience includes business law, securities litigation, HIPAA compliance, and transactional health law. David currently serves as corporate counsel for several medical corporations located in Texas including SafeWork LLC and Sinai Urgent Care.

Please contact us for a copy of David's current CV.

ATTORNEYS

CONTACT VAN CLIEF & VAN CLIEF 

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Silver Supporter of the San Diego Family Law Bar Association

OUR ADDRESS

2283 Bahia Drive

La Jolla, CA 92037

E-mail: elizabeth@vanclieflaw.com
Telephone:  858-333-5560

Facsimile:  858-333-5120

 

Click Here to Find Us on Google Maps

*We are not currently accepting office visits at this time.*

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