DESERT ESTATE PLANNING COUNCIL, INC.

This presentation will focus on an exploration of the misconceptions during a dissolution action regarding how preexisting testamentary plans may be impacted by divorce proceedings and division of community property assets and how to characterize separate property assets. We will examine the elements to weigh when the parties have trust assets (marital, separate, or hybrid property). We will review how testamentary documents may not completely shield a party’s assets from a claim for equitable distribution, spousal and child support, and attorneys’ fees and costs. We will analyze how a party’s actions before, during, and after divorce may impact the ultimate treatment of their assets and liabilities. 

Carolyn H. Martino, Esq.

Carolyn Martino is a highly accomplished family law practitioner based in Indian Wells, California who primarily handles cases for high-net-worth individuals with complex financial situations and assets.  

Through her many years of practice in the Coachella Valle, Carolyn is known for her skilled persuasion, adept negotiation, aggressive advocacy, compassion and dedication to achieving positive results for her clients whether in litigation, mediation or collaborative divorce. Her deep knowledge of the law and expertise handling matters involving complex estates with significant assets and/or challenging custodial issues bring clarity and compassion to resolving complex disputes.

Carolyn has represented clients in a wide range of professional sectors, including doctors, attorneys, business owners, real estate developers and investors, hospitality industry leaders, sports entrepreneurs, celebrities, professional athletes and their spouses. She is a Certified Family Law Specialist by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization.

Having practiced law in Southern California since 1994, for the past 24 years Carolyn has guided clients through critical transitions in their lives in every facet of California Family Law, including:

• Complex divorce actions
• Child custody and visitation, including complicated and high-conflict cases
• Preparation of fully encompassing judgment and settlement agreements
• Mediation and arbitration
• Same-sex divorce/dissolution matters
• Adoption and guardianships
• Paternity cases
• Pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements
• Domestic violence issues
• Post-judgment agreements on custody, visitation, and financial issues

Education

Ms. Martino earned her undergraduate degree at UCLA and her J.D. at Loyola Law School.

Professional Affiliations

Carolyn is the Co-Chair of the Family Law Section of the Desert Bar Association, her second term in that role. She is a Certified Minor’s Counsel who is occasionally appointed by the court to help in other dissolution cases to interview children about their concerns and custodial preference to serve as a neutral voice for them because they cannot testify.

Carolyn has been named a Palm Springs Top Lawyer from 2017-2019 and has participated in the Inns of Court. She is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court Central District, U.S. District Court Northern District, the California Supreme Court, and the U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit.

Community Service

Carolyn devotes her free time to her family and philanthropy through a variety of endeavors, including as a Founding Member and Vice President of the Coachella Valley Youth Hockey Foundation, and a Member of the City of Indian Wells Architecture and Landscaping Committee. She was featured in the Fall 2019 “Women in Philanthropy” issue of Desert Charities News.

You can attend this meeting In-person or Virtually. Proof of vaccination status is not required; masks are optional. It is respectfully requested that anyone who has a fever or symptoms of a cold or has been in contact with someone who tested positive for the coronavirus not attend in-person. 

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Please RSVP by April 22nd!