How to Divide Stock Options in a California Divorce

If you or your spouse has stock options, restricted stock units RSUs, or other equity compensation, you are probably wondering how those assets are divided in a California divorce. The short answer is this: stock options and RSUs earned during the marriage are community property, even if they have not vested yet. That means they can be divided in the same way as income, retirement accounts, or real estate.

Why stock options and RSUs matter in divorce

Equity compensation is increasingly common, and its value can represent a large portion of the marital estate. Unlike a paycheck you receive immediately, stock options and RSUs often vest over time. The challenge in divorce is determining what portion of those future awards was earned during the marriage and what portion is separate property.

Key principle: Stock options and RSUs earned during the marriage are community property. Even unvested awards can be subject to division.

Community versus separate property: the central question

There are three common scenarios you will encounter:

• Options or RSUs granted and vested entirely during the marriage. These are community property.
• Options or RSUs granted before marriage but vesting during the marriage. The marital or community portion must be calculated.
• Options or RSUs granted during the marriage but vesting after the divorce. These are often still community property to the extent they were earned during the marriage.

The time rule formula: how the community share is calculated

To divide awards that span both marital and nonmarital periods, California courts and settlement agreements commonly use a time rule formula. The time rule allocates the award between community and separate portions based on the proportion of the vesting period that occurred during the marriage.

Formula in plain terms:

• Community portion = months of vesting that occurred during the marriage divided by total months in the vesting period.

Example:

• Stock grant vests over 48 months total.
• The couple was married for 24 of those 48 months.
• Community portion = 24 / 48 = 50 percent.

That 50 percent represents the portion of the award that is treated as community property and can be divided in the divorce. The remaining portion is separate property to the extent it was earned before marriage or after divorce, as the situation dictates.

Unvested RSUs and practical division methods

RSUs present special timing issues because they are often unvested at the time of divorce. You have several practical options when dividing unvested awards:

• Include the calculated community share in the settlement now and specify how it will be paid out when vesting occurs.
• Award a dollar amount equal to the present value of the community share instead of rights to future vesting.
• Provide a contingent division that becomes effective when the award vests, with clear instructions to the employer and to both parties about implementation.

Whatever option you choose, clear language in the settlement or judgment is critical to avoid future disputes and delays when the award vests.

What to include in your settlement agreement

Good settlement language addresses both calculation and implementation. At a minimum include:

• A clear statement that the community share of the award is being divided
• The specific time rule formula or calculation used to determine the community percentage
• How and when the community portion will be transferred or paid once it vests
• Who is responsible for contacting the employer or plan administrator and what forms are required
• Dispute resolution or adjustment language if the award is cancelled or materially changed

Clear, enforceable language avoids delays and ambiguity. Without it, you could be left negotiating long after the divorce is final when awards vest or employers change plan rules.

Real client example

We recently helped a client whose spouse had a large number of unvested RSUs. Using the time rule formula, we determined exactly what portion of the RSUs had been earned during the marriage. That community share was included in the settlement agreement with precise calculation language and steps for implementation when the RSUs vest. The result: a clean division of the asset without future litigation or employer confusion.

Working with professionals

Dividing equity compensation often requires coordination between family law counsel, valuation experts, and sometimes tax advisors. Key reasons to involve professionals:

• To apply the time rule correctly and, if necessary, calculate present value
• To draft settlement language that is enforceable and employer-friendly
• To anticipate tax consequences and administrative steps required by the stock plan

Next steps if you have stock options or RSUs in your divorce

1. Identify all equity awards, grant and vesting dates, and any plan documents
2. Determine how much of each award overlaps the marriage using the time rule
3. Decide whether to split rights to the award when it vests or to agree on a current value buyout
4. Document the agreement with clear, specific language that addresses calculation, implementation, and contingencies
5. Work with an experienced divorce professional who understands complex assets and employer plan procedures

Stock options and RSUs can be divided fairly in a California divorce, but it requires careful analysis and precise settlement language. If you are dealing with equity compensation in your divorce, get the right professionals involved early so the award is handled correctly now and later when vesting occurs.

For help with dividing complex assets like stock options and RSUs and to make sure your settlement is clear and enforceable, visit Divorce661.com to schedule a free consultation.