A BOUTIQUE LAW FIRM

Focused on retirement benefits and equity-based compensation legal services

PRACTICE

AREAS

QDROs

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

DROs

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

EQUITY COMPENSATION

Determination of the 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.

SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT

Review and drafting Settlement Agreement language to divide retirement benefits.

MEDIATION SUPPORT

Neutral representation of both parties to calculate and determine a correct division of the marital property 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 Colorado Public Employees’ Retirement Association ("PERA"), Fire and Police Pension Association of Colorado (“FPPA”), Colorado Retirement Association (“CCOERA”), 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 marital property, including valuations of retirement benefits, as well as preparing or reviewing the necessary court documents (QDROs, DROs, Settlement Agreement 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 marital property in retirement benefits.

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

our_vision

OUR ATTORNEYS

ELIZABETH VAN CLIEF

elizabeth@vanclieflaw.com

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.

ATTORNEYS

OUR ATTORNEYS

ALEXANDER HOFFMAN

alex@hvclaw.com

ALEXANDER HOFFMAN is a founder and partner of the firm. Alexander holds a Bachelor of Arts from Tulane University and a law degree from the University of Denver, Sturm College of Law.

Alexander is licensed to practice in Colorado.

Alexander’s legal experience includes employee, benefits, compensation, family, criminal defense, corporate, contracts, and strategy.

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

ELIZABETH VAN CLIEF

elizabeth@hvclaw.com

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 marital 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 interest in retirement benefits.

Elizabeth is licensed to practice law in Colorado and California.

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

DAVID VAN CLIEF

david@hvclaw.com

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 Colorado, California, Texas, and Florida.

David’s legal experience includes business law, securities litigation, HIPAA compliance, and transactional health law.

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