What is a “Receiver”?

A receivership is a court-supervised remedy where a neutral third party—called a Receiver—is appointed to take control of property or assets during litigation. A Receiver is not aligned with either party in the dispute and acts solely under the authority of the court. Receiverships are commonly used in cases involving real property, businesses, creditor claims, and family law matters where there is risk that assets may be concealed, dissipated, or mismanaged. (See California Code of Civil Procedure § 564.)

What is a Receivership in a Divorce?

In the context of marital dissolution, a court may appoint a Receiver during divorce proceedings to manage, preserve, control or sell marital assets. A receivership may be appropriate when one or both spouses are unwilling or unable to responsibly manage shared property, where business assets are at risk of loss, or where a neutral party is needed to carry out court orders. This is particularly common in divorces involving disputes over business operations, rental income, or real estate sales. (See California Family Code § 290; CCP § 564(b)(9).)

What Role Does a Receiver Play in a Divorce?

Once appointed, the Receiver becomes an agent of the court and assumes temporary control of the contested marital assets. The Receiver’s responsibilities may include collecting rents, maintaining business operations, safeguarding or liquidating real property, ensuring compliance with court orders, paying necessary expenses, and providing regular financial reports to the court and marital parties. In some cases, the Receiver may also be directed to oversee the sale of real property when one spouse is unable or unwilling to participate in the sale of the property. All actions by the Receiver are subject to court review, ensuring neutrality and accountability. (See CCP § 564(b); City of Santa Monica v. Gonzalez (2008) 43 Cal.4th 905.)

The goal of the Receivership is to prevent loss, mismanagement, or destruction of marital property and ensure a fair and orderly resolution while the divorce is pending.

A Receiver may be very efficient and useful to carry out court orders to sell marital real property because the Receiver will have authority from the court to market and sell the property without requiring the agreement or signatures of both spouses.

Why Choose Receiver Matthew Taylor?

Receiver Matthew L. Taylor is a seasoned court-appointed Receiver with over 20 years of experience serving in matters across California. He has been appointed as a Receiver in numerous divorce cases involving rental properties, operating businesses, and real property sales. Mr. Taylor is both a licensed attorney and a licensed California real estate broker (DRE #02189284), giving him the tools and credentials to navigate complex property issues.

His past family law appointments include the management of manufacturing and service businesses and the sale of residential and commercial real estate. Mr .Taylor is known for his cost-effective asset management that prioritizes court compliance and fiduciary duty.