Marriage of Alexis CA2/3

BACKGROUND

Wife initiated these proceedings in August 2005, and eight years later judgment was entered on the division of the couple’s property. The clerk’s transcript consists of 42 volumes as numerous discovery disputes and other filings delayed bringing this case to trial. We therefore limit our background recitation of facts to the circumstances relevant to the contentions on appeal. Moreover, because Husband elected to proceed with this appeal on the clerk’s transcript, without a reporter’s transcript of the trial or an agreed statement of facts,1 the relevant facts are taken from the trial court’s findings and conclusions. (Krueger v. Bank of America (1983) 145 Cal.App.3d 204, 207.)

1 The trial on the reserved property issues was nine court days, ending on December 11, 2012. The appellate record includes reporter’s transcripts for numerous hearings leading up to trial, and one reporter’s transcript dated December 11, 2012, the last day of trial. Husband, however, does not cite to this trial transcript in support of any claims of error.

2 1. Facts Husband and Wife were married for 18 years. Husband was born in Bulgaria, and Wife was born in the former Soviet Union,…