×
Would you like to speak to an attorney? Click here.
Menu
Search

High Net Worth Divorce

HomeFamily LawHigh Net Worth Divorce

High Net Worth Divorce

When significant assets are on the line, divorce is not just a legal process. It is a negotiation that will determine how much control you retain over your finances, your business interests, and your future lifestyle. The margin for error is smaller, the consequences of missteps are greater, and the outcome often hinges on strategy rather than procedure.

At Lucido & Manzella, P.C., we understand what is at stake. Our attorneys serve as strong, disciplined advocates for individuals who have worked hard to build and protect substantial estates. We focus on securing outcomes that preserve value, minimize unnecessary exposure, and position our clients for long-term stability.

What Is a High Net Worth Divorce?

A high-net-worth divorce generally involves couples with substantial marital assets or high incomes. While there’s no official legal definition, these cases usually include significant wealth, often far beyond what’s seen in a standard divorce. High net worth divorces often include:

  • Ownership of businesses or professional practices.
  • Multiple real estate properties, including primary residences, vacation homes, and rental investments.
  • Complex investment portfolios, bonds, or stocks.
  • Luxury assets like art collections, fine jewelry, or high-end vehicles.
  • Executive compensation packages, including stock options or deferred earnings.

These assets can make property division far more complicated and require in-depth analysis to achieve an equitable settlement.

How Are High Net Worth Divorces More Challenging?

In a high-net-worth divorce, the complexity stems from more than the sheer volume or high value of the assets involved. The real challenge lies in the intricate legal and financial hurdles that accompany such wealth. Here are some of the biggest problems clients run into:

  • Hidden Assets: Spouses may attempt to hide money or property to avoid sharing it during the divorce. This can involve offshore accounts, undisclosed investments, or even the transfer of funds to third parties. Forensic accounting is often necessary to uncover hidden assets.
  • Business Valuation: If one or both spouses own a business, determining its value can be complex and contentious. Factors such as cash flow, market trends, and future earning potential must be considered.
  • Tax Implications: Dividing assets can trigger significant tax liabilities, including capital gains taxes or penalties for liquidating investments. Without proper planning, the tax burden can greatly reduce the value of the settlement.
  • Privacy Concerns: High-net-worth divorces often involve public figures or individuals in high-profile positions who wish to keep financial and personal details private. Balancing transparency in court proceedings with the need for discretion can be tricky.

Taken together, these factors make high-net-worth divorces less about paperwork and more about judgment, foresight, and control.

Why Is Having an Attorney Essential in a High-Net-Worth Divorce?

While having an attorney is important in any divorce, it is absolutely critical in high-net-worth cases. Here’s what they can do to help you:

  • Protect Your Interests: An experienced attorney can check that all assets are properly identified, valued, and included in the settlement. This helps prevent undervaluation or exclusion of certain assets.
  • Manage Complex Financial Issues: High-net-worth divorces often involve businesses, investments, and tax considerations that require focused knowledge. Attorneys work with finance professionals to address these complexities and minimize risks.
  • Provide Strategic Advocacy: With so much at stake, negotiations can quickly become contentious. An attorney acts as your advocate, fighting for a settlement that aligns with your long-term financial goals.
  • Prioritize Long-Term Stability: A poorly handled high-net-worth divorce can have lasting financial consequences. An attorney helps structure settlements that protect your lifestyle and financial future.

Without the right legal guidance, you risk losing assets you’ve worked hard to build.

Protect Your Wealth and Future

You have worked hard to build your life and your wealth. Do not let the divorce process jeopardize your financial security. Ideally, you need a team that understands the magnitude of your estate and knows how to protect it.

Lucido & Manzella, P.C. brings over 25 years of experience guiding clients through high-net-worth divorces involving complex estates and significant financial exposure. To discuss your options and next steps, contact our firm to schedule a confidential consultation.

Talk To An Experienced & Aggressive Lawyer Today.

We offer a free initial consultation so you will get an opportunity to meet us, and we will have an opportunity to learn more about your legal issue.

Free Consultation with an Experienced & Aggressive Macomb County Lawyer

Our consultations offer an opportunity for you to meet our team and discuss your legal issues.

Hear From Our Clients

Get In Touch With Us