Understanding High-End Divorce

By Sheryl Rentz on August 11, 2014

One of the biggest challenges of any divorce is the division of assets. This stressful process can become even more complex when one or both parties have high net worth and significant assets. If you are involved in a high-end divorce, you will need an experienced Pennsylvania high asset divorce attorney with an exceptional understanding of tax and finance law to protect your assets and best interests.

Even the most amicable of separations can become antagonistic when property and high-value assets are involved. It is common for arguments to occur when discussing the division of real estate, bonuses, pension plans, item investments, family businesses, and inheritance. To reduce stress levels and to ensure that your assets are protected, an attorney will provide the following services:

• Valuation of your business: Before dividing up assets, the full and fair value of the business must be determined. A high-end divorce attorney will work with business valuation experts to evaluate accounts receivable, debt, and business assets.
• Investigation of hidden assets: In a high-end divorce, there is the potential for one of the parties to hide assets. An investigation is often needed to determine if any stocks, mutual funds, insurance policies, bonds, and unreported income have been held back.
• Negotiation of alimony agreement: When one spouse is financially dependent on the other, he or she may require help securing a fair alimony agreement for life after the divorce.
• Division of stock options: Many high-income families in Pennsylvania have vested stock options that will have to be divided up during the divorce. It is necessary not only to divide up the stock options but also to determine who will pay taxes on the stocks.

If you are in the middle of a divorce, or even if you are contemplating a divorce, it is critical to have a fair and accurate assessment of your assets. Contact an experienced family law attorney who will work diligently to protect your rights and best interests.