As a psychologically-trained New York divorce lawyer/mediator for more than 35 years, I have handled many financially complex, high net worth, prominent, and celebrity divorces.
Divorce is never easy, but divorces involving large amounts of money, property, and other assets are even more challenging. In addition to the types of issues present in typical divorces, such as spousal and child support, child custody, visitation rights, etc., high net worth divorces can involve the added burden of determining, for example, how the value of business and stock options will be split, or who will gain possession of which high-value asset. With greater amounts of assets, there is more potential for error on both sides, and a lot more to lose.
Here are some of my suggestions for carefully handling your High Net Worth Divorce:
Don’t agree to anything just to get the divorce.
One should never rush through the divorce process. Rushing through important decisions such as property division or alimony just to get away from a person as quickly as possible is never a good idea – it can have devastating financial consequences and leave you with less than what you may be entitled to.
Hidden assets can be discovered.
Some spouses think that they can get away with hiding a valuable asset in order to avoid potentially losing it during property division. This is often accomplished by transferring the asset into someone else’s name until after the divorce. This action will likely be considered fraudulent and could end up seriously hurting you in court. Forensic investigators can be hired to locate assets. It’s even possible to uncover your spouse’s secret cryptocurrency stash.
Don’t make anger your motivator.
Divorce is an emotional time, and making decisions based on anger can have disastrous results. Fighting about every aspect of your divorce may initially feel satisfying, but remember that the more contentious your divorce, the more time and money you will have to spend on it. It is difficult to make sound decisions about your future when revenge is your primary motivation.
Don’t allow guilt to influence your decisions.
A person who asks their spouse for a divorce may feel guilty about it. In many cases, this leads them to give more than they should when it comes to property division. However, when it comes to divorce, you should treat it the same way as a business dissolution. Decisions should not be based on emotions – rather, they should be guided by the advice of an experienced attorney/mediator who can help ensure that assets are divided fairly.
Remember to consider tax consequences.
When you receive certain assets during a divorce, don’t forget to consider your tax obligations on those assets. For example, you could be taxed on a pension, or you could agree to an alimony amount without knowing how much you will actually clear after you’ve paid taxes. When it comes to high net worth divorce, knowing how taxes will affect your divorce is critical.
Make sure you choose the right lawyer, not just any divorce lawyer will do!
High net worth divorces can be complex, and require a high standard of professionalism, sophistication, discretion and knowledge of financial matters. It is critical that you hire a highly skilled and experienced attorney/mediator to protect your best interests. As a financially sophisticated attorney/mediator having worked at Sullivan & Cromwell, with unique psychological insight, I will help you think strategically and clearly to protect your family financially and psychologically. Choose wisely!!
If you’ve worked hard to develop a high net worth for yourself, you’ll want to make sure that it is protected. If you’ve worked hard to maintain a home and raise children, you’ll want a fair settlement to help maintain a bright future for you and your children. I can help you accomplish all of this, just call me.
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I look forward to helping you.
Stay healthy and safe!
Warm regards,
Lois
When it comes to your financial future and that of your family, don’t leave anything to chance. Call New York Divorce Lawyer Lois M. Brenner, Esq. to schedule your free consultation. 212.734.1551.
There is no case too difficult or financially complex for Lois Brenner to handle!!