High Net Worth Divorce in New York
Divorce litigators may want you to believe that your complex or high-value estate divorce can only be fairly resolved by courtroom litigation. This is false.
In fact, spouses with high net worth have a great deal to gain via mediation, as well as much to lose should they choose to litigate. Horror stories about divorcing spouses embroiled in lengthy legal battles, only to relinquish much of their assets to attorneys' fees and costs are common for this reason. Usually, they are so embroiled by the time they realize it, that it is hard to stop. I worked with one couple who, after spending $1,000,000.00 and two years in court, came to me at the recommendation of their therapist. I was able to finish their case in a few weeks for less than $8,000.00
The dirty secret of divorce litigation is there is nothing “litigation” can help you achieve that can’t be achieved with mediation. “Divorce litigation in court” often entails two seasoned trial lawyers, just before trial, who launch into negotiations to avoid that trial. This is, of course, if you both are lucky enough to have chosen two like-minded attorneys. But why spend exorbitant amounts of money hiring two attorneys, posturing, and battling in court before coming to the “settlement table?”
Individuals going through divorce who have a high profile and/or net worth often present unique sets of challenges. Look at how Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes avoided years of politicized litigation. Some of the issues which may arise in these high net worth cases include the disposition and distribution of:
- Business assets
- Professional licenses or degrees (which offer increased earning potential)
- Stock options, IRAs, 401(k) accounts and pensions
- Trusts
- Real estate
- Family businesses
- Professional practices
- Closely held businesses
- Inherited wealth
- Separate property
- Celebrity value
When you work with Lois M. Brenner, Esq., you will not only benefit from her background in corporate law at Sullivan & Cromwell and her comprehensive understanding of those complex financial issues, but our proven results in high-stakes matters. Working with our skilled divorce team puts you in the driver’s seat – not in the courts.
Lois Brenner is referred to as the “Lawyer's Lawyer” and is recognized for handling sophisticated and complex cases discreetly and creatively, including those involving high net worth individuals, business owners and executives, lawyers, doctors, celebrities, and public figures.
Call to schedule your consultation today – (646) 663-4546.
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I met Lois Brenner at a networking group. She spoke on divorce and mediation. At the time I was not in need of a divorce attorney but was so impressed I kept her information. Two years later I hired Lois Brenner and I am finally separated from a man who nearly destroyed my life. Although we were able to do this with her in mediation, it was not easy for me. She really kept me strong, and on top of myself. She was helpful with both of us, and encouraged each of us when needed. It was much better than going through the court system. It took a lot less time and saved us money too. I can’t say enough about her. She is a special attorney. I tell everyone who will listen how special she is.- Pilar
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Amazing, Skillful Mediator!!!! We went to see Lois Brenner for a mediation consultation. We had pretty much decided our marriage was over. We just wanted to end things fair and amicably. Lois Brenner spent so much time with us, and gave us great insight as to how the process would help us, we hired her on the spot. Our sessions thereafter were stealth. She organized us, helped us identify and address all the issues. She showed us how to communicate effectively throughout the process. We were able to address all our issues, especially property and finances, arrive at a comfortable settlement agreement, and now we are waiting for the judge to sign our divorce. What an extraordinary process. I highly recommend Lois Brenner and mediation. She’s super, and mediation really works.- Maggie and Josh
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I am a highly successful money manager and before meeting Lois Brenner, hiring a divorce attorney was a disaster. Two previous divorce attorneys really wasted my funds, and had no savvy when it came to asset and property distribution. Lois Brenner finally fixed the mess I was in. She and her team of financial experts, including attorney Matthew Ehrlich were able to prepare an asset and property distribution that was realistic, keeping in mind tax ramifications, and important distributions and allocations. They negotiated a thorough and financially sound divorce settlement. If you have a lot of assets, just any divorce attorney won’t do. You really need someone with a lot of knowledge. Lois Brenner and Matthew Ehrlich were really impressive. Thanks!!- Michael C.
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Lois acted as the mediator in my divorce, and she was absolutely excellent. It was a very difficult time for me personally, but Lois made the process as easy and painless as it could possibly have been. She listened to each of us separately, and made thoughtful and helpful suggestions. She is fair, and seemed to genuinely care about finding a solution that was best for both parties. Lois is perfectly qualified to handle this type of situation, given her background in psychology. She truly understands people, and used this ability to keep my ex-husband and I calm, and smoothly navigate a few tricky situations. I felt very understood by Lois, and think that she not just a top-quality attorney, but also a very decent person. She is responsive, and answered my emails within a couple of minutes every time. Highly rated!
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I utilized Lois's services for divorce. She was most helpful in all aspects. First, she explored reconciliation, which was the right thing to do. Absence of that, her suggestion of what to negotiate for, how to do it without unnecessary anger & hostility to the ex & how to expedite the process was invaluable. Timewise she was excellent & sympathetic to what I was going through. She was always available & her fees were very reasonable. I would strongly recommend her as a divorce /representative attorney.
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I had a complicated situation wherein I had to get a divorce through publication as my husband and I had not been in contact for 5 years and I was out of the US for a few years. (it was an abusive marriage) I reside in Buffalo and I spoke with several attorneys locally but I did not feel that any of the local attorneys were able able to understand my situation. Some suggested that I locate my husband, and each one of them wanted to start by identifying and listing the assets. Unsatisfied, I started looking for attorneys in NY city, and I found Ms. Brenner through Avvo. During the consultation, she was extremely kind and understanding and agreed to take on my case. Ms. Brenner helped me get a divorce through publication and she/her team took care of everything. All I had to do was provide her with documentation. I am grateful to Ms. Brenner for helping me get out of a sticky stressful situation. I would definitely recommend her to anybody in a similar situation. Thank you, Ms. Brenner.
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“You are extremely knowledgeable and the consummate professional.”- Ben and Jill
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Lois Brenner is a remarkable attorney and compassionate advocate for dads. She guided me when I was confused and didn't know what to do to get shared custody of my daughter. She encouraged me to stay strong and to fight, and she negotiated a much better custody arrangement than my previous lawyer. What great attorney. Thank you Ms. Brenner- Christoff
