
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 hose 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 discretely and creatively, including those involving high net worth individuals, business owners and executives, lawyers, doctors, celebrities, and public figures.
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Lois Brenner was great to work with. She was very thorough and efficient! I would recommend Lois to anyone seeking an amicable divorce.- RW
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I have hired Mrs. Brenner and had the best experience with her in my complicated and intense divorce. She was there for me all the way, always answering promptly any questions I had. She gave me the best advice, in such a caring and kind way. She has an amazing team of specialists, that will cover any needs you might have. I highly recommend Mrs. Brenner, you can feel she’s got your back!- JN
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“Expert, Compassionate Counsel”- Alisa
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“Thank you for doing such a tremendous job!”- Bill
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“We are forever grateful!”- Donna and Frank
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I had read about Lois’ unusual divorce method in one of her blog posts. It was refreshing to see someone was working with the psychological issues in divorce. My husband is bipolar and getting him to agree to a divorce and commit to the process was tough. When we met with Lois she really understood him. She immediately identified his mental health issues, and because she has a psych background, she was empathetic to his needs and was skillful at guiding him through her divorce mediation process. It took a while but she really got us to a point where we could actually discuss things without my husband blowing up. Her method is unique and it really helped in our situation. She actually recommended a great psychiatrist who changed my husband’s meds at her urging (she has a medical degree too), and my husband is coping much better. We can’t thank her enough for her compassion and advice! If you need a divorce attorney, especially if mental illness is a part of the fabric of your marriage, go see Lois! Thanks Lois - Lorna P.
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Lois was an absolute pleasure to work with. She worked on a prenuptial agreement for me. Our very first conversation put me at ease. She was interested in my upcoming marriage and wedding. She assured me the prenuptial agreement could be drafted quickly. She made intelligent recommendations to address some of my complex financial decisions. She also made sound suggestions to protect my multi-million dollar portfolio. Our wedding is coming up and will be a lot smaller than we originally thought due to COVID-19, but Lois Brenner got our prenuptial agreement done in time, and made it a lot more pleasurable experience than I thought it would be. I would recommend Lois to anyone seeking a truly skilled attorney to draft their prenuptial agreement.- Glen Mearns
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“I didn’t expect to find a divorce attorney as amazing as you!”- Deborah
