Divorces are almost always complicated matters, but they become significantly more complex when they involve high-net-worth couples or high-value assets. In these cases, it becomes much more important to closely scrutinize the totality of a couple’s community property. If your marriage is coming to an end, and you have concerns over the division of high-value property, you want an experienced Los Altos high-asset divorce lawyer giving you the guidance you need.
A high-asset divorce involves couples with substantial income, property, or financial assets that go beyond what you’d see in a typical divorce. There’s no strict legal threshold for when a divorce is considered “high-asset,” but a general rule of thumb is that these cases involve property valued above $1 million, requiring a more detailed and measured approach.
What separates these divorces from ordinary ones is the complexity of the assets involved. Instead of just bank accounts and a home, a high-asset divorce case may include stakes in businesses, stock options, investment portfolios, multiple properties, and retirement accounts. It’s important that spouses with high-value assets understand their options if their marriages end.
With a divorce rate of 5.88 per 1,000 women, it’s important that California residents know where to turn when their marriage is nearing its end. Attorneys play a critical role in protecting divorcing couples’ interests and long-term stability.
One of a lawyer’s most important jobs is to help you identify and value all assets. Because these divorces often include complex financial holdings and other assets, your lawyer may enlist the assistance of a forensic accountant so that everything is properly accounted for.
If assets are being hidden, your attorney can investigate, help uncover the hidden property, and pursue the proper course of action in court. What’s more, your lawyer can negotiate on your behalf outside of court to help you and your spouse reach a fair agreement.
During high-asset divorces, there are more factors to consider than there are in other types of divorces. With those additional factors, there come unique challenges that spouses may have to face. These challenges increase the financial risks for couples, and they can complicate negotiations and court proceedings. Some common issues that arise during high-asset divorces include:
Your attorney can help you navigate each of these issues, helping to protect your rights and pursue assets and other benefits you’re rightfully entitled to. That’s why it’s important to work with a lawyer who has years of experience in high-asset divorces.
Since 1996, the Law Offices of Rod Firoozye has provided dedicated legal support to residents in California. We know how stressful high-asset divorces can be, and that’s why we work closely with you and take the time to understand the full picture, so we don’t leave anything on the table. We’ve represented CEOs, business owners, and celebrities in their divorces, so you can trust that we have the experience to offer you the support you need.
Whether in settlement negotiations or before a judge in Santa Clara County Superior Court, we work hard to protect our clients’ rights and interests. As a Certified Family Law Specialist, Rod Firoozye knows what it takes to create a strong case, and you can trust him to be a dedicated advocate throughout your divorce.
Three types of assets are generally considered untouchable during a divorce. These include assets acquired before marriage, inheritance, and gifts given to only one spouse. Keep in mind that if you co-mingle any of these assets with marital property, they may no longer fully be untouchable during a divorce. You may require the assistance of a forensic accountant to prove which assets are considered separate property.
While there’s no law that makes it a requirement to hire a lawyer for a high-asset divorce, you should consider consulting an experienced attorney. These cases are often complicated, with finances spread across complex assets. You may need the assistance of forensic accountants and other experts to uncover the full value of the marital property. What’s more, you can rely on an attorney to help you negotiate fair asset division and protect your rights.
One of the biggest mistakes you can make during a divorce, especially a high-asset divorce, is hiding money and other property. Failing to disclose all assets and debts isn’t just unethical during a divorce; it’s also illegal. If caught, the court may award the full assets to your spouse, and you could be facing serious penalties, including criminal charges. This is considered a form of fraud, and it could lead to prison time.
Whether you’re entitled to half of your husband’s 401 (k) depends on when contributions were made to the account. Any contributions that were made while you were married, you would get half of. Any money that was in the account prior to marriage is not included in the asset division. Your Los Altos high-asset divorce attorney may need to hire a forensic accountant to help prove when contributions were made to a 401 (k) account.
When your divorce involves high-value assets like stocks, real estate, retirement accounts, and other property, you want an attorney with years of experience on your side. Hire a high-asset divorce lawyer from the Law Offices of Rod Firoozye to give you dedicated legal support. Dividing significant wealth can be complicated, and you don’t want to leave anything on the table during your divorce.
Contact our team today to set up a case review. We can break down the state’s high-asset divorce laws, explain more about our legal services, and get to work building your case.
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“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate Rod’s help in my divorce case. Our divorce had been going on for years, and once Rod stepped in, it was buttoned up in a matter of months. His calm but strong demeanor helped settle an extremely contentious divorce quickly with as little drama as possible.” – Laura Gerst