Divorce is always challenging, but that’s particularly true for high-net-worth couples. The presence of substantial and varying assets can complicate divorce proceedings, especially if there are disagreements about issues such as property division, child support, and spousal support (also called alimony).
High-net-worth individuals need a Nampa family lawyer they can count on to protect their assets and ensure fair proceedings for all parties. The team at Brown Family Law has over 150 years of combined legal experience and a calm and solution-oriented approach to divorce matters.
We are exceedingly familiar with working with high-net-worth clients and understand the unique issues when wealth is involved. Contact a high-net-worth divorce lawyer in Nampa from Brown Family Law to schedule a consultation.
Why You Need a High-Net-Worth Divorce Lawyer
In divorces where one or both parties have substantial wealth, legal proceedings are much more complicated. You need a dedicated professional who can manage the monumental task of accounting for your estate and clarifying each party’s legal obligations. Below are areas where an experienced divorce attorney can be an invaluable asset.
Property Division
Idaho is a community property state, meaning that assets gained during a marriage generally are split 50/50 upon divorce. Property that was owned before the marriage or inherited, on the other hand, is kept separate.
This can be relevant in a high-net-worth divorce if one spouse’s wealth comes from before their marriage, or the spouses have commingled assets. A lawyer can help clarify property divisions and which assets should and should not be split 50/50.
Child Custody
Custody decisions are always made in the best interest of the child. In high-net-worth divorces, custody battles can become complex if both parents work full-time or decide to relocate out of state. We can help draft child custody agreements that abide by Idaho’s laws regarding parenting time and that give each parent a fair amount of visitation with their children.
Spousal Support
Alimony, or spousal support, is typically granted when one spouse significantly out-earns the other, or there is a large wealth disparity between the two. The point of spousal support payments is so that both spouses can continue living their quality of life to the greatest extent possible.
Spousal support is one of the most disagreed-upon issues in high-net-worth divorce. A Nampa high-net-worth divorce lawyer can help negotiate agreements and petition for modifications if you believe that the ordered amounts are unfair or unreasonably burdensome.
Get Clear Guidance for Your Divorce
Key Difficulties with High-Net-Worth Divorces
Below are some of the key difficulties with high-net-worth divorces that motivate hiring a legal professional.
Complex Estates
Wealthy couples may have complex estates composed of assets and income streams of various types. Couples may have also combined their wealth together, especially if they own parts of a business together. Disentangling the web of such an estate is a difficult task. It will require the work of forensic accountants and financial experts.
Valuing and Tracking Assets
Wealthy couples have substantial assets that are difficult to catalog and properly value. assets such as real estate, vehicles, retirement accounts, investments, clothing, collectibles, furniture, instruments, and jewelry need to be identified, appraised, and recorded to make sure that assets are split fairly. Spouses may also try to illicitly conceal assets.
Tax Implications
There are numerous tax implications for high-net-worth divorces, including capital gains taxes on transferable assets, changes in tax filing status, non-deductible child/spousal support, and retirement accounts. A high-net-worth divorce attorney can plan a strategic divorce to minimize your tax implications and smooth the transition.
A Calmer, Clearer Way Through Divorce
How Brown Family Law Can Help
Brown Family Law has helped thousands of clients through divorce and its legal implications. Below are some of the key ways we can assist with high-net-worth divorces:
- Ensure disclosure. We can search for hidden assets and ensure that both parties fully disclose their estates. If spouses attempt to conceal assets, we can investigate and find them.
- Negotiate agreements. Divorce proceedings are some of the most contentious, especially when large sums of money are involved. A lawyer can provide an objective and impartial perspective to negotiate agreements, one that is free from tension or high emotions.
- Represent you in hearings. A lawyer from our firm can also represent you during necessary proceedings and hearings. We can present evidence for your cause and defend you against accusations of misconduct.
- Provide legal guidance. More generally, a lawyer from our firm can provide legal advice and guidance. We can help you understand Idaho’s divorce laws and how divorce can impact your and your spouse’s joint assets.
Contact Our Nampa High Net Worth Divorce Attorneys
If you are currently involved in a high-net-worth divorce, a legal professional can help make sure you aren’t taken advantage of and protect your assets. While there is no explicit legal need to be the first to hire a lawyer in a divorce, getting started early can give you a strategic advantage.
Contact our offices today to speak to our Nampa high-net-worth divorce lawyer team at Brown Family Law.