When a couple divorces, all the property they own must be fairly divided. This process can be particularly complicated when the marriage has a high net-worth and complex assets are involved. This type of divorce has the potential to become contentious as each spouse strives to protect their own financial interests. Having an attorney serve as a strong advocate for you can be particularly important when there are high-value assets to be divided.
The attorneys of Reifman Law Offices have been helping clients reach fair divorce resolutions in Illinois for nearly 20 years. We strive to reach fair and equitable terms of divorce that leave our clients financially stable and in possession of what is rightfully theirs. Dividing high-value marital assets is stressful and can become complicated, but Reifman Law Offices is here to guide you through the entire process of a high net-worth divorce while protecting your interests every step of the way.
As in every divorce, all assets involved in a high net-worth divorce must be classified as either marital property or personal property of one spouse. During the discovery process, an inventory is taken of all the assets a married couple owns, whether jointly or separately. When a married couple has a high net-worth, complicated assets such as stocks, real estate properties, or ownership interest in a business may be involved. Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements governing who owns what may come into play as well.
In Illinois, courts divide marital assets based on the idea of “equitable distribution.” This means that the terms of a divorce must be fair to both parties. The court will consider your personal circumstances to ensure that assets are divided equitably. In a high net-worth divorce, one spouse may have given up a career or educational opportunity to devote themselves to the marriage. A spouse who has done this should fairly receive enough of the marital assets to remain financially stable and may be eligible for spousal maintenance. Illinois law recognizes the importance of non-economic contributions to marriage.
At Reifman Law Offices, our attorneys make every effort to reach a fair settlement through negotiation. You and your spouse have the chance to come to an agreement about how your marital assets will be divided. When investment accounts are involved, it may be better for the couple to reach an agreement to avoid potentially being ordered to liquidate the account during litigation. If a high net-worth couple owns a business or real estate holding, such as an apartment building together, reaching an agreement may be the best way to protect both spouses’ financial interests without disrupting their business activity.
Resolving a divorce in this manner can be advantageous for both parties and hastens the divorce process. However, reaching an agreement is not always possible, especially when high-value assets are at stake.
When litigation becomes necessary, Reifman Law Offices will strive for a fair result that leaves you financially secure and able to maintain your current lifestyle. Dividing high-value assets equitably through litigation can be a rather involved process requiring meticulous accounting of all a married couple’s assets. Some assets may need to be sold or liquidated to be fairly divided when an agreement cannot be reached. We understand the complexity of this process and will be there to protect your interests and help you understand all your options at every stage in divorce litigation.
We assist individuals and families in Cook, Lake, and DuPage counties.
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