Anyone getting divorced will need to address financial concerns, including the division of marital assets and debts. Business owners will have many additional concerns and things to consider when divorcing. If you own a business and you are thinking about divorce, it is important to consider how the split will influence your divorce (and vice versa). A divorce lawyer experienced in divorce involving business owners can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure that you make the best decisions possible for your particular circumstances.
Business owners often assume that their business belongs solely to them. However, many businesses are considered either fully or partially marital property. This means that both spouses have a right to an equitable share of the business.
If a spouse founded a business before the couple married, the business may be considered non-marital property. However, the increase in the value of the company may be marital property.
Whether a business is marital or non-marital property, it is usually a good idea to have a business professionally valued during a divorce. Spouses may use separate appraisers or the same appraiser to determine the value of the company. Business appraisers usually use one of three approaches to value a business: the income approach, market approach, and asset approach.
Business owners have many options during property division in their divorce. Some choose to sell the business and split the proceeds. Owners may also compensate their spouses for their share of the business by assigning them assets of equivalent value. For example, the business owner may retain the business, but the other spouse keeps real estate properties. Spouses who co-own family businesses sometimes remain co-owners even after they divorce. However, individuals pursuing this option should work with an attorney to ensure that the correct legal protections are in place.
Source: https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/075000050k503.htm
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