Divorce is one of the most difficult of life’s experiences. Even if you have long feared that a split with your spouse was inevitable, the thought of leaving the relationship and all that you had in it can be quite frightening. It is only natural that your impending divorce produces the strongest feeling and emotion within you. However, you cannot let your psychological response to the divorce distract you from the very real issues at stake.
If you are involved in a high net worth divorce, it is essential that you do all that is necessary to get your fair share of the property, money, and other assets. Hiring the most knowledgeable, skilled, experienced, and highly regarded divorce lawyer is the first step in claiming your portion of the estate. Indeed, you cannot retain just any divorce lawyer; it is essential that you engage the services of one who has specialized knowledge of high net worth divorces.
If this is your situation
Stop reading. Start defending.
There are plenty of reasons for this. In the past, you may have left all financial matters in the hands of your spouse. You may have taken little or no interest in their personal finances or the affairs of the larger marital estate. You must now throw yourself into the work of mastering the state of your finances. The right lawyer can help you do that. Lawyers who handle such cases have connections to investigators and forensic accountants. These are the kinds of professionals you need to track down all of your spouse’s assets so that you have a full picture of what they have.
One of the special issues involved in this kind of divorce is hidden assets. You simply have no way of knowing whether your soon to be ex has been planning to leave you. They may have formulated a plan to do so years ago and slowly executed a scheme to hide assets where they believe no one can find them. It is important to be aware of this. The richer people are the more tools they have to hide their assets from the authorities. Your lawyer will know people who are able to track these assets down, bring them to light, and ensure that they are included in all the property that will be divided in the final judgment.
Your lawyer will also advise you on what you can and cannot do with money while the divorce proceedings are ongoing. Neither you nor your spouse will be allowed to make large purchases; you will not be allowed to turn assets into cash or move large sums of money to different accounts. Judges are strict when it comes to the enforcement of these rules. This is done to protect both your interests. The estate must be kept intact if a fair assessment of its value is to be made. The only way to ensure that this happens is to forbid either party from reducing it.
You have gotten used to living a certain lifestyle. You should not be consigned to poverty and indignity as a result of the divorce. You deserve to be amply compensated for all that you have put into the marriage. You should be able to make a fresh start with capital sufficient enough to ensure your comfort. You should not have to struggle or worry about your material state. Working with a high net worth lawyer will ensure that you get a settlement that is just, fair, and favorable to you.
INTERACTIVE ORGANIZER · PRIVATE BY DEFAULT
Map the property questions before they map you
Build a private inventory of assets and debts, identify possible tracing and valuation issues, and leave with a document plan for a New York matrimonial consultation.
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What this organizer does-and does not do.
It totals net equity and spots facts that may require classification, tracing, valuation, or counsel. It does not decide ownership or predict a court-ordered division.
- 01Add the assets that matterApproximate values are enough. Names and account numbers are not needed.
- 02Describe acquisition and fundingTiming, title, source, contributions, and commingling drive the issue map.
- 03Download a consultation briefKeep it private, print it, or share it only if you choose.
YOUR PRIVATE PROPERTY BRIEF
Your marital-estate issue map
THE INVENTORY IS A STARTING POINT
Classification, tracing, valuation, tax, and liquidity need the complete facts
This organizer cannot determine whether property is marital or separate, value a business, or predict equitable distribution.
General educational information only-not legal, tax, valuation, or financial advice. Using this organizer does not create an attorney-client relationship.
FINAL STEP · CONFIDENTIAL INTAKE
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ASSET 01