California High Net-Worth Divorce Lawyers
High net-worth divorces are usually the most vigorously contested divorce cases in the California courts. They can also become extremely complicated due to the assets involved, such as business ownership, high incomes, hidden assets, inherited money, etc. Because of the high worth of these assets, issues like property division, spousal support, and child support take more time to settle. The outcome of these issues can make an enormous financial impact and it is therefore essential that you contact a high net-worth divorce attorney as soon as possible. At the law office of Russakow / Greene & Tan, our divorce attorneys have the experience necessary to fully protect your legal interests in a complex high net-worth divorce.
California Divorce Law
California is a community property state, which means that any assets acquired during the marriage are considered to be owned equally by each spouse. This includes equity earned on homes, businesses, investments, or pension plans. However, there are provisions under the law concerning the separate property that each spouse brought into the marriage (you are entitled to leave the marriage with the assets that you brought into it, even if they were co-mingled with your spouse’s assets). Only property that was acquired during the marriage may be considered for division. This is called marital property. In many cases, reaching an agreement on what is marital property and what is non-marital property is the most contentious part of property division.
Asset Valuation
Once the community property is identified, each asset is assigned a fair market value before distribution. This can be a very complex process and is often highly disputed. It is usually necessary to use the services of experts in property valuation, forensic accounting, and other financial disciplines in order to ensure a fair settlement. This is especially true when there are a variety of diverse assets, such as:
- inherited money
- gifted money
- family owned businesses
- retirement accounts
- annuity funds and profit-sharing accounts
- real estate
- stocks and bonds
- investments
- personal belongings
- motor vehicles, boats, aircraft
- offshore accounts
Other factors may come into play as well, such as commingling of assets. If you spent money that you inherited or that was given to you as a gift on such things as remodeling a shared home or paying for a spouse’s education, special consideration should be given in the divorce settlement.
Our Legal Services
Our law firm has the expertise to handle the complexities involved in a high net-worth divorce, including the difficulties presented in asset valuation and property division. We will also protect the rights of our clients in the following related areas:
- Spousal support: we will seek the most favorable resolution of this issue on your behalf, whether you will be receiving support or will be required to pay it.
- Child support: it is important to obtain the aid of an experienced attorney since payments are determined by using a mandated calculation that considers gross income and other factors. These guidelines can also be deviated from and experienced legal counsel is essential.
- Child custody and visitation: we will help to ensure that a fair agreement is reached and that your rights as a parent are protected.
- Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements: these legal documents can protect your rights in the event of a high net-worth divorce.
California High Net-Worth Divorce Attorney
High net-worth divorces can be complex and time consuming, and are too sophisticated to trust to an inexperienced attorney. At the law office of Russakow / Greene & Tan, we offer expert legal guidance that will build an effective strategy for obtaining a fair settlement on your behalf. We have substantial experience handling large estates, significant assets, and other high-value property and assets. We will aggressively fight to protect your rights to the marital assets you deserve, as well as protecting your custodial and visitation rights.
