Experienced Legal Guidance In High-Asset Divorce And Complex Property Division

Divorces involving substantial assets and high earners can complicate asset division and financial support. However, these cases also present more opportunities for creative solutions. The key is to work with a lawyer who can flesh out those opportunities while protecting your key interests.

The Ohio family law attorneys of Mahaffey & Associates, Attorneys & Counselors at Law, have experience with high-asset divorce cases. We have represented professionals and business owners, as well as their lesser earning spouses. Our goal is an efficient and practical out-of-court settlement, but we are prepared to litigate in high-stakes divorce situations to win your fair share.

Retirement Portfolios And Other High Net Worth Considerations

When it comes to the distribution of property, high-asset divorces require extensive analysis on the front end to identify any separate property, properly value the marital assets and gauge true income. We enlist other professionals as necessary to get an accurate picture of the estate and pursue a comprehensive settlement that takes into account:

• Pensions and 401(k) savings
• Stocks, investments and deferred compensation
• Possession of the marital residence
• Other real estates
• A closely held business or professional practice
• Self-employment income
• Debts and liabilities
• Deviations from the child support guidelines
• Spousal support (alimony)
• Prenuptial agreements

For many couples, retirement accounts are the largest share of their net worth. We commission a qualified domestic relations order (QDRO) to determine the proportional division of retirement benefits under Ohio’s equitable distribution statute. The QDRO can, in turn, be used to negotiate for other considerations, such as a full stake in a business, equity in the home or the amount of alimony.

Safeguarding Your Assets In High-Asset Divorce

Divorce can be challenging, and when high net worth individuals are involved, the stakes are even higher. At Mahaffey & Associates, we understand that protecting your property and assets during a high-asset divorce requires meticulous attention to detail and an assertive approach. Our team is dedicated to offering sound legal guidance to ensure a fair division of assets that honors your contributions to the marital estate.

We are well-versed in handling complex assets and understand the intricacies of separating marital property from separate property. We are vigilant in identifying and valuing all types of assets, from investment accounts and real property to commercial and investment properties. Our focus is on providing a comprehensive overview of your financial situation to prevent the oversight or concealment of hidden assets.

Working with financial experts and valuation experts, we conduct thorough investigations to ensure accurate assessments are made, particularly for assets that can be challenging to appraise, such as complex divorces involving business ownership or diverse investment portfolios. We recognize that tax implications are a significant concern in high-asset divorces, and we will strive to collaborate with tax professionals to strategize the best possible outcomes for spousal maintenance and asset division, minimizing tax issues wherever feasible.

At Mahaffey & Associates, our divorce attorneys are committed to protecting your interests. Whether you’re facing challenges with the valuation of complex assets, the division of investment properties or determining spousal maintenance, our approach is tailored to the unique needs of high net worth divorce cases.

Is Your Spouse Hiding Assets?

One of the biggest risks in a high-asset divorce is the idea that your spouse may be trying to hide assets to prevent you from getting your fair share. There is seemingly no end to the creative tactics some people use. They may try to undervalue their own business or delay business deals that could increase the value of the company. They may set up overseas accounts or phony investments. They may even gift money to people they know with the understanding that they’ll get it back once the divorce is over. In some cases of infidelity, the cheating spouse spends lavishly on their new partner to deplete marital assets.

If you believe your spouse is hiding assets, our attorneys will work diligently to uncover that deception and ensure that you receive your fair share of the marital estate. In addition to our own investigative skills, we sometimes work with forensic accountants and other financial professionals to expose what was so carefully hidden. We will then ensure that the judge is aware of your spouse’s unethical behavior.

Committed To Your Best Interests

We work to ensure that the outcome serves your short- and long-term financial interests, allowing you to maintain your lifestyle as you move forward with your life.

We offer free initial phone consultations to discuss your unique situation and concerns directly with a lawyer. Call us at 419-741-0111 or contact us online. We accept all major credit cards and can meet clients at our office in Sylvania.