BEST NYC HIGH NET WORTH DIVORCE ATTORNEY WITH 15+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

In New York City, a high-net-worth divorce, commonly referred to as a high asset divorce, involves at least one spouse possessing a minimum of $1 million in assets. Typically, these divorce cases involve assets such as stocks, bonds, business equity, and real estate. The process of a high net-worth divorce entails the evaluation, valuation, and eventual division of marital assets. Divorce, regardless of wealth, is an emotionally challenging experience for families. However, high net worth divorces present additional complexities due to the substantial assets involved. Consequently, most individuals going through a high-asset divorce seek representation from specialized high-asset divorce lawyers.

WHY DO YOU NEED DALBIR SINGH & ASSOCIATES, P.C.?

Dalbir Singh & Associates, P.C., is dedicated to providing unparalleled legal representation to its clients. They offer personalized attention to every case they handle, tailoring their defense strategy to address the unique needs of each individual while safeguarding their legal rights. As a lifelong resident of New York and a family lawyer, Dalbir Singh possesses a comprehensive understanding of NYC laws and regulations. Their firm remains accessible and is renowned for winning numerous cases across various legal practice areas. They possess extensive knowledge in family law and are fully equipped to represent clients in high-asset divorce cases.

ROLE OF FAMILY LAW ATTORNEYS IN HIGH NET WORTH DIVORCE CASES.

High net worth divorce cases, in particular, necessitate the expertise of an experienced attorney who can protect the client's assets. When facing a divorce, it is highly likely that your spouse has legal representation. It is crucial to have your own legal support to effectively contend with the opposing legal team. A family lawyer can assist in interpreting laws, determining the value of assets, and comprehending the intricacies of your case. In high-asset divorce cases without a prenuptial agreement, the complexity of asset valuation increases with the number of assets involved, consequently prolonging the inventory process. While it is important not to rush a divorce, enlisting the assistance of a knowledgeable family lawyer can significantly streamline the proceedings and save time in the long run.

Identifying, Evaluating, and Distributing Marital Assets

The process of dividing marital assets can swiftly become complex, particularly in high-asset divorces. Initially, it is crucial to identify which assets qualify as marital property. Assets obtained before the marriage and gifts or inheritances are typically excluded from the division in high-asset divorce cases. Therefore, marital assets generally encompass the following:

• Belongings acquired during the marriage.

• Vehicles such as cars, motorcycles, boats, RVs, and others.

• Real estate properties, including primary residences, vacation homes, land, and more.

• Financial assets and bank accounts.

The next step in the division of marital property during divorce is to assess the value of the identified assets. Various factors can influence the value of marital property, often necessitating the involvement of professional appraisers, especially in high-net divorce cases where asset values are significantly high, and certain assets possess high liquidity.

During this phase, debts are also taken into consideration. Additionally, the division of high-asset properties and financial accounts can have significant tax implications. For instance, assets may be exchanged for retirement accounts, subjecting them to substantial tax penalties for early withdrawals. Dividing such assets prematurely during divorce could significantly diminish their value. Consulting with an accountant or asset manager can provide valuable insights into tax implications and a broader perspective on the matter.

Once all marital property has been appraised, the court proceeds to determine the division of assets. Several variables are taken into account by the court during this decision-making process. Each case is unique, with distinct circumstances and varying assets, especially in high net-worth divorces.

Ultimately, the division of property follows New York's Equitable Distribution Law, which aims to divide assets fairly between spouses. However, "equitable" does not always translate into an equal split of all marital property. In some cases, a judge may assign specific assets solely to one spouse, such as the family home, while granting the other spouse an equally valuable resource or asset, such as investment accounts equivalent in value to the house.

STEPS TO TAKE IN A HIGH ASSET DIVORCE

All divorces are challenging and intricate to navigate. Below are recommended steps that can enhance the outcome of your divorce case:

• As soon as you recognize that your marriage is headed for divorce, seek the guidance of an experienced family law attorney and educate yourself on the relevant laws and how they apply to your situation. Consulting legal counsel early on can help you anticipate the road ahead and position yourself favorably for the divorce proceedings.

• Avoid concealing your assets. Transferring accounts and funds to other parties is ill-advised. Such actions have often proven detrimental in previous cases, as discovering attempts to hide, falsify, or underreport assets tends to undermine the credibility of the party inulved. Judges frequently favor the honest party in such instances.

• Consult financial professionals, including appraisers or forensic accountants, regarding your financial portfolio and investment accounts. These may include stocks, properties, bonds, pensions, real estate, and other assets. Engaging a reputable professional for assessment ensures an accurate valuation and helps mitigate disputes.

• Exercise patience and avoid rushing your divorce. Allow ample time to progress through the legal proceedings to minimize regrets and reduce discrepancies before the final order is issued. Thoughtfully consider aspects such as alimony, debt division, and asset distribution, as complications often arise in almost every case. Hastily settling can result in one spouse agreeing to asset division without fully comprehending the consequences. Taking the time for a thorough divorce process ensures a stable and financially sound post-divorce situation in the long term.

Prepare for spousal maintenance and understand that in cases where one spouse has a significantly higher income than the other, alimony or spousal maintenance is typically ordered by the court. When determining the necessity and amount of alimony payments, judges consider factors such as the length of the marriage, income disparities, contributions to the marriage, and earning potential.

Take the time to review your prenuptial agreement, if you have one, to familiarize yourself with its terms.

Cooperate and comply with court orders and instructions regarding child support, alimony, and any other injunctions issued by the court. Failing to adhere to the terms set forth by the judge in a divorce case can lead to unfavorable consequences and additional financial burdens.

NYC HIGH NET WORTH DIVORCE FAQS