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HIGH NET WORTH

Your extraordinary wealth brings a set of complex financial dynamics to your family that requires specifically trained legal guidance, whether you are creating an estate plan or seeking a divorce. Business interests, real estate holdings, spousal support, custody, and privacy concerns must be addressed in a way that meets your family’s priorities. 

Our team of experienced high-asset divorce and estate planning attorneys can help build a customized plan for your family to thrive long-term. If there are aspects beyond family law or estate planning that require the attention of a specialized expert, you can be confident our network of professional partners represents the best and brightest talent Washington has to offer.

What is a High-Asset Divorce

Some marital assets are relatively easy to identify, such as shared homes, bank accounts, and vehicles. However, high-net-worth spouses may hold more unique assets, including but not limited to:

  • Real estate investment properties
  • Business interests
  • Stocks, bonds, and other investment vehicles
  • Intellectual property (i.e., patents, trademarks, and copyrights)
  • Digital assets (i.e., cyber currency, websites, and blogs)
  • Rare collections (i.e., coins, art, cars, antiques, or wine) 

These assets can be like an onion needing the many layers peeled back to reveal their full value. It is critical to account for and evaluate all high-value marital assets before entering divorce negotiations. We can assist you with this.

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Property Classifications

Marital (or community) property includes any asset acquired by either party during marriage. With few exceptions, marital property subject to equal division typically includes:

  • Both parties’ earnings during marriage
  • Interest income on assets like investments, capital gains, and retirement benefits
  • All property obtained with earnings during the marriage
  • All property acquired with community funds
  • Debts incurred during the marriage by either spouse

Any inheritance received, assets acquired before marriage by either spouse, and gifts to a specific spouse are considered separate property by local courts and are not generally subject to division upon divorce.

An asset characterized as separate property may be subject to division if combined with community property or if the court deems it necessary to create an equitable division of assets. For example, if a couple uses income earned during the marriage to maintain a home inherited by one spouse, the home may be categorized as community property. Our attorneys are experienced in high-asset divorce cases and can help you avoid losing property in a divorce.

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A High-Asset Divorce Attorney Can Help

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