MANHATTAN High asset divorce Lawyer

Steering You Through a Manhattan High-Asset Divorce

Levoritz Law Firm will be your guide and coach during your Manhattan high-asset divorce. Our dedicated legal team understands the unique financial and legal challenges you face. We provide personalized strategies to protect your assets, including businesses, investments, and real estate while safeguarding your future.

With a proven track record of success, Levoritz Law Firm is your trusted partner throughout this difficult process.

What Is a High-Net-Worth Divorce?

A high-net-worth divorce (also called a high-asset divorce) is the dissolution of a marriage where the couple has significant assets. The threshold for what constitutes a high-net-worth divorce can vary, but it generally involves total assets of at least $1 million. 

These divorces often involve complex financial considerations due to:

• Diverse and Valuable Assets

  These can include real estate holdings, businesses, investments, retirement accounts, stock options, and valuable collectibles.

• Complex Ownership Structures

  Assets may be held in trusts, partnerships, or other entities, which demands detailed legal and financial analysis.

• Tax Implications

  The division of assets can have significant tax consequences, requiring careful planning and strategizing.

• Valuation Challenges

  Determining the fair market value of complex assets like businesses or investments can be a contentious issue that requires expert appraisals.

• Lifestyle Considerations

  A thorough analysis of income, expenses, and future financial needs is needed to maintain the lifestyle established during the marriage.

With Manhattan’s thriving economic environment, it’s common for divorces to involve significant assets. New Yorkers with high net worths can turn to the award-winning Levoritz Law Firm to handle their divorce with sensitivity and discretion.

What Assets Are Divided in a Manhattan High-Net-Worth Divorce?

In a high-net-worth divorce, a wide range of assets can be subject to division.

These are a few examples:

• Real estate: Primary residences, vacation homes, investment properties, or commercial properties.
• Financial accounts: Bank accounts, brokerage accounts, investment portfolios, stocks, bonds, or mutual funds.
• Retirement accounts: 401(k)s, IRAs, pensions, or profit-sharing plans.
• Businesses: Ownership interests in businesses, partnerships, or professional practices.
• Personal property: Vehicles, jewelry, art, collectibles, or furniture.
• Intellectual property: Patents, copyrights, or trademarks.
• Stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs): Employment-dependent assets that require special consideration.
• Deferred compensation: Bonuses, executive compensation packages, or stock options that have not yet been vested.
• Insurance policies: Cash-value life insurance policies that may have a divisible asset value.

Some asset requires special consideration, such as whether they are considered marital property or separate property in New York:

• Family trusts: May be considered marital property or separate property, depending on the terms of the trust.
• Inheritance: Generally considered separate property unless commingled with marital assets.
• Gifts: Usually considered separate property unless given to the couple jointly.
• Private equity investments: May require specialized valuation and negotiation.
• Cryptocurrency: Increasingly common in high-net-worth portfolios but with complex valuation issues.

With our background in high-net-worth divorce cases, we’re ready to negotiate even the most complicated asset divisions.

What Factors Do Judges Consider When Dividing Assets in High-Net-Worth Divorces?

In Manhattan, high-net-worth divorces follow the principle of equitable distribution. This means the court aims to divide marital assets fairly — but not necessarily equally.

Here's how the divorce process typically unfolds:

Identification and Categorization of Assets

All assets acquired during the marriage are identified and categorized as either separate or marital property. Marital property is subject to division, while separate property generally remains with the original owner.

Complex assets like businesses, real estate, investments, and retirement accounts require careful valuation by financial experts.

Equitable Distribution

The court considers various factors to determine a fair distribution of marital assets, including:

• Length of the marriage
• Each spouse's contribution to the marriage (both financial and non-financial)
• Each spouse's current and future financial needs
• Age and health of each spouse
• Any wasteful dissipation of assets by either spouse
• Existence of a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement

Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements are generally enforceable in New York. However, there are some exceptions, such as if the courts determine that the agreement was entered into under duress.

Complex Considerations

High-net-worth divorces often involve additional considerations, such as:

• Hidden assets: Forensic accountants look for assets that one spouse may be trying to conceal.
• Business valuation: If one or both spouses own a business, determining its accurate value is crucial.
• Tax implications: Dividing assets can have significant tax consequences, requiring careful planning and consultation with tax professionals.
• Spousal and child support: One spouse may be entitled to alimony or child support.

High-net-worth divorce attorneys frequently work with other professionals, such as accountants, in order to accurately determine the value of marital assets and protect their clients’ rights.

Negotiation and Settlement

Most high-net-worth divorces are settled through negotiation rather than a courtroom trial. During negotiations, your attorney will advocate for a fair and comprehensive settlement agreement that addresses all aspects of the divorce, such as asset division, spousal support, and if applicable, child support and child custody.

Court Intervention

If the spouses cannot agree on a settlement, the court will make a final determination on asset division and other issues based on the evidence presented. When a divorce proceeds to trial, a lawyer with courtroom experience can make a crucial difference in the outcome.

Why Choose Our Manhattan High-Asset Divorce Attorney?

Choose Levoritz Law Firm for your high-asset divorce in Manhattan because we have:

• Unmatched Experience

  Since our attorneys focus on high-asset divorces, we’re well-versed in the unique challenges of these cases.

• Proven Track Record

  We have a history of successful outcomes, securing favorable settlements and protecting our clients' assets.

• Personalized Strategies

  We tailor our approach to your individual needs, advocating for a solution that aligns with your goals.

• Confidentiality and Discretion

  We understand the sensitive nature of high-asset divorces and prioritize protecting your privacy.

Your financial future is our priority. With Levoritz Law Firm, you have a dedicated advocate who will fight for your best interests every step of the way.