High Net Worth Divorce

In order for your divorce lawyer to be an effective advocate, he must understand your business, whether it is run by you or your spouse. This is because in New York State, a business formed during the marriage is “marital property” subject to equitable, fair distribution. Over the last 17 years, I have litigated numerous cases involving the valuation and distribution of closely held businesses, including professional practices (e.g. medical, dental, law, accounting).

During many marriages, one party has obtained advanced degrees or obtained celebrity status, which is often called “enhanced earnings capacity”. This “enhanced earnings capacity” is often valued by a court-appointed expert to ascertain what it is worth as well as what portion was obtained during the marriage. Thereafter, unless an agreement is reached by the parties, the court will determine what portion of that asset the non-titled spouse is entitled to after trial.

I pride myself on being able to read and understand balance sheets and other financial statements. Income and assets are often obscured by “business expenses” that do not exist or are not reasonably necessary and material to conduct one’s business. Discovering these “financial shenanigans” are often key to understanding why one’s tax return is not a true indication of a party’s actual income.

I have also developed significant professional relationships with experts in finance and accountancy who I often call upon to assist me in properly representing high net worth clients and their spouses.

Confidentiality is crucial in every matrimonial matter. We handle your case in the strictest of confidence as we are mindful that your professional reputation is a crucial element in the success of your business and career.

THE FORENSIC ACCOUNTANT

When deciding what a business is worth, the court may appoint a neutral forensic accountant to value a business. These accountants will often charge tens of thousands of dollars for their services to uncover the value of a closely-held business. Accordingly, choosing the right accountant to value a business is a particularly delicate matter requiring the utmost care and attention.

Naturally, if your kids go to private school, your spouse drives a Porsche, you have a house in the Hamptons and you vacation in Saint Tropez, it is unlikely that your spouse earns less than a half a million dollars per year. Unfortunately, unless you prove this by utilizing these experts, your arguments to the judge will fall on deaf ears.

CLIENTELE

Our law practice is based upon providing the client with professional, personal service. We understand that a divorce is an extremely emotional and personal process. We want every client to know that we care about their case and will pay attention to their concerns. Service is at the core of our representation and we need our clients to know they can depend on us.

Accordingly, we typically only accept clients that are referred to our firm through a personal or professional referral (e.g. former client, another attorney).