What is high value divorce?
A high-net-worth (value) divorce refers to the dissolution of a marriage where the financial assets involved are substantial, often exceeding millions of pounds. These cases typically involve complex financial arrangements, such as multiple properties, business interests, significant pension funds, investments, offshore accounts, and inherited wealth.
High-net-worth divorces often require careful consideration of intricate financial structures, including trusts and international assets, as well as lifestyle factors like maintaining a certain standard of living or funding private education.
In high-net-worth divorces, the financial stakes are exceptionally significant. It is not uncommon for one spouse to withhold full and honest disclosure of their financial circumstances in an attempt to secure an unfair advantage over the other. This lack of transparency can manifest in various ways, making it a critical issue to address in such cases.
Given the complexity and high stakes, high-net-worth divorces demand specialised legal expertise to ensure a fair division of assets while protecting individual interests.
Why choose our high net worth divorce lawyers?
Need to sort out a complex, high net worth divorce and looking for the right legal help? This is where Stephensons Solicitors LLP can help you. Our team has earned numerous accolades over the years; some of these include Resolution Accredited Specialists and Law Society Children Law Accreditation. These recognitions are proof of our strong dedication to providing quality legal services while all being tailored to the needs of the client. Family law is our expertise as we achieve tier one ranking in the Legal 500 where our legal services are detached from the mainstream approach enabling us to provide unique solutions for every case. From offshore assets to family trusts, our experts provide you with everything needed while also ensuring all our dealings are discreet.
What sets us apart is our dedication to exceptional client care. At Stephensons, we prioritise building strong relationships based on trust, clear communication, and a thorough understanding of your circumstances. Our in-house advocacy service ensures seamless representation, eliminating the need for external barristers while maintaining continuity and cost-effectiveness. With a national presence and a team of over 150 specialists, we combine the resources of a leading law firm with the personalised service you deserve. For those facing complex and high-stakes divorce matters, Stephensons is the partner you can rely on to achieve the best possible outcome.
High net worth divorce tax implications
There are likely to be a number of tax implications associated with the assets which may arise when assessing your properties, employee contracts and benefits and other assets with financial value, which again require specialist knowledge.
If a pension portfolio exists it is necessary to look at whether the split is fair and consider taking independent advice on future investment.
There may also need to be negotiations regarding whether ‘maintenance’ payments need to be made to either yourself or your spouse over the coming years and whether risk exposure exists for either party.
Contact our high net worth divorce lawyers
Getting these aspects right is critical, in order to ensure your assets and interests are protected. High net worth divorces can be long and complex and you need to ensure you work with a solicitor with a proven track record in this field with access to the appropriate experts. We have specific expert solicitors in this field who have dealt with a many high net worth divorces successfully.
FAQs
Involving businesses, international assets, and considerable wealth, high net worth divorces are quite intricate. Here are a few FAQs that can elucidate the situation better:
What assets deem a marriage as a high net worth divorce?
Typically, marriages with net assets surpassing 1 million pounds can be classified as high net worth divorces and these include businesses, real estates, international ventures, pensions etc.
In such divorces, how are the assets divided and who gets what?
Generally, the following factors affect the distribution of properties: duration of the marriage; key contributions made by each one; standard of living; and expected financial needs in the future. The goal here is fairness rather than equality since equitably distributing assets may not be suitable for all parties in the divorce. Intricate multinational business assets, for example, may need veterinary evaluation and legal assistance before moving further.
What purpose do prenuptial agreements serve?
Especially in high net worth divorce, prenuptial agreements can act as a treatment for the subdivision of assets. In the UK, these are not legally enforceable; however, over time, courts have started to give them more and more consideration as long as the parties involved receive impartial legal advice.
Are receiving international assets more difficult?
Due to differing regulations enacted in each country, having possession of multinational assets can be a challenge.
It is very important to correctly identify the jurisdiction in which the case is quartered since it has an impact on what is shared and what orders are enforced. It is prudent to seek professional help in such matters.
What about interests arising from business?
Business interests or business assets are carefully determining their value or valuation mechanism because of the need to arrive at fair settlement. This will usually require the appointment n of professionals to analyse the business so that reasonable settlement figures are produced.
For case specific legal advice, speak to our family law solicitors who assist clients in high net worth divorce and family cases.