St. Louis High Net Worth Divorce Lawyers

If you’re a business owner or have otherwise accumulated significant wealth over the course of your marriage and are now facing a divorce, you may be in what’s known as a “high net worth divorce.” Though all divorces are complicated, emotionally and otherwise, high net worth divorces typically pose a wide range of additional financial challenges. If you’re in a high net worth divorce, please don’t hesitate to contact the skilled St. Louis County divorce lawyers here at the Stobie Family Law Group today.

Divorce Lawyers Representing High Net Worth Individuals

Here at the Stobie Family Law Group, we understand that as a high net worth individual, you have a lot on the line. Our knowledgeable and skilled legal team has extensive experience representing individuals just like you, and we stand ready to effectively safeguard your hard-earned assets.

What is a High Net Worth Divorce?

A high net worth divorce typically involves marital estates that exceed $1 million in assets. While every divorce comes with its own set of challenges, high net worth divorces bring a unique level of complexity due to the volume and value of assets that must be considered. These assets may include real estate properties, investment portfolios, business interests, retirement accounts, and valuable personal property such as art collections or luxury vehicles.

Additionally, high net worth divorces often require the expertise of financial professionals to properly evaluate and divide assets in a fair and equitable manner. Given the complexity of asset division, it’s critical to work with an experienced legal team that understands both the nuances of family law and the financial intricacies at play. At Stobie Family Law Group, we’re well-versed in handling these high-stakes matters and are committed to protecting your financial interests every step of the way.

Unique Considerations for High Net Worth Divorces

High net worth divorces involve more than just dividing assets—they often include managing intricate financial concerns that demand meticulous attention to detail. Some key issues that can arise include:

• Business Valuations: If you or your spouse owns a business, determining its true value is a critical and complex task. A proper valuation is essential to ensure equitable distribution or to determine buyout agreements, and this may require the expertise of forensic accountants or business appraisers.
• Complex Investment Portfolios: High net worth individuals often hold a variety of investments, from stocks and bonds to more sophisticated financial instruments such as private equity, hedge funds, or venture capital investments. Accurately assessing the value of these holdings—and determining how to fairly divide them—requires in-depth financial analysis.
• Tax Implications: The division of significant assets often brings substantial tax consequences, particularly when selling off or transferring certain assets. You’ll need a legal team that understands both state and federal tax laws to help minimize the financial impact of your divorce.
• Hidden Assets: In some cases, one spouse may attempt to hide assets or undervalue their worth. Our firm works closely with forensic accountants to track down and ensure the proper disclosure of all marital property so that everything is accounted for during the divorce proceedings.

These financial concerns make high net worth divorces especially demanding, which is why working with skilled attorneys who can navigate both legal and financial complexities is essential.

Prenups, Postnups, and Shareholder Agreements

One of the best ways to protect your wealth in the event of a divorce is by having a legally sound agreement in place before—or even after—marriage.

• Prenuptial Agreements: A prenuptial agreement, or prenup, is a contract entered into before marriage that outlines how assets will be divided should the marriage end in divorce. These agreements are particularly useful for high net worth individuals, as they allow for clear financial planning and can prevent lengthy and costly legal disputes.
• Postnuptial Agreements: Similar to a prenup, a postnuptial agreement is executed after the marriage has taken place. If you’ve accumulated significant assets during the course of your marriage or have other financial concerns that weren’t addressed before your wedding, a postnup can help safeguard your property and provide peace of mind moving forward.
• Shareholder Agreements: If you or your spouse owns a business, a shareholder agreement can help protect the business in the event of a divorce. These agreements often stipulate what will happen to business shares in the event of a marital split, ensuring that ownership interests remain intact and that your business can continue to operate smoothly.

Contact Our High Net Worth Divorce Lawyers

Don’t go through a high net worth divorce on your own. The Stobie Family Law Group is here to be your unwavering advocate through each step of the process. Contact us today so we can assess the circumstances of your case, and, from there, build a successful strategy on your behalf.