Arons & Solomon Divorce Lawyers | January 15, 2019 | Articles
Life is rarely simple, and divorce is no different.
All couples have issues to consider when parting ways, including: custody and parenting time, child support, alimony, division of assets and debts, and more. The more issues involved in the divorce, the more opportunities for conflict.
High-net-worth couples face a unique set of financial challenges when it comes to dividing the many assets, properties, and other business holdings that make up the family’s balance sheet.
Below are some practical considerations for a divorcing couple with liquid assets exceeding $1 million.
New Jersey Child Support Guidelines May Not Apply
In New Jersey, child support payments are determined by the NJ Child Support Guidelines for families with a combined net (after tax) income of between $8,840/year ($170/week) and $187,200/year ($3600/week).
When incomes fall outside of this range, the guidelines no longer apply. This scenario requires a creative solution, because there is no governing structure to guide the process. Families are expected to figure it out on their own or let a judge decide.
A child support arrangement should be a family decision made through mediation or negotiation, if possible. These approaches allow parents to maintain control over the decision-making process, rather than risking it all on the opinion of a judge.
You can learn more about determining child support payments outside the NJ Child Support Guidelines here.
For more information, read the most Common Questions About Child Support in A High Net Worth Divorce in NJ.
Your Partner May Be Hiding Assets
In some cases, one or both spouses may attempt to hide assets and underreport income to minimize alimony and/or child support obligations. This is an illegal activity with significant consequences, including harsh financial penalties and possible jail time.
A family law attorney familiar with high-net-worth divorces can help you produce evidence of purposefully hidden assets using a network of forensic accountants, business experts, private investigators, and financial planners.
For more information, read our list of 15 Ways Your Spouse May Be Hiding Assets.
Tax Consequences
When dividing assets and negotiating support arrangements, consider how these streams of income will be taxed on the paying and receiving ends.
Federal tax reform passed in 2017 significantly changed the way alimony will be taxed in 2019 and beyond. A divorce lawyer can help you consider all the facts before agreeing to a final settlement.
Business Consequences
According to a Harvard Law School study, a divorce can impact a CEO’s productivity, attitude toward risk, and overall energy levels surrounding the business.
If the CEO is forced to sell (or surrender) parts of the business to satisfy the terms of a divorce settlement, he/she may no longer have the control or influence necessary to manage the strategic direction of the company.
When negotiating a settlement, make sure it doesn’t come at the expense of your livelihood.
Privacy
High-profile and contentious divorce cases often gain the attention of the press. This kind of publicity is bad for business and bad for families.
Try to keep your case out of the courtroom, if possible. A collaborative divorce, mediation, or arbitration approach can help you reach a final settlement outside of the public eye.
Hire a New Jersey Divorce Lawyer
In a high-net-worth divorce, the stakes are high, and the details are complicated. The divorce attorneys at Arons & Solomon Divorce Lawyers
can help you gather the facts of your case and protect your personal wealth.
Our services include:
- Demanding full financial disclosure from opposing parties
- Disputes over individual vs. marital property
- Working with financial experts to analyze financial records and identify assets, including: retirement accounts, investments, real estate, business ownership interests and other high-value property subject to equitable distribution
- Scheduling appraisals for high-value possessions
- Collaborating with forensic accountants and private investigators to expose the truth regarding hidden assets, employability, and business valuations
- Generating creative options for settlement
- Referrals to Certified Financial Planners® (CFP) to achieve long-term financial security
Contact the Bergen County Family and Divorce Law Firm of Arons & Solomon Divorce Lawyers for more help
Contact the experienced family attorneys at Arons & Solomon Divorce Lawyers today for legal assistance. Visit our law office in Bergen County or give us a call at (201) 487-1199 to schedule an appointment. to schedule a free consultation with our team.
Bergen County Law Office
1 University Plaza Dr #400,
Hackensack, NJ 07601, United States