Somerset County High-Asset Divorce Lawyers
Top-Quality Legal Representation for Clients in Morris, Union, Middlesex & Essex Counties
High-asset divorce can prove more difficult than a traditional divorce due to the amount of assets involved. While both types of divorce cover the same issues, the stakes in a high-asset divorce are much higher, especially when it comes time to divide property and valuable assets. As a result, high-asset divorce cases can quickly turn contentious.
What Is a High-Asset Divorce?
High-asset divorces typically involve over $1 million in liquid assets.
These assets may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- High-value property
- Business shares
- Retirement accounts (401(k)s and traditional or Roth IRAs)
- Investment accounts, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and cash
- Patents, copyrights, and trademarks
- Marital home
- Vehicles
- Art collections, antiques, artwork, furniture, and other valuables
- Stock
- Restricted stock
- Stock options
- Nontraditional forms of compensation
Special Considerations for a High-Asset Divorce
There are special considerations that affect the way a high-asset case should be approached. It is important to ensure that you consult with a reputable lawyer who is experienced in this type of divorce.
Some considerations that will be brought up include, but are not limited to the following:
Complex asset division needs
One of the most significant legal issues that couples deal with in a high-asset divorce is the division of marital property. As New Jersey is an equitable distribution state, assets and property will be divided in a manner the court deems just and fair.
Tax consequences
When transferring or dividing property or substantial financial assets, there are significant tax implications involved. As such, it is beneficial to take this into consideration when negotiating a divorce agreement.
If you and your spouse entered into a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, you will need to adhere to it while forming your divorce agreement. The divorce process will get more complicated if one spouse attempts to challenge the validity of the agreement. In the event this happens, you will need to consult with your lawyer to prove the legality of your prenuptial or postnuptial agreement in court.
Hidden assets
It is possible that one spouse is more likely to hide certain assets in a high-asset divorce to keep them as separate property. If this happens, the other spouse will need to investigate and potentially hire a forensic accountant for further assistance. If you suspect your spouse has offshore accounts, is transferring money to a third party, or deferring compensation, seek legal assistance immediately.
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“Good, family-owned law firm. My wife and I didn't know much about wills, but knew we needed a plan to handle our assets and, most importantly, ensure our children were cared for if anything ever happened to us. As parents themselves, they understood our concerns and guided us through the documents and subsequent decisions we needed to make. In the end, we are relieved to have these official documents and are confident they will serve their purpose should they ever be needed.”- Brad C.
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“I have been in a custody battle since my daughter was 3 years old. Multiple attorneys and honestly no one has been more competent as Steven Lane. He is always in contact and has been so knowledgeable. He honestly put me at peace in a very difficult time. He is very versed in his profession and honestly I wish I had met him years prior, I actually started to get proper justice when I hired him. He is understanding and caring as well as his staff has phenomenal character. I couldn't recommend this attorney enough.”- Lysette
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“Excellent Experience. Daniel Lane was very helpful and readily available. He was able to explain everything in detail and always put us at ease. He made us feel like family and handled our case as if it was his own personal family matter. Awesome lawyer. Highly recommended.”- Kaajal R.
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“My husband and I used Dan as our real estate lawyer as a buyer and he was the best! Great follow up! He stayed on top of everything. Dan always communicated with us if he needed something from us or for any input we had in responding to the seller's lawyer. He was also very knowledgeable - most of the time I have no idea what was going on, but he was always patient enough to explain it to me. I also had the pleasure of meeting Steve - he put everyone in an easy mood when the title company was late to the closing. I would definitely use them again!”- Jennifer R.
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“Eric was recommended to me in 2013 when I was going through a very difficult divorce and custody fight. He’s been with me every step of the way. It’s been a long journey and he’s been supportive and has continued to fight for me. He’s made a very difficult process a bit less stressful and easier. Always willing to talk to me about my concerns. I can’t say enough about him. He’s been amazing. I definitely would recommend this law office to anyone who is dealing with the stress of divorce.”- Jessica C.
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“Mr. Lane was recommended to me by another one of his clients. He helped me to solve a problem I thought would never be solved. I will definitely reach out to Mr. Lane to represent my family in any other matters.”- Gabriela S.
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“Throughout the process, Dan constantly put my interests, goals, and objectives front and center.”- Jay K.
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“I would highly recommend relying on Daniel should you need his service.”- Eric