Your Trusted High-Asset Divorce Lawyer for Fairfield, CT; Manhattan, NY; All of New York and Connecticut
Navigating the complexities of divorce often requires the expertise of a high-asset divorce lawyer, especially for couples with significant wealth and assets. High-earning and high-net-worth couples have spent years accumulating assets throughout the course of their marriage that must be carefully divided. In many cases, one party earns more of the income or manages the assets while the other spouse maintains the home and takes primary responsibility for raising the children daily. Many spouses may not be aware when their marriage goes awry of some of the property that has been accumulated during the course of the marriage, or the earning potential and income of their partner. It is not unusual for a thorough analysis to reveal some assets or income that have been concealed or hidden.
At The Law Offices of Heidi E. Opinsky, our high-asset divorce lawyer focuses on representing you during divorce. We recognize that your situation is unique and demands a tailored approach. Our goal is to secure a fair allocation of property and ensure all income and assets are properly accounted for, allowing you to move forward with confidence.
What Makes a High-Asset Divorce Different?
While the foundations of any divorce are similar, high-asset cases involve layers of financial complexity. Both New York and Connecticut are “equitable distribution” states. This means marital property is divided fairly, though not always equally. An experienced high-asset divorce lawyer is essential for navigating this process effectively.
- Several factors influence how assets are divided, including:
- The length of the marriage
- The career and education of each spouse
- Assets each person owned before the marriage
- The origin of the assets and property
- Financial and non-financial contributions to the marriage, like homemaking or raising children
- The custody and support of any minor children
- The standard of living established during the marriage
- Considerations, including the behavior of the parties leading up to the divorce, although an allegation of fault is not necessary to obtain a divorce, bad acts of a party may be used in determining the equitable distribution of the property
One of the biggest hurdles is identifying the true value of the marital estate. It’s not uncommon for one spouse to be unaware of the full extent of the couple’s wealth or for assets to be hidden. We work diligently to uncover a complete and accurate financial picture.
Uncovering the True Value of Your Marital Estate
A successful outcome in a high-asset divorce often depends on a thorough financial investigation. A skilled high-asset divorce lawyer will collaborate with forensic accountants and other financial experts to ensure total transparency. These professionals can analyze complex financial documents to identify concealed income or undervalued assets.
A high-asset couple who is going through a divorce must obtain valuations of items such as:
- Real Estate: Primary residences, vacation homes, and investment properties, both domestic and international.
- Investments: Stocks, stock options, hedge funds, and executive compensation packages.
- Retirement Accounts: Pensions, 401(k)s, profit-sharing plans, and other assets such as severance packages and benefit plans.
- Business Interests: Valuating businesses and professional practices to determine their true worth and arrange for potential buyouts.
- Luxury Items: Collections, artwork, antiques, and valuable jewelry.
Proper valuation ensures that all assets are on the table for equitable distribution, preventing one party from gaining an unfair advantage. It should also be noted that high-asset divorces often involve complex tax issues that influence how assets are divided. The goal is to structure the allocation of assets and payments to reduce the financial burden on both parties. Our skilled high-asset divorce lawyer understands the principles behind these structured allocations to get the best possible results for her clients.
Heidi E. Opinsky Represents Individuals In High-Asset Divorces
There are many complexities that must be handled carefully when two individuals with high net worth are going through the process of a divorce. A high-asset divorce lawyer will approach the situation with a clear strategy that focuses on maximizing the property awarded at the conclusion of the divorce. Heidi E. Opinsky represents moderate to high net worth individuals in divorce actions, so she knows how to craft an effective divorce strategy.
Your High-Asset Divorce Lawyer in NY and CT
A high-asset individual is going to face unique obstacles when going through a divorce. It is important to have a knowledgeable and skilled high-asset divorce lawyer and team representing your interests throughout the litigation process. Based in Manhattan, NY and Stamford, CT; we are proud to represent clients throughout Fairfield, CT; Greenwich, CT; Darien, CT; Wilton, CT; New Canaan, CT; Ridgefield, CT; Westport, CT; Redding, CT; and the surrounding areas during their high-asset divorce proceedings.
Contact The Law Offices Of Heidi E. Opinsky today to schedule a confidential consultation. You can reach her online or call her at 203-653-3542.