High Net Worth Divorce Lawyers
As experienced high net worth divorce lawyers, the attorneys at Grimes & Fertitta have direct, in-depth knowledge of the complexities inherent in high net worth divorces.
Simply put, the more assets involved in a divorce, the more complicated a divorce gets — even if the separate parties are on good terms. But a skilled high net worth divorce lawyer can help keep things smooth in even the most highly-contested divorce cases.
The Grimes & Fertitta attorneys are seasoned negotiators with a proven track record of successful divorce litigation. A close-knit and thorough firm, our high net worth divorce lawyers work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients.
Learn more about the processes for high net worth divorces, then call Grimes & Fertitta at 713-224-7644 today.
Protecting assets in high net worth divorces
Texas is a community property state. This means that any property acquired after you and your spouse got married belongs to both spouses equally. Gifts given to just one spouse and damages earned in a personal injury settlement are two common exceptions to this rule.
Additionally, property acquired before the marriage may be viewed as separate property, meaning that it would not need to be split during a divorce.
Our attorneys can help protect the following assets:
- Bonds, stocks, and trusts
- Businesses
- Cars, motorcycles, boats, and other vehicles
- Cash assets
- Inherited wealth
- Investments, including investment real estate
- Marital homes, vacation homes, and other property
- Offshore assets
- Professional practices
- Retirement savings and pensions
- Valuables (art, family heirlooms, jewelry)
Of course, it’s impossible to “halve” an asset like a house or a car, so you and your attorney will need to work together to identify which assets you wish to fight for and which you may be willing to concede. Once these have been identified, you and your high net worth divorce lawyer in Houston can begin negotiations with the other party until a split each party finds suitable is found.
Common issues your attorney can help you address
When clients begin the search for divorce attorneys, they may look for a lawyer who has experience handling particular elements of divorce. For example, a dad in need of aggressive representation might look for a Houston fathers’ rights attorney, or individuals with more property than average may look for a property division lawyer.
The divorce attorneys at Grimes & Fertitta know the ins and outs of all these common divorce issues in addition to their valuable insight into issues particular to high net worth divorces.
In other words, while we are highly equipped to handle such issues as spousal support, child custody, child support, grandparents’ rights, we are also adept in more complex matters, including:
1. Splitting trusts
The issue of trusts is a particular complex one when it comes to divorce. Whether you are seeking access to a partner’s trust or trying to protect your own trust, both attacking and protecting trust assets requires skill and, in many cases, longevity. Since many assets can be tied up in trusts, the stakes for this particular aspect of divorce can be particularly high.
2. Splitting businesses
The splitting up of a business can quickly become contentious and complicated. From determining the value of a business to establishing company assets to selling or keeping shares, every aspect of dividing a business requires knowledge of both the law and finances.
3. Issues with non-disclosure
High net worth divorces often involve one party attempting to play down or hide their assets in an effort to get or save more money for themselves. For example, a spouse may attempt to move assets into a non-disclosed account or move their money offshore.
A knowledgeable high net worth divorce lawyer can help their client uncover, track down, and (if necessary) freeze non-disclosed assets. In some cases where not all non-disclosed assets can be discovered, a lawyer can help convince a judge that such non-disclosed assets exist.
Other common issues include handling assets in multiple states or countries and issues regarding inheritance. For more information regarding issues with high-value assets, please see our article: “High-Asset Divorce: Mistakes to Avoid.”
Grimes & Fertitta: High net worth divorce lawyers you can trust
A high net worth divorce lawyer helps clients gather evidence regarding separate property, define the true needs of the other party (so that they can’t exaggerate them), and works to ensure that the division of property in a divorce is both just and right.
Grimes & Fertitta has the knowledge and experience necessary to help clients involved in high net worth divorces. We recognize that each divorce and each party comes with its own unique set of values and priorities, and we work hard to meet these particular needs.
Looking for a Houston divorce lawyer or a The Woodlands divorce lawyer for a divorce involving high-value assets? Work with a law firm you can trust to do the job right. Call Grimes & Fertitta at 713-224-7644 to set up a free consultation today.
More Helpful Articles by Grimes & Fertitta: