When a couple with significant wealth—typically assets totaling $1 million or more— decides to divorce, it’s what’s known as a “high-net-worth divorce.” These cases go far beyond determining what happens to the family home and dividing bank accounts. Such matters often involve real estate holdings, business interests, investment portfolios, stock options, crypto currencies, artwork, collectibles, and even luxury vehicles.

Because there’s so much on the line, high-net-worth divorces can get complicated quickly. A recent article in Wealth Briefing showcased just how complex high-net-worth divorces can be. As with other divorces, there are profound emotional undercurrents that can escalate as the stakes rise. There may be prenuptial or postnuptial agreements to consider, hidden assets to uncover, and questions about values and ownership of potentially non-marital assets. It’s not unusual for financial experts, forensic accountants, and business valuation specialists to get involved.

In an example highlighted in the article, a couple who decided to divorce after 40 years of marriage had assets that included a nine-bedroom, seven-bathroom family home, along with a rental property portfolio. The wife wanted to keep the home, while the husband wanted it liquidated. The court ruled in favor of the wife due to her emotional attachment to the home. However, to balance out the husband’s share, the court awarded him rental properties along with a sum from the wife which was to come from what is called “illiquid assets,” which are parts of a portfolio that are harder to sell quickly without losing value. Examples include real estate, collectibles, private business ownership, and certain retirement accounts.

One of the trickiest parts of the case was how to value the husband’s shares in a financial tech company. After an expert estimated the shares were worth millions, the court agreed—even though they couldn’t easily be sold. This is a question seen often in high-net-worth divorces: which assets should be valued based on present value and which based on future potential worth? Other negotiating points in such a split can include complex tax liabilities and potential capital gains on property.

When facing these kinds of disputes, arm yourself with some of the top divorce attorneys in Bucks County, those who regularly work with financial and forensic experts needed in just such a case. If you have come to the point where you are considering divorce and want to protect your assets, contact Williams Family Law by phone at 215-340-2207, or email us at info@bucksfamilylawyers.com.