Des Moines High Net Worth Divorce Lawyers

Helping Clients With High Net Worth Divorces in Iowa

Most divorces are a stressful process for the parties involved who must agree on the very personal and often complicated issues surrounding their children, finances, home, and more. In cases where high net worth is involved, the complexities can become even greater and the stakes higher for each party. Due to this, these cases often become very adversarial, requiring the oversight and decision of the court.

If you are involved in a high-asset divorce, your best interests need to be represented by a Des Moines high net-worth divorce lawyer who has experience with these types of cases. At Hope Law Firm, we have handled thousands of divorces across the state. Our reputation for excellence has been confirmed by our high ratings and awards. We are well-versed in Iowa divorce law, procedure, and the court system. We understand what may be at stake for you and your future. Our goal will be to protect your best interests throughout the legal process and we will fight aggressively to help you reach a favorable result.

Understanding High Net Worth Divorce Cases

High net worth divorce cases can involve income or wealth from many sources, such as:

• IRAs
• Pensions
• Businesses
• Inheritances
• Stock portfolios
• The family home
• Vacation properties
• Investment properties
• Cash or other liquid assets
• Valuable art, jewelry, or other objects

What Issues Need to Be Handled Beforehand?

Two important issues must be handled to ensure a fair and equable division of assets, which are:

• It must be determined what is matrimonial and what is non-matrimonial property or assets. Non-matrimonial property, such as a property one inherited prior to the marriage may not be part of the settlement.
• A full disclosure and valuation of all assets must be completed. This can be accomplished through investigation and asset appraisal by experts.

Common Complexities of High-Asset Divorces

High net-worth divorces often involve significant assets, complex financial portfolios, and intricate legal considerations, which can lead to unique challenges compared to divorces involving fewer assets.

Some common challenges in high net-worth divorces include:

• Asset division: High net-worth couples typically have a wide range of assets, including real estate, investments, business interests, retirement accounts, and valuable personal property. Determining how to fairly divide these assets can be challenging, especially if they are difficult to value or if one spouse has a greater emotional attachment to certain assets.
• Business valuation: If one or both spouses own businesses, accurately valuing those businesses can be complicated. Disagreements over the value of a business can lead to prolonged negotiations or litigation.
• Tax implications: Divorce can have significant tax implications, especially for high net-worth individuals with complex financial arrangements. Properly structuring the division of assets can help minimize tax liabilities, but this requires careful planning and potentially the involvement of tax professionals.
• Hidden assets: In high net-worth divorces, there may be a greater incentive for one spouse to conceal assets in an attempt to minimize the amount they have to share. Uncovering hidden assets often requires forensic accounting and thorough investigation.
• Spousal support: Determining spousal support (alimony) in high net-worth divorces can be contentious, particularly if there is a significant disparity in income between the spouses. Factors such as the standard of living during the marriage, the duration of the marriage, and each spouse's earning capacity are considered, but reaching an agreement can still be challenging.
• Pre and postnuptial agreements: High net-worth couples often have prenuptial or postnuptial agreements in place that dictate how assets will be divided in the event of divorce. However, these agreements may be contested, especially if one spouse believes the terms are unfair or were signed under duress.
• Privacy concerns: High net-worth individuals may be particularly concerned about protecting their privacy during divorce proceedings, especially if their financial details are likely to become public record. This can complicate negotiations and may lead to alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation or arbitration.
• Emotional factors: While financial considerations often take center stage in high net-worth divorces, emotional factors can still play a significant role. Disputes over child custody, parenting arrangements, and the division of sentimental assets can prolong the divorce process and make it more difficult to reach a settlement.

How Long Does a High Net-Worth Divorce Take?

The timeline for a high-net-worth divorce depends on various factors, including the complexity of the financial situation, the level of cooperation between parties, and court availability. While some cases may be resolved in a matter of months, others can take over a year or more. Key factors affecting the timeline include:

• Extent of Assets: The more assets involved, the longer it takes to inventory, value, and divide them appropriately.
• Disputes Over Custody or Support: Contentious disagreements over parenting plans or spousal support can extend the divorce process.
• Negotiation vs. Litigation: Settling through mediation or collaborative divorce often resolves faster than going to court, but litigation may be necessary if disputes remain unresolved.

Maintaining open communication and providing thorough documentation can help streamline the process.

How Our Des Moines High Net Worth Attorney Can Help You

Our Des Moines high net-worth divorce attorneys are extremely proficient in handling the above steps and with all other aspects of divorce. We have extensive experience in litigating divorce and will take every measure to help position you favorably either through negotiation or in court.

Having a lawyer from Hope Law Firm on your side during a high net-worth divorce offers numerous benefits:

• Legal expertise: We have extensive experience and expertise in handling high net-worth divorces. Our knowledge of family law, property division, tax implications, and other relevant legal matters ensures that your interests are protected throughout the divorce process.
• Asset protection: We understand the complexities of high net-worth divorces and can help you navigate the division of assets to ensure that your financial interests are safeguarded. Whether you have complex investment portfolios, business interests, or valuable real estate holdings, we work tirelessly to secure a fair and equitable distribution of assets.
• Strategic guidance: Our team provides strategic guidance tailored to your unique situation. We develop personalized strategies to achieve your goals, whether it involves negotiating a settlement or litigating contested issues in court. Our strategic approach is designed to maximize your outcomes while minimizing conflict and unnecessary expenses.
• Negotiation skills: We excel in negotiation and are skilled at advocating for our clients' interests at the negotiation table. We strive to achieve favorable settlements through constructive dialogue and compromise whenever possible, but we are also prepared to assertively advocate for your rights in court if litigation becomes necessary.
• Access to resources: As a client of Hope Law Firm, you gain access to our extensive network of resources, including forensic accountants, valuation experts, tax professionals, and other specialists who can provide valuable insight and support during your divorce proceedings. This ensures that we have the necessary tools and expertise to address even the most complex issues that may arise.
• Emotional support: Divorce can be a highly emotional and stressful experience, especially when significant assets are at stake. We provide compassionate guidance and support to help you navigate the emotional challenges of divorce while focusing on achieving the best possible outcome for your future.
• Confidentiality and privacy: We prioritize the confidentiality and privacy of our clients throughout the divorce process. Our team takes proactive measures to protect your sensitive financial information and personal details, ensuring that your privacy is respected at all times.

Contact Our High Net Worth Divorce Attorney Today

The stakes in a high-net-worth divorce are too high to leave anything to chance. The decisions made during this process can affect your finances, family, and future for years to come. Hope Law Firm is dedicated to providing comprehensive legal support tailored to the complexities of your case.

Our Des Moines high-net-worth divorce lawyer is prepared to handle the intricate financial and emotional challenges unique to these cases. Take the first step toward resolving your high-net-worth divorce with confidence and clarity.