High Net Worth Divorce Attorneys

Uncontested divorces involving relatively low values of property and one home or less can be extremely quick and efficient to process and come to an agreement on. However, the greater the level of shared assets between a couple, and the number of indivisible physical assets or long-term investments, the more complex and complicated a divorce proceeding can be. 

The most effective way to ensure that your assets and your property rights are protected throughout a high asset divorce is by working with a highly experienced Hanover divorce attorney. With over 35 years of combined experience, O’Connor Family Law is standing by to review Massachusetts high-net-worth divorce, and explain how we can protect your interests and support you throughout the process. 

Agreement Spawns Efficiency, Disagreement Leads to Automatic Restraining Orders

The most effective way to maintain control over your high asset divorce proceedings is by coming to a mutual agreement with your ex-spouse. While this may not be possible through independent negotiations, when each of you employ a proficient attorney and take advantage of third-party mediation, it is possible to come to a divorce agreement that the court will accept without requiring any alteration at all. Massachusetts courts will generally accept a reasonable divorce agreement as to the division of assets. 

In the event that the parties to a divorce cannot come to a mutual agreement as to how the property should be split, then the level of court involvement increases drastically. In order to protect both parties to the divorce from the fraudulent transfer of property, an automatic restraining order is implemented throughout the duration of the divorce. This protective order prevents both spouses from making any significant transfers of assets. The only assets available to the spouses are those that would be used in the normal course of business and in their daily lives. 

Making sure than any protective order that might be implemented is not unduly cumbersome and restrictive upon the lifestyle and ability to work and earn of the spouses is essential. Sometimes the courts do not recognize the complexities of high net work divorces, underlining the importance of an effective attorney. 

Multiple Residences of Differing Values 

The powers of the court when it comes to processing divorces in Massachusetts can be considerable. When couples do not come prepared with their own valuations of property and agreements as to how their former marital and other property will be split, unintended and adverse outcomes can happen. While both ex-spouses may agree that the outcome was not desirable, it can nevertheless take a considerable amount of time and effort to change court decrees. 

When you and your ex-spouse own a number of properties, it is essential to acquire a current, accurate, and mutually agreeable value for all your homes. Unfortunately, sentimental value is not a part of this equation, but rather the market value of the home at the time of your divorce. If a couple owns only one residence and it is their primary asset, it can be difficult to achieve an equitable split in the divorce without selling the home. However, couples that have the benefit of multiple residences may be capable of splitting properties while still allowing each ex-spouse to maintain a primary home of their own without the need of buying and selling properties following the divorce. 

The ease and efficiency at which your divorce processes depend entirely upon the level of organization, accuracy, and agreement you enter into the divorce process with. Whether you achieve a mutually satisfactory agreement with your ex through a court order or through mediation, both spouses hope to come to an agreement that in the long-term is, at worst, mutually acceptable, if not satisfactory.  

Recreational Vehicles, Boats, Art & Other Indivisible Assets 

High-net-worth couples can face additional complications during their divorce when they purchased high equity assets during the marriage that are indivisible. The theoretical couple mentioned above with a single home as their primary asset may need to have only one appraisal within the context of the divorce proceedings. Alternatively, when a couple owns multiple properties in addition to recreational vehicles, boats, expensive automobiles, yachts, and other high-value physical assets, an accurate appraisal of valuable assets is all the more essential to ensure an equitable split in the property of the spouses. 

Infidelity Generally Does Not Impact the Distribution of Assets

A relatively common question we receive from prospective new clients is whether or not infidelity has an impact upon the division of assets within the context of a Massachusetts divorce. The answer is, generally infidelity does not impact the division of property, unless the related actions involved a substantial impact upon the couple’s shared financial resources. For example, if one spouse spent a significant portion of shared marital cash on the affair, it may be possible that a judge would be convinced to compensate the other party for the resources expended on the affair. 

When infidelity has no significant impact upon the financial position of the member of the marriage, oftentimes the court is unwilling to consider the ramifications. Working with a Hanover divorce attorney familiar with the local judges and how they approach certain subjects helps to provide your divorce with a better informed position and foundation from which to build your case. 

Protecting Your Wealth, Preserving Your Future: Discuss Your High-Net-Worth Divorce Concerns with O’Connor Family Law

The Hanover divorce attorneys from O’Connor Family Law are available to carefully consider the unique factors associated with your high-net-worth divorce, and to suggest the best possible strategy to protect your property rights throughout the divorce. Connect with one of our highly experienced Hanover divorce lawyers through your initial consultation or give us a call at 774-703-3755 to learn how we can help.