Divorce without Children

Yes! I have had many high income high worth cases, even a few billionaires, and we have addressed the confusion that can come from complex real estate development, bonds, investments, start-ups, prenuptial agreements and trust situations.

When there are specific questions or challenges for tax planning for example, we work well with Tax Attorneys and Financial Advisors to make sure they understand the contemplated negotiation and the resulting advice is correctly represented in the Court Papers, or MOU.

Many clients are concerned with how Spousal Maintenance will be accurately determined when their income is dynamic. Don’t worry, I don’t just take the current year’s income as the determining factor. Together we look at all the factors that affect incomes and adjust appropriately so a true representation is produced. We look at the average of the last three relevant years as a starting place. We can then incorporate trending of income up or down over the years, anomalies like COVID, market disrupters, Client Health, and many other factors to see the whole picture. By working together we ultimately produce an income number that better reflects “reality” which benefits both parties in the long run.

It’s a very valid concern as it can surely place the person who isn’t financially savvy at a disadvantage in a negotiation. It’s my job to make sure that power or knowledge imbalances don’t inappropriately affect either party.

Some of the things I can do to help include making sure things are written down and easy to read and process, taking our time and not rush through discussions, explain terms and concepts clearly, prevent the other party from manipulating the situation by pointing out inconsistencies, misleading explanations or suggestions, and proposals that seem to covertly favor that party.

I also support pausing the mediation so one can consult with a professional third party to better learn and evaluate topics and potential settlement options. We only have one chance to produce fair outcomes so I work to make sure that settlements are fair to both parties and both parties understand fully the potential options. 

With such care and sensitivity the potential risks are greatly reduced and nearly all of my clients by the end not only fully understand what they need to, but are confident in their agreement without support from external third parties, however their input is welcome if desired.