Ontario, CA High Net Worth Divorce Lawyer

For the most part, all divorce proceedings include the same core elements: the division of marital property, determining child custody, and whether there will be spousal support. However, for individuals with a wide range of assets, who own one or more businesses, or those with a substantial amount of money or high-value assets within their estate, it’s a good idea to consult with a qualified Ontario high net worth divorce lawyer.

At All American Law, our professional legal team can connect you with a family lawyer who understands how to handle complex divorce issues, especially when there’s a high net worth of community property. Our divorce attorneys understand how to provide you with effective legal counsel and representation while practicing discretion and giving your case the careful attention it deserves.

What’s Included in a Divorce Case in California?

In the state of California, whether a divorce case is relatively simple or highly contested, every divorce requires spouses to reach an agreement on various issues. All divorce proceedings must address whether there will be spousal support in addition to the division of marital property, child support, and custody arrangements.

Child custody determines which parent the child or children will primarily reside with and how parenting time and responsibilities will be divided between spouses. Relatedly, child support must be addressed to determine how much financial assistance the lesser-earning spouse will receive from the other parent to help care for the child. Spousal support may also be awarded if there’s a significant gap between the average income of the spouses.

What to Consider During High Net Worth Property Division

A couple’s marital estate, or their community property, is the sum of all assets and debts incurred by either spouse during the span of their marriage. According to California family laws, community property must be equitably distributed between spouses. This can pose difficulties for high net worth divorces.

Not only must all assets be identified, thoroughly valued, and fairly divided, but proceedings can also easily become contentious when various high-value assets are subject to 50/50 division. It’s not guaranteed that each individual property will be split perfectly in half. It’s only guaranteed that each spouse walks away with an equitable amount of assets, but there is the potential for unfair asset distribution.

For this reason, it’s important to have legal counsel that’s proficiently experienced in high net worth divorces to ensure all property division proceedings are appropriate and that your assets are protected in Ontario, CA. High net worth divorces also require dedicated attention and care. Complex assets such as businesses and investment portfolios warrant comprehensive evaluation. This means various professionals may be involved such as forensic accounts.

Publicity

Another concern that may come with a high asset divorce include publicity surrounding the proceedings. Certain parameters should be put in place in these situations to maintain discretion and the privacy of both parties. You can speak with your divorce attorney about implementing a gag order or requesting the family court to seal records from the public.

FAQs

Q: What Is Considered a High Net Worth Divorce in California?

A: In California, a divorce is considered high net worth when the couple’s community property is substantial. Community property, or the marital estate, is the sum of all assets and debts incurred by either spouse during the span of their marriage. High net worth divorces require extra care during legal proceedings due to the array, value amount, and/or complex nature of the assets involved.

Q: How Much Is a Divorce Lawyer in a High Net Worth Divorce?

A: How much your lawyer may cost during a high net worth divorce will depend on several factors. The size, value, and complexity of your marital estate have a significant influence on how long the proceedings may take, how much work is needed of your attorney, whether professionals are needed during property division, and other factors.

Additionally, if any aspect of your divorce ends up being contentious, it’s likely the case will drag on and result in more legal fees.

Q: Why Do High Net Worth Divorces Take Longer in California?

A: The main reason high net worth divorces take longer to settle in California is that it can be time-consuming to comprehensively identify and evaluate all assets during the division of community property.

High net worth divorces typically involve complex assets such as businesses, international real estate, investment portfolios, high annual incomes, and more. Additionally, property division often necessitates the help of several professionals such as forensic accountants.

Q: Are Prenuptial Agreements Enforceable in High Net Worth Divorces?

A: Yes, prenuptial agreements are enforceable in high net worth divorces, although not all prenuptials may be ironclad. For example, if it’s discovered that not all assets were disclosed within a marital agreement because one spouse was hiding property, the court may determine the prenuptial is invalid. It will be set aside during the course of the divorce proceedings.

Otherwise, if a prenuptial is legally sound, it will generally be honored where applicable, even in high net worth divorces.

Q: How Are High Value Asset Divorces Different in California?

A: California high asset divorces are no different from any other divorce for the most part but there are some important aspects to keep in mind. High value asset divorce proceedings can be more challenging and time-consuming.

All property must be identified, evaluated, and appropriately distributed between the two parties. Some high-value assets are particularly complex, such as investment portfolios, international real estate, or businesses.

Hire An Ontario Divorce Attorney Who Understands Your Rights

Whether you require assistance in modifying previous divorce court orders or counsel at the start of a high-value marriage dissolution, the proficient team of divorce lawyers at All American Law can handle your case. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation with a kind, knowledgeable divorce lawyer who understands the complex and delicate nature of your high net worth divorce.

With our legal team on your side, you will be well-positioned to successfully resolve your divorce. You can trust that you are getting the quality legal representation you deserve.