Backed by Nearly 35 Years of Combined Family Law Experience
When your divorce involves a high net worth estate, who can provide experienced and knowledgeable counsel regarding high-value accounts, assets, and real property?
At the law firm of Cynthia Tracy, Attorney at Law, P.C., we are familiar with and skilled at handling challenges unique to high net worth divorce.
We are adept at understanding every aspect of a divorce involving substantial assets, including:
Business valuations
Investment portfolios
Retirement accounts
The valuation of boats, vacation homes, planes, summer houses, classic autos, jewelry, and timeshares
Protect Your Assets in a High Net Worth Divorce – Ensure your financial future with experienced legal representation. Contact us at (281) 612-5443 for a consultation today
If you selected this firm as your advocate, you combine our years of divorce and marital property division legal experience with input from a range of experts.
We regularly work with various types of experts, including:
Business evaluators
Financial consultants
Forensic accountants
Effective at Resolving Specific & Unusual Challenges
In addition to valuating and dividing your property, we can address complex legal issues.
For instance:
Is your self-employed spouse claiming poverty? We can work to trace business activities and demonstrate considerable income and business assets.
Has your spouse hidden marital property? We can work to trace domestic and international holdings.
Are you concerned that your business or private practice will not survive a costly property division process? We can work to safeguard your assets and your business.
For more information on our firm and how we can help you, contact our high net worth divorce attorneys in Houston for a discussion of your case.
Spousal Support & Alimony Considerations
Alimony, also known as spousal support, is a critical issue in high net worth divorces. The amount and duration of payments can vary based on several factors, and both spouses need to understand their rights and obligations.
Factors Influencing Alimony in High Net Worth Divorces
Length of the Marriage – Longer marriages typically result in higher or longer-lasting alimony payments.
Income Disparities – If one spouse earns significantly more than the other, they may be required to provide financial support.
Standard of Living – Courts often try to maintain the lifestyle established during the marriage.
Contributions to the Marriage – A spouse who sacrificed their career to support the other’s business or raise children may receive higher alimony.
How Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements Affect Alimony
A prenuptial agreement can set clear terms for alimony before marriage, protecting assets in case of divorce.
A postnuptial agreement serves a similar function but is signed after the marriage begins.
Courts generally uphold these agreements unless they are found to be unfair or improperly executed.
Modifying or Terminating Alimony After Divorce
Alimony can often be modified due to changes in income, employment, or remarriage.
Some agreements include a set end date for payments, while others may continue indefinitely.
If the recipient cohabitates with a new partner, the paying spouse may request termination of payments.
Protecting Business Assets in Divorce
Business owners must take extra precautions to prevent divorce from disrupting their company’s operations and financial stability.
Strategies to Keep Your Business Intact
Prenuptial or Postnuptial Agreements – These can specify that a business remains separate property.
Keeping Business and Personal Finances Separate – Mixing them can make it harder to argue that the business is independent.
Defining Ownership Shares – If there are multiple partners, agreements should state what happens in the event of a divorce.
Business Valuations & Their Impact on Settlements
Courts require accurate valuations to determine how much of the business is a marital asset.
Valuations consider profitability, market conditions, and company assets.
If the business is deemed joint property, the non-owning spouse may be entitled to a share.
Structuring Buyouts & Ownership Transfers
A business owner may need to buy out their spouse’s share of the company.
This can be done through installment payments or exchanging other marital assets in the divorce settlement.
In some cases, business owners negotiate to retain full control while providing financial compensation to the other spouse.
Child Custody & Support in High Net Worth Cases
Child custody and support in high net worth divorces often involve unique challenges, including large financial resources and complex family dynamics.
Determining Child Support for High-Income Families
Unlike standard child support calculations, high net worth cases may exceed state guidelines.
Courts consider private school tuition, extracurricular activities, travel expenses, and luxury lifestyles.
Some cases involve trust funds or financial planning to secure the child’s long-term future.
Unique Custody Challenges for High-Profile or International Families
Publicity & Privacy Concerns – High-profile individuals may seek confidentiality agreements to protect their family.
International Custody Issues – Parents with homes in different countries must consider jurisdiction laws and international treaties.
Parental Relocation – If one parent moves out of state or abroad, custody agreements must address visitation and travel.
Creating Parenting Plans That Accommodate Lifestyle Needs
High net worth families often have nannies, tutors, or staff who play roles in child-rearing.
Custom schedules may be needed to accommodate business travel, second homes, and vacation properties.
Some parents use mediation or private judges to resolve disputes outside of court.
By understanding these key issues, high net worth individuals can protect their assets, businesses, and parental rights while ensuring a fair and strategic divorce outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About High Net Worth Divorce
How long does a high net worth divorce take?
The timeline depends on the complexity of assets, negotiations, and whether litigation is required. Some cases settle within months, while others may take over a year.
Can my spouse freeze my assets during the divorce?
In some cases, courts may issue temporary restraining orders (TROs) to prevent either spouse from hiding, transferring, or spending marital assets before a settlement is reached.
What if my spouse is hiding assets?
If you suspect your spouse is concealing property or income, forensic accountants and financial investigators can help uncover hidden accounts, offshore holdings, or undervalued assets.
Will my divorce remain private?
High net worth divorces often involve confidentiality agreements or sealed court records to protect sensitive financial and personal details. Mediation or arbitration can also keep proceedings out of the public eye.
How is debt divided in a high net worth divorce?
Debt, like assets, must be divided. Courts will assess whether liabilities such as business loans, mortgages, or credit card debt were accrued for marital purposes or by one spouse alone.
Do both spouses need separate attorneys?
Yes, each spouse should have independent legal representation to ensure their rights and financial interests are protected. A single attorney cannot represent both parties due to conflicts of interest.
What happens to stock options and executive compensation?
Stock options, bonuses, and deferred compensation may be considered marital property and subject to division. A financial expert can help determine their value and how they should be split.
Contact Us
For experienced and knowledgeable representation, contact our firm for an initial consultation. We accept Visa and MasterCard, and we provide Spanish translation. You can rely on us for well-informed advice and strong representation.
Facing a Complex Divorce? We Can Help – Get strategic legal guidance for high-value asset division, spousal support, and child custody. Contact us now at(281) 612-5443.
She is...The J.J. Watt of Attorneys.
“The staff, including another attorney working my case was very attentive and worked to explain matters in detail. I was very satisfied and happy to have hired them. There is an old adage that you get what you pay for and when it comes to hiring the best, ”
