High Net Worth Divorce

High net worth divorce cases can raise a number of unique legal issues that must be effectively addressed to ensure a fair outcome. Our specialist team of divorce lawyers have extensive experience in high net worth divorce cases. We work quickly, efficiently, and with the utmost discretion, combining our legal expertise with compassion and sensitivity.

Reach out to Birch & Co’s specialist and supportive team today. Call us on 0191 284 5030 or complete a Free Online Enquiry now to get a bespoke fixed price estimate.

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What Is A igh Net Worth Divorce?

There is no legal definition of what constitutes a ‘high net worth divorce’. HMRC considers anyone with assets of more than £10 million to be ‘high net worth’ for its purposes, but other agencies use different and sometimes considerably lower benchmarks.

Whatever threshold you use to define ‘high net worth’, if your assets significantly outweigh your financial needs, you can expect your divorce to be complex.

What Issues Does A High Net Worth Divorce Raise?

High net worth divorces can raise a number of specific issues. Given what’s at stake, those issues must be addressed and resolved effectively, so working with specialist solicitors like ours is essential.

Examples of just some of the issues that can arise in high net worth divorce cases include the following:

• Valuing Business Assets

Business assets frequently represent a high proportion of a high net worth couple’s wealth. Valuing business interests in the context of a divorce can be an incredibly complicated task and often necessitates the involvement of a specialist forensic accountant. We have a network of trusted professionals, including forensic accountants, whose advice we call on where needed. We will work closely with those professionals to ensure the value placed on your and your ex-partner’s business interests is fair and accurate.

• Asset Division

High net worth individuals rarely have just one income stream. Instead, they hold diverse asset portfolios, which can include investments, property, and pensions. All these assets must be accurately valued to ensure a fair division. We frequently work with some of the UK’s leading professionals, such as forensic accountants and financial planners, to value a high net worth couple’s assets and ascertain what would be a fair split.

• Matrimonial Or Non-Matrimonial Assets

When dividing a divorcing couple’s assets, the court makes a distinction between assets that can be classed as ‘matrimonial’ and those that can be classed as ‘non-matrimonial’. Generally speaking, matrimonial assets are amassed during the marriage and are subject to division between the parties when the marriage breaks down. Non-matrimonial assets, on the other hand, are those that one partner owned prior to entering into the marriage and do not generally go into the pot to be split between the couple when they separate.

In high net worth divorce cases, the parties’ non-matrimonial assets can be substantial. As a result, disputes frequently arise over the true nature of an asset. We have vast experience in representing clients involved in such disputes and will work tirelessly to protect your interests.

• Asset Tracing

Both parties to a divorce are obliged to give full and frank disclosure of their financial situations. Without all the relevant information, it is impossible to ensure a fair and equitable outcome. Given the extent of the assets involved in high net worth divorce cases, they tend to pose a greater risk of one or both parties seeking to hide assets to keep them out of the financial settlement.

If there is any doubt that your ex-partner is being entirely honest about their financial circumstances, we will take immediate steps to remedy the issue. This may involve obtaining relief from the court, such as freezing orders, and taking steps to trace any hidden assets both here and abroad.

• Confidentiality

Unfortunately, high net worth divorces can attract a lot of unwanted attention, particularly if they involve individuals in the public eye. As specialist high net worth divorce solicitors, we are alive to the need for complete discretion, and we do all we can to fully protect our clients’ confidentiality insofar as possible.

We firmly believe in taking a constructive approach to divorce cases of any nature, including high net worth divorce, and are vastly experienced in dispute resolution methods such as family mediation. Not only do these methods minimise stress, acrimony, and legal costs, but unlike litigation, they are confidential. If you can settle your divorce without going to court, you can keep the details away from public scrutiny and restrict the extent of personal information that makes its way into the media.

Why Choose Our High Net Worth Divorce Solicitors?

If you are involved in a high net worth divorce, you need support from a legal team like ours with experience in the nuances of such cases. Issues such as extensive assets, spousal or child maintenance, and offshore wealth require careful handling. We have the expertise and experience required to ensure you get everything you deserve in your divorce settlement, allowing you to concentrate on building a positive future for you and your family.