High Asset Divorce Lawyer

Divorce is rarely simple, but some cases are more complicated than others. One of the factors that tends to make a divorce more challenging is a large or complex marital estate, commonly referred to as a “high asset divorce”. In these cases, it’s important to work with a high asset divorce lawyer who is experienced in dealing with these complex estates.

Krenner Law LLC is sensitive to the legal, financial, and emotional challenges involved in these divorces. It’s not just that there are more assets to deal with; those assets are often more intricate, and carry implications for spousal maintenance, child support, and taxes. It’s important to work with an experienced high asset divorce attorney to ensure that your interests, and your family, are protected.

I have concentrated my legal practice in family law for over 20 years, and have helped hundreds of Minnesotans navigate the challenging financial issues in their divorces. By helping my clients understand how the law applies to the facts of their unique cases, I empower them to make sound decisions to secure their future. To learn how I can help you, contact Krenner Law LLC to schedule a confidential consultation.

High Asset Divorce Lawyer in Minnesota

Minnesota law does not provide an official legal threshold for what is considered a high asset divorce. Many professionals consider divorces with marital assets of $1 million or more to be in the “high asset” category; some marital estates, of course, are much larger.

High asset divorces often involve issues that other divorces do not. These can include:

• Ownership of business interests, which raises issues of valuation, buyouts, shareholder agreements, and control rights.
• Investment portfolios including stocks, bonds, exchange-traded funds, private equity, and hedge funds. These assets may involve complicated vesting schedules, derivatives, and restricted stock, making valuation especially challenging.
• Trusts and inheritances, which can raise questions of separate vs. marital property, and which assets are actually subject to division in the divorce.
• Commingling of separate and marital assets in sophisticated financial structures
• Unique or unusual assets such as artwork, classic cars, jewelry, and collectibles, which may require professional appraisal
• Homes or other assets in multiple states or countries, complicating enforcement and tax reporting
• Assets concealed or transferred through complex financial vehicles or offshore accounts, requiring financial investigation and forensic accounting
• Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements, including issues regarding the validity or interpretation of these agreements.
• Capital gains, deferred compensation, stock options, retirement accounts, and business income, with high-stakes tax implications as well
• Challenges in determining spousal maintenance and child support when income exceeds child support guidelines or is irregular
• Post-divorce cash flow planning for high-income lifestyles, especially where there are significant disparities between the spouses’ incomes
• Confidentiality and reputation concerns, particularly for public figures or business owners

Because of the nuanced issues involved in divorces with significant assets, it’s often necessary to assemble a team of professionals to address matters within their area of specialty. I coordinate with business valuation experts, CPAs, appraisers, forensic accountants, certified divorce financial analysts, and others as needed to ensure comprehensive protection of my clients’ financial interests.

Equitable Distribution of Marital Assets in Minnesota Divorce

Minnesota is an “equitable distribution” state, which means that marital property is divided fairly, but not necessarily exactly equally, in divorce. Divorcing couples may agree on how to divide their assets and debts; the court will generally approve a couple’s agreement as long as it appears fair and reasonable. If a divorcing couple cannot agree on how to divide their assets and debts, the court will decide.

Marital assets and debts are those acquired by either spouse during the marriage, regardless of whose name they’re in. In high asset divorces, conflict may arise over whether an asset is separate/nonmarital (not subject to division in divorce) or marital. Because of the unique nature of certain assets, there may also be disputes over their value. An experienced high asset divorce lawyer can often help navigate these complex matters, guiding clients toward resolution rather than further escalating costly conflict.

Negotiation and Litigation of High Asset Divorce Cases

Like other divorces, the great majority of high asset divorces are resolved through settlement rather than trial. Litigating a divorce in court is stressful and costly. Most of the time, it’s best for divorcing couples to negotiate an agreement that works for their unique family rather than leave those life-changing decisions up to a judge. I take a resolution-oriented approach by equipping my clients to make informed decisions that lead to favorable settlements.

That said, high asset divorces are more likely to go to trial because of the intricate and high-stakes legal questions involved. I am prepared to litigate if doing so is in the best interest of my client and their family. With over two decades of experience in Ramsey and Washington County courts, I understand what it takes to reach a successful outcome at trial. I work to give my clients the personal support they need, and the advocacy they deserve, at every step of the legal process.