High Net Worth Divorce Checklist: Luxury Condo Edition

Immediate Financial Documentation

Do This Week

Screenshot all financial account balances (checking, savings, brokerage, retirement)

Why: Establishes baseline before potential dissipation claims

Tip: Use your phone's screen recording for scrolling statements

Download 3 years of tax returns from IRS.gov

Why: Spouse may control accountant access; get your own copies

Tip: Create IRS account at irs.gov/account if you haven't

Document all credit card statements (yours, spouse's, joint)

Why: Reveals spending patterns and potential hidden expenses

Tip: Check for cards you didn't know existed via credit report

Photograph or scan all property deeds, vehicle titles, insurance policies

Why: Originals may disappear; digital copies are admissible

Tip: Store copies outside the marital residence (cloud or safe deposit)

List all digital assets: crypto wallets, NFTs, domain names, online businesses

Why: Often overlooked in traditional discovery

Tip: Check browser bookmarks and password managers for accounts

Luxury Condo Specific Issues

Critical for Lake Shore Drive Properties

Obtain condo association financial statements and reserve study

Why: Special assessments can dramatically affect property value

Tip: Request from building management; you're entitled as owner

Document all unit upgrades and renovations with receipts

Why: Custom improvements may be marital vs. separate property

Tip: Check email for contractor invoices, permits filed with city

Review condo declaration for transfer restrictions

Why: Some buildings have right-of-first-refusal or board approval requirements

Tip: Affects timeline if forced sale is ordered

Get parking space and storage unit documentation

Why: Deeded parking in Gold Coast can be worth $50K-$150K separately

Tip: Often titled separately from unit; verify ownership

Document doorman/concierge access protocols

Why: May need to restrict spouse's building access during proceedings

Tip: Building management can update authorized visitor lists

Identify if unit is in a trust or LLC

Why: Ownership structure affects division and disclosure requirements

Tip: Check your deed—many luxury units are held in land trusts

Privacy & Digital Security

Protect Yourself Now

Change passwords on all personal accounts

Why: Shared devices often have saved passwords

Tip: Use a password manager; enable 2FA everywhere

Check for tracking apps on your phone

Why: Find My iPhone, Life360, AirTags are commonly misused

Tip: iPhone: Settings > Privacy > Location Services > System Services > Significant Locations

Review shared cloud accounts (iCloud, Google, Dropbox)

Why: Photos, documents, location history may be visible to spouse

Tip: Create new personal accounts; migrate sensitive data

Secure home network and smart home devices

Why: Ring doorbells, Nest cameras, smart locks can monitor your movements

Tip: Change WiFi password; review all connected devices

Document any evidence of surveillance or monitoring

Why: Illegal surveillance is leverage; may support protective orders

Tip: Screenshot, don't delete—preservation is key

Establish private communication channel with attorney

Why: Email/text on shared plans may be visible

Tip: Use Signal or attorney's secure client portal

High-Value Asset Protection

Before Filing

Inventory jewelry, art, collectibles with photos and appraisals

Why: Items can disappear; contemporaneous documentation is crucial

Tip: Video walkthrough of residence with timestamp visible

Document wine collections, vehicles, club memberships

Why: Country club memberships, boat slips have transferable value

Tip: Check if memberships are individual or joint

Identify all business interests and ownership percentages

Why: Minority interests, silent partnerships often hidden

Tip: Review K-1s from tax returns for business income

List all stock options, RSUs, deferred compensation

Why: Unvested equity is marital property subject to division

Tip: Check employer portal for grant dates and vesting schedules

Document any gifts or inheritances received during marriage

Why: May be non-marital property if properly traced

Tip: Bank statements showing deposit of inheritance check are key

Identify cryptocurrency and digital asset holdings

Why: Easy to hide; blockchain analysis can trace

Tip: Check tax returns for crypto exchange 1099s

Children & Custody Preparation

If Applicable

Document current parenting arrangement and involvement

Why: Status quo matters in initial custody determinations

Tip: Calendar entries, school pickup records, medical appointments

List all childcare providers, schools, activities

Why: Establishes children's routine and each parent's involvement

Tip: Include nannies, tutors, coaches with contact info

Secure children's documents (passports, birth certificates, SSN cards)

Why: Prevents unilateral travel or identity issues

Tip: Make copies; note expiration dates

Document children's special needs or medical requirements

Why: Affects parenting plan provisions and support calculations

Tip: Include therapy, medications, educational accommodations

Professional Team Assembly

Early Stage

Retain experienced family law attorney (conflict check other side)

Why: Top attorneys may be conflicted out if spouse consults first

Tip: Consultation creates conflict even without retention

Identify forensic accountant for complex assets

Why: Business valuations, hidden income require specialists

Tip: Your attorney should have trusted referrals

Consider therapist for emotional support

Why: Keeps emotional processing separate from legal strategy

Tip: Not couples counseling—individual support

Line up real estate appraiser familiar with luxury market

Why: Gold Coast comps require specialized knowledge

Tip: MAI designation preferred for court credibility

High Net Worth Divorce Checklist