High Net Worth Divorce
Requires a Different Approach
When your estate exceeds $500K, standard divorce strategies fail. Complex business interests, hidden assets, stock options, and cryptocurrency require an attorney who understands both family law AND financial forensics.
What Qualifies as High Net Worth Divorce?
In Illinois, high net worth divorce typically involves marital estates exceeding $500,000. But it s not just about the dollar amount—it s about complexity:
- Business ownership - LLCs, partnerships, professional practices, franchise interests
- Executive compensation - Stock options, RSUs, deferred compensation, golden parachutes
- Real estate portfolios - Multiple properties, rental income, commercial holdings
- Retirement accounts - 401(k)s, pensions, IRAs requiring QDRO preparation
- Digital assets - Cryptocurrency, NFTs, online business revenue
- International assets - Offshore accounts, foreign property, cross-border income
The Hidden Asset Problem
Studies show that in high net worth divorces, spouses hide assets in up to 30% of cases. Common hiding methods include:
- • Underreporting business income
- • Cryptocurrency wallets without disclosure
- • Transferring assets to family members
- • Overpaying IRS (for later refund)
- • Creating fake debt obligations
Why Standard Divorce Attorneys Fail High Net Worth Clients
They Miss Hidden Assets
Without forensic accounting expertise, attorneys rely on voluntary disclosure. In complex estates, this leaves millions on the table.
They Undervalue Businesses
Accepting the other side s business valuation without independent analysis is one of the most expensive mistakes in high net worth divorce.
They Ignore Tax Implications
A $1M settlement is not worth $1M if it s all in retirement accounts with massive tax liability. Asset composition matters.
How I Protect High Net Worth Clients
Comprehensive Asset Discovery
I use forensic accounting, lifestyle analysis, and digital investigation to find assets your spouse has not disclosed. This includes cryptocurrency tracing, business income analysis, and offshore account detection.
Independent Business Valuation
I coordinate with certified business appraisers to establish true market value, challenge inflated expenses, and identify goodwill that belongs to the marriage.
Tax-Optimized Settlement
Every asset has a different after-tax value. I structure settlements that maximize your net worth, not just the gross number on paper.
Privacy Protection
High-profile divorces attract attention. I implement confidentiality agreements, sealed filings, and secure communication to protect your reputation.
Case Study: The Hidden Crypto Wallet
Situation: Client s spouse claimed the marital estate was $1.2M. Standard discovery found only traditional accounts.
Investigation: Blockchain analysis revealed $340K in Bitcoin purchased during the marriage, transferred to a cold wallet not disclosed.
Result: Court found willful concealment. Client received 60% of the crypto plus attorney fees as sanction.
*Details modified to protect client confidentiality. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Hidden assets recovered for clients
Illinois High Net Worth Divorce Law
Equitable Distribution (750 ILCS 5/503)
Illinois is an equitable distribution state—not 50/50. Courts consider:
- • Duration of the marriage
- • Each spouse s contribution to assets
- • Economic circumstances of each spouse
- • Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements
- • Tax consequences of division
- • Dissipation of marital assets
Dissipation Claims
Under Illinois law, if your spouse wasted marital assets, you may be entitled to reimbursement. Common dissipation includes:
- • Spending on extramarital relationships
- • Gambling losses
- • Excessive gifts to family members
- • Failed business ventures during separation
- • Unauthorized large purchases
Protect Your High Net Worth Estate
Confidential consultation to assess your estate s complexity and protection strategy.