D'Angelo & Grabow, LLP Attorneys at Law | serving Waukesha, Milwaukee and Southeastern Wisconsin

Free Initial Consultations: 262-383-2700

D'Angelo & Grabow, LLP Attorneys at Law | serving Waukesha, Milwaukee and Southeastern Wisconsin

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Helping You Make The Right Decisions For Your Family

Resolving Divorces That Involve High Incomes And Complex Assets

The divorce attorneys of D'Angelo & Grabow, LLP have years of experience with a contested divorce, including a high-asset divorce. There can be many complicating factors in dividing the marital estate, such as disputed assets, hidden assets and alimony.

We practice in Waukesha and surrounding counties. Our clients include high earners such as business owners, corporate executives and professionals who have both business and personal interests to protect. We have also represented the lesser-earning spouse who is fighting for their fair share of accumulated wealth.

Considerations In High-Asset Divorce

You need to know where you stand before you can set strategies. Our knowledgeable lawyers can help you take inventory and take charge. We can knowledgeably address:

  • What to do with the marital residence
  • A closely held small business and its valuation
  • Dividing retirement accounts like 401(k)
  • Stock options and employment perks
  • Rental property and investments
  • Art and other valuables
  • Secret accounts or transferred assets
  • Separate property vs. marital property
  • Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements
  • Joint loans and debts
  • Spousal support (alimony)
  • Child support for incomes above the guidelines

A late-in-life divorce raises the stakes for both spouses in property division. The amount and duration of alimony also looms large in a high-asset divorce,

The Role Of Financial Experts In High-Asset Divorces

Complex financial cases require specialized knowledge. We collaborate with financial professionals to analyze your marital estate:

  • Forensic accountants: Investigators who determine true income and asset values
  • Business valuation specialists: Experts who assess the worth of closely held businesses
  • Financial advisers: Professionals who structure settlements for long-term stability

These experts provide objective evidence that strengthens your position during negotiations or court proceedings.

Tax Implications Of High-Asset Divorce

Divorce creates numerous tax considerations that can significantly impact your financial future if not properly addressed:

  • Capital gains taxes: These may apply when transferring or liquidating investments and real estate
  • Retirement divisions: Tax consequences can arise from dividing accounts through Qualified Domestic Relations Orders
  • Filing status changes: Your tax bracket and available deductions will likely change post-divorce
  • Alimony treatment: Current IRS regulations have specific rules about how support payments are taxed
  • Business transfers: Ownership changes can trigger significant tax events requiring careful planning

We work closely with tax professionals to structure settlements that minimize unnecessary tax burdens while maximizing your financial security after the divorce is finalized.

Uncovering Hidden Assets

Our firm employs sophisticated investigative methods to identify and recover assets that rightfully belong in the marital estate:

  • Financial analysis: We thoroughly review bank statements, credit card records and investment accounts for irregularities
  • Business examination: Our team scrutinizes company financial statements for suspicious transactions or unexplained expenses
  • Cash flow tracking: We identify unusual withdrawals or transfers that occurred prior to or during separation
  • Entity investigation: We research possible shell companies or property titled to relatives or friends
  • Tax return review: We examine returns for inconsistencies or undisclosed income sources

When assets appear to be concealed, our team vigorously pursues all legal avenues of discovery to best ensure complete financial transparency throughout the divorce process.

Preparing Financially For High-Asset Divorce

Taking proactive steps before filing protects your interests. Consider these preparatory measures:

  • Documentation gathering: Compile records of all assets, debts and income
  • Financial independence: Establish separate accounts while maintaining transparency
  • Budget planning: Create a realistic post-divorce spending plan

Proper preparation improves your financial outcome and reduces complications.

Protecting Privacy In High-Profile Divorces

For clients with substantial wealth, maintaining confidentiality is crucial:

  • Court record protection: We file motions to seal sensitive documents
  • Alternative resolution: We utilize private mediation outside public courts
  • Confidentiality agreements: We draft agreements to prevent information disclosure

Our firm understands the importance of discretion while achieving favorable financial outcomes.

Balancing The Equation

Wisconsin law calls for an equitable distribution no matter the size of the marital estate. Once we reach a consensus – through negotiation or litigation – on the total value of the assets, our attorneys can devise creative solutions to ensure fair consideration to both parties. This may involve buyouts and tradeoffs of different assets to make the math work. Mediation can also be valuable in high net worth cases.

Our attorneys bring more than 40 combined years of experience in family law. We are glad to discuss our capabilities in complex and high-asset divorce. To arrange a consultation call our Waukesha law office at 262-383-2700 or use our email form.