A closely held business, an ownership interest, or years of financial contributions can reshape a divorce in ways a standard financial disclosure isn’t built to capture. The details affect property division, support calculations, and sometimes the future of the business itself.
For high net worth individuals and families, a clear legal strategy has to account for the full financial picture while making room for the personal concerns that come with divorce and custody matters.
Our video offers a closer look at the financial issues that raise the stakes in these cases.
A Complete View of Complex Finances
High net worth divorce often involves more than identifying account balances. Business interests, compensation structures, investments, and real estate may all require careful analysis before parties can make informed decisions.
When a business is part of the marital estate, courts may consider ownership stakes and financial contributions in evaluating those interests. We work with forensic accountants when accurate business valuations are needed. Their analysis helps clarify the financial picture; our attorneys address how those findings fit within the legal framework of the divorce.
A case may also involve complex custody matters, requiring a strategy that weighs both financial and parenting concerns without treating either as secondary. We exclusively handle family law, and we represent clients in matters involving substantial assets and complex financial circumstances—which means we approach each issue in the context of the broader divorce, not as a separate problem to be solved in isolation.
Choosing the Right Process for the Circumstances
Not every high net worth divorce belongs in the same process. Some disputes require litigation. Others are better addressed through collaborative law or mediation. The right approach depends on the issues involved, the parties’ ability to work toward resolution, and what the family needs most.
We’re one of the largest family law firms in New York offering all three major divorce resolution methods: litigation, collaborative law, and mediation. That range lets us discuss the available paths honestly and build a strategy suited to the actual circumstances rather than defaulting to one approach.
When Privacy and Discretion Are Part of the Stakes
Executives, entrepreneurs, athletes, and entertainers often bring concerns that extend beyond the immediate legal questions. Business continuity, public exposure, and the effect of a dispute on children can all shape how a case needs to be handled. We approach these matters with the same careful attention to financial detail and family dynamics—because in high-profile or high-asset divorces, how a case is managed often matters as much as how it’s resolved.
If you’re facing a divorce involving complex assets or business interests, Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein can discuss your circumstances and available options. Reach our team at (212) 466-6015.