High Net Worth Divorce in White Plains

Over 90 Years of Combined Family Law Experience for Complex Divorces

A high net worth divorce demands careful analysis when the marital estate includes complex or disputed financial holdings. We address the connected questions of asset classification, valuation, equitable distribution, spousal maintenance, and child support for clients in White Plains and throughout Westchester County.

Our practice is devoted exclusively to matrimonial and family law. We build each legal plan around the client’s property, income, family circumstances, and priorities rather than applying the same approach to every case.

Speak with our high net worth divorce attorneys about your financial concerns and next steps. Call (914) 873-4410.

Finding & Valuing Complex Assets

A complete financial picture may extend far beyond current bank and brokerage balances. In high-asset divorce matters, our work may include financial investigations, forensic accounting, business valuations, and audits of financial holdings for business owners, trustees, and other holders of valuable assets.

Assets and income sources that may require closer analysis include:

• Closely held businesses and professional practices
• Rental, commercial, and residential real estate
• Stocks, stock options, and equity compensation
• Bonuses, deferred compensation, and business distributions
• Trust interests and property located outside New York
• Pensions, individual retirement accounts, and 401(k) accounts

Investigating the Financial Record

Account statements, tax returns, business records, compensation documents, ownership records, and transaction histories may clarify what property exists and how income is generated. When transfers or spending are disputed, the timing, destination, and stated purpose of each transaction may also matter.

Classifying, Tracing, & Valuing Property

Marital property generally includes property acquired during the marriage. Separate property may include qualifying premarital assets, inheritances, and gifts from third parties. Classification depends on the specific facts, including later deposits, transfers, commingling, and marital use. Business interests and professional practices may require valuation analysis rather than reliance on an owner’s estimate or account balance.

Equitable Distribution of High-Value Property

New York uses equitable distribution to divide marital property according to statutory factors, not necessarily in equal shares. Courts may consider the parties’ financial circumstances, contributions, earning capacity, and potential tax consequences, among other case-specific facts.

An asset’s stated value may not reflect its practical worth within a proposed settlement. We examine liquidity, debt, transfer restrictions, tax treatment, carrying costs, and whether retaining or transferring the property is feasible. These considerations can affect real estate, investment accounts, retirement benefits, trusts, equity compensation, and business ownership.

Spousal Maintenance & Child Support for High Earners

Support analysis may involve salary, bonuses, business income, distributions, investment returns, benefits, and equity compensation. The marital standard of living and each spouse’s broader financial circumstances may also be relevant.

Spousal maintenance and child support are governed by different statutory provisions and require separate analyses. For income above applicable statutory caps, New York courts may apply statutory factors and judicial discretion rather than relying on formulas alone. The treatment of income and support depends on the record developed in each case.

Focused Family Law Counsel in White Plains

Our attorneys bring more than 90 years of combined family law experience to divorce, property division, support, custody, and related disputes. Andrea Friedman leads our White Plains office and serves clients throughout Westchester County.

Sari Friedman has more than 40 years of experience, clerked for the Appellate Division, Second Department, and holds an AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell®. Her appellate background informs how we analyze legal issues and develop the record in contested cases.

Preparing for Your Initial Divorce Discussion

You don’t need to assemble every financial record before contacting us. An initial discussion can address the marriage, children, existing agreements, major assets and debts, income sources, business interests, recent transfers, immediate concerns, and whether either spouse has begun a divorce action.

If available, helpful records may include:

• Recent personal and business tax returns
• Bank, investment, and retirement account statements
• Business ownership and compensation documents
• Real estate records and current debt information
• Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements
• Documents relating to recent transfers or significant expenditures