Aurora, IL High Asset Divorce Attorneys

Trusted Attorneys Helping Divide High-Value Assets in Aurora, Illinois Divorce Cases

During any divorce, the process of dividing assets can be challenging. However, when the marital estate includes significant wealth or complex financial holdings, the stakes become much higher. High-value asset division requires a nuanced understanding of property law, business valuation methods, investment strategies, and tax implications. At The Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C., we provide sophisticated legal representation for clients who own substantial or complicated assets, working to protect their financial interests during divorce proceedings.

With more than 20 years of experience in multiple types of divorce cases, we know how to approach the division of marital property and ensure that our clients will have the resources they need once their divorces have been finalized. We can help you identify, evaluate, and make decisions about different types of assets, and we will work to protect your interests in a high net worth divorce. If you are an executive, a business owner, a professional, or a person from a wealthy family, or if you are married to someone in one of these categories, we are ready to advocate for your financial future.

Business Valuation and Division

Privately held businesses often represent some of the most valuable and complex assets that may need to be addressed during a divorce. Whether the business is a sole proprietorship, S corporation, C corporation, limited liability company, or partnership, its value must be accurately assessed before it can be fairly divided.

Our attorneys can work with forensic accountants and valuation experts to determine a business's value. We will evaluate factors such as business goodwill and ongoing income potential for a business owner. By assessing each spouse's contributions to the business, we can help determine whether it may be considered marital or nonmarital property, ensuring that issues related to business ownership will be handled correctly during the divorce process.

We can provide guidance on the ways business assets may be divided, including structuring buyouts or compensation for a non-business-owner spouse or determining what other steps can be taken to maintain business operations during and after the divorce process. If necessary, we can help determine whether it may be necessary to sell the business and divide the proceeds between the spouses.

Retirement Accounts and Pension Plans

Retirement savings often represent a significant portion of a couple's wealth. Retirement accounts accumulated during the marriage are considered marital property, regardless of whose name is on the account. Our attorneys can help address multiple types of retirement assets, including 401(k) plans, individual retirement accounts (IRAs), pensions and defined benefit plans, employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) or other stock options, and deferred compensation.

We work with financial experts to properly evaluate these assets and ensure that Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) are correctly drafted and submitted to divide the accounts in compliance with state and federal law, without triggering penalties or tax consequences.

Real Estate Holdings

Many high-asset divorces involve real estate property in addition to a couple's primary residence. People who own vacation homes, rental or investment properties, commercial real estate, or undeveloped land will need to determine how ownership of these properties will be handled going forward.

We work with clients to appraise the current market value of real estate holdings, determine the role that rental income may play in ownership of properties, and make sure the implications of selling properties are fully understood. We can help determine whether different properties are considered to be marital or nonmarital assets, and we can structure equitable settlements involving the transfer of property titles, buyouts, or the sale of real estate.

Investment Portfolios and Other Financial Assets

In a high-asset divorce, the marital estate may include various types of financial assets, including:

• Stocks, bonds, and mutual funds
• Trusts
• Brokerage accounts
• Cryptocurrencies
• Offshore or foreign investments
• Annuities and insurance policies

These assets can be difficult to trace, especially if they have been commingled with nonmarital funds. We work with financial analysts and forensic accountants to uncover hidden accounts, trace the origin of funds, and ensure transparency. We will work to ensure that all financial assets will be divided correctly between divorcing spouses

Hidden Assets and Asset Dissipation

In some cases, one spouse may attempt to hide or transfer assets to maintain a financial advantage and avoid dividing certain assets with the other spouse. Business owners may underreport business revenue or create fictitious debts or accounts. Some spouses may try to transfer property to friends or family or make other attempts to hide assets.

We can work with experts and use investigative tools to uncover these actions and address assets that have been hidden or dissipated. We will present compelling evidence in court to protect our clients' interests and make sure the division of property is adjusted accordingly.

Contact Our Aurora High Net Worth Divorce Attorneys

If your marital estate includes significant assets, you do not want to take chances with your financial future. At The Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C., we can help you gain a full understanding of your financial situation, and we will advocate for your rights and interests during your divorce. Contact our Aurora, IL high-value asset division lawyers at 630-409-8184 to arrange a free, confidential consultation.