High-Asset Divorce Attorney in Media, PA
When significant wealth is involved in a divorce, the stakes increase considerably. Business interests, investment portfolios, multiple properties, retirement accounts, and other complex assets all must be identified, valued, and divided. If you are facing a high-asset divorce in Media or elsewhere in Delaware County, the attorney you choose can make a substantial difference in your financial future. Consult our high-asset divorce lawyers at Fastman Family Law about your situation.
The Same Rules Apply, No Matter the Size of the Estate
Pennsylvania is an equitable distribution state, and the equitable distribution rules apply regardless of the size of the marital estate. The court divides marital assets and debts based on what is fair rather than what is equal, weighing factors such as the:
- Length of the marriage
- Financial standing of each spouse
- Each party’s contribution to the marriage, whether financial or as a homemaker
- Future financial needs
Fault is not a factor, and the court cannot consider either spouse’s misconduct when dividing the estate. What changes in a high-asset divorce are not the law. The challenge is applying it to more complex assets.
All assets acquired during the marriage are subject to distribution in a divorce, along with any increase in value of separately owned assets during the marriage. Marital debts must also be divided. However, prenuptial agreements are common in high-asset marriages, and they might specify how certain property is classified. Your attorney must review your agreement to ensure it is enforceable.
Alimony in High-Asset Cases
Alimony addresses situations in which the distribution of the marital estate is insufficient to support a dependent spouse. In high-asset divorces, this analysis often looks different. When the marital estate is substantial, the property distribution itself may fully provide for both spouses in the future, which can mean alimony is not available.
This is one of many areas where high-asset cases require careful analysis. Whether alimony applies to your situation depends on:
- The size and composition of the estate
- How the distribution is structured
- The terms of any prenuptial agreement
Resolving Your Case
If you and your spouse can reach an agreement, a Property Settlement Agreement can be submitted to the court, giving you control over the outcome. If agreement is not possible, we are prepared to present your case at a hearing and advocate for a distribution that protects your interests.
Why Experience Matters in High-Asset Divorce
High-asset divorces require more than knowledge of family law. Valuing a closely held business, tracing commingled funds, dividing stock options and deferred compensation, and addressing the tax consequences of distribution all require experience in both divorce litigation and financial management. An overlooked or improperly valued asset can cost you significantly, and mistakes are difficult to undo once the decree is final.
Our firm has that experience. We have handled high-asset divorces involving complex estates and work to ensure that each asset is identified, properly valued, and addressed appropriately in the final distribution. When needed, we work with forensic accountants, business valuation experts, and other professionals to build a complete and accurate picture of the marital estate.
Contact a Media High-Asset Divorce Lawyer
Your financial future deserves careful protection. Contact Fastman Family Law at (610) 222-5930 or online today to schedule a consultation with an experienced high-asset divorce attorney. We serve the Media area and all of Delaware County.