GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS: WE APPROACH COMPLEXITY WITH CONFIDENCE

Many high-net-worth estates are composed of complex assets such as business interests, investments, partnerships, trusts, real estate holdings, stock options, private equity interests, deferred compensation, or executive level benefits to name a few.

Complex estates often include debt structures that must be addressed, business interests that must be valued and protected, and tax consequences that must be considered early in the divorce process. Recognizing and resolving these complex issues require experience in handling this type of estate

LaFour Law Firm, P.C., has extensive experience representing clients with complex marital estates. The clients and their spouses represented by LaFour Law include entrepreneurs, C-suite executives, financial executives, professional athletes, traders, and spouses with generational family estates.

Additionally, LaFour Law has many years of experience working with the best third- party experts available including forensic accounts, business valuators, and real estate appraisers. When necessary, we will quickly assemble a customized team of experts to help ensure you the best possible outcome.

DIVIDING A COMPLEX MARITAL ESTATE

Property to be divided in a high-asset divorce may include:

• Closely-held businesses
• Professional practices
• Joint ventures and private equity interests
• Stock options, restricted stock units, and other deferred compensation
• Retirement assets, pensions, 401(k)s, and QDROs
• Financial accounts and offshore accounts
• The marital home, vacation properties, and other real estate
• Art, jewelry, and other collections
• High-end vehicles
• Ranchland or other investment properties
• Oil, gas or mineral rights
• Leveraged properties and marital debts
• Hidden assets, property transfers or offshore accounts

The characterization of marital vs. separate property can be hotly contested, and the process is typically more complicated in a high-asset divorce and may involve working with experts in many fields.

LaFour Law Firm, P.C., works with forensic accountants, business valuators, real estate appraisers, art appraisers, investment advisers, and other experts as necessary, and then engages in robust negotiations and trade-offs to reach an equitable and financially prudent property settlement.

ADDRESSING HIDDEN ASSETS

If you suspect your spouse may be hiding assets, we will work with forensic accountants and investigators to make this determination.

DIVIDING MARITAL DEBTS IN DIVORCE

The marital debts must also be divided in a divorce. Marital debts such as mortgages, vehicle loans, and credit cards are typical in any divorce. A high-net-worth divorce may include tax liability and business debts.

UNDERSTANDING COMMUNITY PROPERTY LAWS IN TEXAS

Texas is a community property state, which means that in general all property acquired during the marriage is community property, regardless of who purchased or acquired it. Additionally, wages and other earnings during the marriage are considered community property.

There are exceptions to this law, however, and community property may become separate property and vice-versa under certain circumstances.

Under community property law, each person has a 50% interest in the estate’s community property.

Because community property division is not beneficial to some individuals, some couples may have drafted pre- or postmarital agreements that specifically designated certain parts of the estate as separate or community property. We can determine how any pre- or postmarital agreements affect the division of property in your divorce. In certain cases, this may involve contesting their validity.

ADDRESSING OTHER ISSUES RELATED TO DIVORCE

Many of our divorce clients have collateral considerations, including spousal support (alimony), custody and parenting time, and calculation of child support for incomes exceeding the Texas guidelines. Our proactive and strategic approach to these issues gives our clients additional leverage in the overall divorce settlement.

GET LAFOUR LAW FIRM, P.C., IN YOUR CORNER

Whether your case is resolved through mediation, private arbitration or courtroom proceedings, LaFour Law Firm, P.C., will vigorously defend your interests, pursue your goals and give an honest assessment of where you stand.

LaFour Law Firm, P.C. will provide you an honest and realistic assessment of your case’s strengths and weaknesses, and vigorously pursue your goals and defend your interests. Call 713-369-5932 or contact us online.