Oklahoma City High Asset Divorce Lawyer

High-asset divorces are legally and financially complex. A skilled Oklahoma City high-asset divorce lawyer can guide you through difficult issues like business holdings, executive compensation and benefits, trusts, real estate holdings, investment accounts, and more. Complex valuation issues and long-term financial implications often extend well beyond the divorce decree.

At Bundy Law, we understand the challenges unique to high-asset divorces. Our team of experienced Oklahoma City family lawyers protects your property interests, income, and financial well-being under Oklahoma law with a strategic approach tailored to your unique situation.

Hire a High-Asset Divorce Lawyer in Oklahoma City

Bundy Law’s practice includes high-asset and high-net-worth divorce cases. We often represent business owners, executives, and other professionals with complex and layered assets. Aaron Bundy is the only Oklahoma attorney to be a member of the International Academy of Family Lawyers.

The firm’s attorneys are also members of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, a peer-reviewed organization that recognizes extensive experience in complex property division and financial issues.

Dividing Business Interests and Professional Practices

High-asset divorces often involve intangible property, such as closely held businesses or professional practices. For purposes of divorce, these assets cannot be split as easily as ordinary property, and their valuation may take into account many factors. The equity structure, revenue sources, goodwill, and control all play a role in the valuation and characterization of these holdings.

Business owners and professionals may have their personal income tied to the success or failure of the business. With proper valuation and characterization, there is an opportunity to identify an interest being overstated or understated. Divorce and financial practitioners must look to operating agreements and long-term viability when reviewing financials to protect current value and future earnings.

Executive Compensation, Bonuses, and Deferred Income

Employment compensation for executives and high-level professionals often consists of more than a base salary. Bonuses, stock options, restricted stock units, and deferred compensation arrangements can comprise a large portion of marital assets. The issues with these forms of compensation include vesting and/or expiration dates, tax consequences, and whether the payments represent compensation for past or future services.

In a high-asset divorce case, it is critical to properly identify and classify these benefits. An organized, strategic approach enables complex, varied compensation arrangements to be handled fairly and in accordance with Oklahoma law.

Trusts, Family Wealth, and Asset Characterization

Trusts and inherited property are common aspects in high-asset divorce proceedings. Trust interests or family wealth may be classified as marital or separate property based on access, control, and the use of trust assets during the marriage. Commingling, distributions, and shared expenses may also impact characterization.

These issues are resolved through a detailed review of the trust documents and the trust’s financial history. Thorough analysis is essential in preserving family wealth and appropriately characterizing marital property.

Financial Documentation, Valuation, and Strategic Planning

High-asset divorces require additional preparation and financial transparency. Parties should expect detailed documentation and valuations from their lawyers. This includes a review of tax returns, financial statements, and property holdings. In addition, professional appraisals may be necessary to assess the value of businesses, assets, and complex income.

Strategic planning with legal counsel is key to proactively addressing these elements. Oklahoma City divorce lawyers can help minimize tax exposure and protect financial interests post-divorce. With thorough preparation, even high-asset cases can be positioned for efficient resolution.

FAQs

How Common Are Divorces Involving Complex Financial Issues?

While many divorces involve relatively modest assets, others include business interests, investment accounts, or complex income structures. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that the national divorce rate is about 2.4 divorces per 1,000 people.

The divorce rate in Oklahoma is slightly higher, at about 3.3 divorces per 1,000 people. These figures reflect the volume of divorce cases handled by courts each year, including those involving complex financial issues.

Why Are High-Asset Divorces More Financially Complex Than Typical Cases?

High asset divorces can involve multiple levels of income, illiquid assets, and complicated long-term financial issues. Business ownership, deferred compensation, trusts, and tax exposure are among the factors that can make property division difficult. A comprehensive financial analysis is required to prevent unintended consequences that may not be readily visible in divorces involving only wages and simple retirement plans.

How Are High-Asset Divorce Cases Handled in Oklahoma City?

In Oklahoma City, high asset divorce is litigated in the Oklahoma County District Court. The presentation and evaluation of complex financial information can be a critical factor in these cases. This type of divorce usually involves substantial financial disclosure, professional valuation, and intensive case management because of the complexity and value of the marital estate.

An understanding of the local tendencies in presentation and evaluation of complex financial issues may be beneficial.

Do High Income Levels Always Mean Property Will Be Split Equally?

No, high income levels do not always mean property will be split equally. Property division is based on the classification and valuation of property, not income level. U.S. Census Bureau data show that higher-income households are more likely to hold assets in addition to wages, such as investments and business equity. Certain assets may be treated differently based on their source, use during marriage, and the relevant Oklahoma law. Contact a property division lawyer in Oklahoma to learn more.

Contact an Oklahoma City High-Asset Divorce Lawyer at Bundy Law

Business interests, executive compensation, trusts, and other high-value assets require specific financial analysis and legal strategy to protect your long-term financial interests. Experienced representation in a high-asset divorce can help identify significant assets and plan for key tax and financial considerations. At Bundy Law, we prepare our clients to make informed decisions about complex financial issues in high-asset divorce cases throughout Oklahoma City.

If your divorce involves significant property, assets, or layers of income, choosing to hire a high-asset divorce lawyer who has experience with how these issues are typically handled in the Oklahoma County District Court could make a huge difference in the outcome of your case. Call and schedule a consultation to discuss your situation with a member of our legal team and how complex assets may be treated under Oklahoma law.