New York City High Net Worth Divorce Attorney

High net worth divorces require the assistance of an exceptionally experienced attorney.

Divorces on their own are complicated, but when you add in the additional income, assets, property, and other complicated estate matters, they can become completely overwhelming.

If you are seeking a divorce and you or your spouse is of high net worth, contact New York City high net worth divorce attorney Vivien I. Stark today. She has over 30 years of experience in family law and divorce in New York City. She specializes in several areas of divorce law, including high net worth divorces. Don’t trust your valuable estate to an inexperienced attorney; to do so could be disastrous.

Meet Attorney Vivien Stark

Founding Attorney

Vivien Stark is a skilled New York City divorce and family law attorney with over 30 years of experience helping clients navigate complex legal matters. Her practice includes all areas of matrimonial and family law, such as prenuptial and separation agreements, actions for separation, annulment, and both contested and uncontested divorce.

She also handles matters involving child support, custody, visitation, paternity, relocation, orders of protection, and other proceedings in the Family and Supreme Courts of New York City.

Ms. Stark strives to achieve amicable resolutions whenever possible but is fully prepared to advocate aggressively in court when necessary. She proudly represents clients throughout all five boroughs of New York City.

Call Vivien Stark today at (646) 960-8260 to schedule a confidential consultation.

Call an Experienced New York High Net Worth City Divorce Lawyer Today

At the Law Offices of Vivien I. Stark, our experienced New York City divorce attorneys are ready to help you through every step of the divorce process. Whether your case is straightforward or involves complex, high-conflict issues, we have the knowledge and resources to protect your interests and guide you toward a better future. Call us today at (646) 960-8260 or send us an email to schedule a confidential consultation with our dedicated legal team.

What is a High Net Worth Divorce in New York City?

In a typical divorce, the spouses will need to decide upon the division of property and assets. The state of New York divides assets according to “equitable distribution,” which does not necessarily mean an even split. In high net worth divorce cases, it is far more common for the split to be uneven. Because these types of divorces involve a substantial amount of property and assets to be divided fairly, it is imperative to seek experienced legal counsel. When dividing property and assets, the procedures are as follows:

• Asset declaration. A comprehensive outline of any and all property and assets.
• Asset valuation. In high net worth divorce cases, assets and property will need to be evaluated by a professional to determine an accurate value.
• Marital property. Any property or assets acquired after the marriage (with the exception of third party gifts as well as inheritances and personal injury awards) will be declared as marital property and subject to equitable distribution, including debt.
• Separate property. Property and assets acquired before the marriage are considered separate property and return to the original owner. However, if there is no prenuptial agreement, the appreciation of the separate property may be subject to equitable distribution.
• Other assets. Any other non-typical assets, like investments, stock options, retirement assets, tax obligations, and business assets, will need to be defined and allocated.

How Does Asset Valuation, Distribution, and Protection Work in NYC?

Because New York divides assets under equitable distribution, it is necessary to follow appropriate asset protection procedures with legal representation. Inexperienced divorce attorneys cannot negotiate with your spouse and protect your financial rights as effectively. A good high net worth divorce attorney in New York City will negotiate to both value and divide your assets fairly so you don’t get stuck losing money.

Additionally, they are experienced in pre-nuptial agreement evaluation and litigation (if necessary). An asset protection plan may include strategies that increase value and decrease tax obligation for both you and your spouse and will also incorporate tactics to protect your businesses and partnerships. High net worth divorce cases can be particularly complex and stressful. Without the help of an experienced divorce attorney in New York, settlements can be incorrectly valued and assets distributed inappropriately. In the future, mistakes like these may necessitate modifications, which can be costly and time-consuming.

What Factors Do Judges Consider When Dividing Assets in High-Asset Divorces?

In high-asset divorces, judges must consider several financial and personal factors to ensure that the outcome is equitable based on the couple’s unique circumstances. Some of the most important factors include:

• The length of the marriage. Longer marriages often result in a more even distribution of assets, particularly when one spouse was the primary earner and the other contributed as a homemaker or caregiver.
• Each spouse’s income and earning potential. The court looks at current earnings and future earning capacity, considering career paths, education, and health.
• Contributions to marital property. Financial and non-financial contributions both matter. The court recognizes the efforts of a spouse who supported the family by managing the home or caring for children.
• Wasteful dissipation of assets. If one spouse improperly spent or concealed marital funds, such as through gambling or undisclosed accounts, the judge can award a larger share to the other spouse.
• Tax consequences and liquidity. High-value assets, such as investment portfolios, real estate, and business interests, may carry significant tax obligations or be difficult to liquidate. If an attorney can prove the tax impact by either the use of an expert witness or consent, the court will consider how dividing or transferring these assets will result in an equitable distribution of the marital assets.
• The needs of any minor children. If one spouse serves as the primary custodial parent, it can influence how a judge allocates property and housing to promote stability for the children.

It is critical to accurately value and present all assets to the court because high-net-worth individuals often hold complex portfolios involving real estate, trusts, stock options, or ownership in closely held businesses. Vivien I. Stark ensures that the court does not overlook any assets and that your financial interests are fully protected during the division process.

Who Gets the House in a Divorce in New York?

For many couples, the marital home is their most valuable asset and greatest emotional attachment. Who keeps it depends on financial, practical, and equitable factors. If the home was acquired during the marriage, it is marital property and subject to equitable distribution. When one spouse owned it beforehand but the other contributed to mortgage payments or improvements, the increase in value during the marriage may be shared. Judges consider:

• Each spouse’s ability to maintain the home, including mortgage, taxes, and upkeep
• Whether keeping the home supports the best interests of the children
• The practicality of one spouse buying out the other or offsetting the value with other assets

If neither party can afford to keep the property, the court may order its sale and divide the proceeds. Our team can evaluate all options, including sale, buyout, or continued joint ownership, to protect your financial stability and future goals.

How Long Does It Take to Settle a High Net Worth Divorce in New York City?

The duration of a high net worth divorce in New York City can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the couple’s finances and the level of cooperation between the parties and counsel. Factors that commonly extend the timeline include:

• Comprehensive asset valuation. Businesses, real estate, art collections, and retirement accounts require professional appraisals, which take time to complete accurately.
• Disputes over financial disclosure. When one spouse suspects the other of hiding assets or underreporting income, discovery and forensic accounting can lengthen the process.
• Contentious negotiations. Disagreements over spousal maintenance, child support, or the division of high-value assets can lead to prolonged settlement discussions or litigation.
• Court scheduling and case volume. New York City’s Family and Supreme courts are often backlogged, which can delay hearings and final judgments.

While every case is different, hiring our seasoned divorce attorney early in the process helps streamline communication, narrow contested issues, and minimize costly delays.

Testimonials

“Vivien does the work so you get results”

“Family law is a long drawn out ordeal. Vivien cuts through so much of the B.S. She’s often the only one in the room behaving like an adult. You want to get the bickering over and move on with your life. you need Vivien with you, guiding the way and handling the details”

-Jeffrey R.

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“My experience with Vivien and her staff exceeded my expectations.”

“She has 30+ years of experience and is adept at navigating the confusing court system. She responds promptly with professionalism, patience, takes detailed notes so she is always prepared.”

-Trisha K.

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“I highly and enthusiastically recommend Vivien! I am truly so grateful for her.”

“Vivien helped me navigate in an uncertain & unprecedented situation with care, compassion, and with the highest professional quality.”

-Paul A.

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Areas We Serve

Our experienced New York City divorce attorneys proudly serve the following neighborhoods:

Manhattan | Brooklyn | Queens | The Bronx | Staten Island | Upper East Side | Upper West Side | Midtown | Lower Manhattan | Financial District | Tribeca | SoHo | Chelsea | Greenwich Village | East Village | Harlem | Washington Heights | Inwood | Williamsburg | Greenpoint | Bushwick | Park Slope | Dumbo | Downtown Brooklyn | Long Island City | Astoria | Flushing | Forest Hills | Jackson Heights | Riverdale | Fordham | Pelham Bay | St. George | Tottenville | New Dorp | Bay Ridge | Bensonhurst | Coney Island

Call Our Exceptional High Net Worth Divorce Attorneys in New York City

If you are seeking a divorce in a high net worth situation, contact the law office of Vivien I. Stark, P.C. today. For over 30 years her practice has focused on marital and family law. She serves the five boroughs of New York and the surrounding communities. Vivien I. Stark, a New York City high net worth divorce lawyer, is well-versed in asset valuation and distribution and will make sure your assets are thoroughly protected. Additionally, she provides confident legal counsel in the evaluation or challenge of a prenuptial agreement.

In all divorce cases, Vivien I. Stark bears her clients’ best interests in mind and works hard to obtain the best result. Her top priority is protecting her clients while aggressively (if needed) negotiating a fair and acceptable agreement. Deeply committed to her clients, Vivien I. Stark has been recognized with a superb Avvo rating and as an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau. To discuss your needs, please contact us online or call us at (212) 349-1600 to schedule an in office or telephone consultation.