Manhattan High Net Worth Divorce Attorney

A high net worth divorce lends itself to complexities and issues that divorce without high-assets does not. High net worth divorce attorneys, like ours at the Law Office of Vivien I. Stark, P.C., specialize in handling these difficulties. Our attorneys have the expertise and resources required to resolve these cases and enable you to move forward with your life from the strongest possible financial position.

The high net worth divorce attorneys at the Law Office of Vivien I. Stark are concerned with more than your monetary assets. We understand that high net worth divorces are challenging for both spouses and their families.

That is why our representation is:

Confidential and compassionate;
Honest and forthright; and
Continuously looking out for your best interests both now and in the future.

Call the Law Office of Vivien I. Stark, P.C. to schedule your case evaluation. Our Manhattan high net worth divorce lawyers look forward to hearing from you.

Why Choose Us at The Law Office of Vivien I. Stark, P.C.?

When facing a high-net-worth divorce, your choice of counsel is critical. At The Law Office of Vivien I. Stark, P.C., you get more than 35 years of focused matrimonial and family-law experience, strategic advocacy, and responsive, personalized service across New York City. We pair superior legal strategy with efficient case management, prompt communication, and clear, candid advice.

Vivien I. Stark has taught and mentored young attorneys through the New York County Lawyers Association and has also received numerous awards and accolades, including Saloon International’s Top Female Divorce Lawyer in New York City. She provides practical, results-oriented representation. In high-asset matters, we coordinate seamlessly with trusted forensic accountants, valuation experts, and tax professionals to protect what you have worked hard to build.

What Is a High Net Worth Divorce?

A high net worth divorce is any divorce where one or the other spouse has more than one million in assets. In a high net worth divorce, the court thoroughly inspects both spouses’ financial records. If either submits incorrect information, the spouses may be subject to an IRS investigation.

The court will review the following in a high net worth divorce:

Retirement accounts, 401k’s, pensions, and similar benefits;
Shared businesses, spouse-owned businesses, partnerships, and business investments;
Real estate and property holdings; and
Out of state or international assets.

What Are the Requirements for Getting a Divorce in New York?

Before the court can grant a divorce in New York, you must satisfy New York’s legal prerequisites to obtain a divorce. Under New York law, you must fulfill one of the following five residency criteria to file for a divorce:

Continuous two-year residency: Either spouse has been a continuous resident of New York for at least two years immediately prior to filing the divorce action.
One-year residency and marriage in NY: Either spouse has been a continuous resident of New York for at least one year immediately before filing, and the marriage ceremony took place in New York.
One-year residency and residency as spouses: Either spouse has been a continuous resident of New York for at least one year immediately before filing, and the parties have resided in New York as a married couple.
One-year residency and NY grounds: Either spouse has been a continuous resident of New York for at least one year immediately before filing, and the legal grounds for the divorce occurred in New York.
Both spouses residents and NY grounds: Both spouses are residents of New York State on the day the divorce is filed, and the legal grounds for the divorce occurred in New York.

New York is a no-fault divorce state, which means you can obtain a divorce based on the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage for at least six months. However, fault-based grounds, including adultery, cruel and inhuman treatment, abandonment, and imprisonment, remain available but are not favored by the court due to the time involved for fault-based trials and New York’s lack of consideration of fault when dividing assets or awarding maintenance unless the fault is serious domestic violence or “shocks the conscience of the court.”

Let Our Manhattan High Net Worth Divorce Attorneys Help You Protect Your Assets

At the Law Office of Vivien I. Stark, P.C., our high net worth attorneys’ goal is to protect your legal rights and assets throughout the divorce process. Often, this means hiring experts and specialists in the following fields:

Forensic accounting;
Business valuation; and
Financial analysis.

The Law Office of Vivien I. Stark, P.C. also:

Thoroughly reviews your retirement assets and drafts qualified domestic relations orders, QDROs, correctly and according to guidelines;
Helps you inventory any assets and debts;
Keeps your divorce process moving; and
Advises you of tax consequences regarding significant decisions.

While our high net worth lawyers want to aid you in your divorce, the best offense is a good defense. Be proactive and call the Law Office of Vivien I. Stark, P.C. before divorce is inevitable. There are ways to retain your assets and future legal rights using prenuptial agreements, postnuptial agreements, trusts, and if you are a business owner, shareholder agreements.

What Are New York’s Equitable Division Rules?

New York is an equitable division state. The court divides, or the spouses agree on the division of, marital assets fairly, not necessarily equally or in half. Marital assets are all assets accumulated by the spouses during the marriage.

In asset division, the court looks to:

The length of the marriage;
The mental and physical health of both parties;
Each spouse’s employability;
Individual income sources and debt; and
Non-marital property holdings of each spouse.

Judges are unaware of spouses’ daily lives and needs. Therefore, when possible, the spouses should reach their own agreement rather than have the court decide matters on their behalf. This is possible at the time of divorce or using a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement.

Child Support in New York High Net Worth Divorces

Although prenuptial agreements help avoid asset division during a divorce, they do not cover child support and custody issues. The spouses, or judge, will need to determine these issues at the time of divorce.

As with any child custody case, the standard for child custody is in the best interests of the children, along with a list of factors reviewed by the court in every custody case. However, child support in a high net worth divorce may need some modification from the standard income-based calculations.

Additional expenses, including private school, hobbies, sports, healthcare, and childcare, could be a part of a high net worth child support calculation.

Alimony in New York High Net Worth Divorces

The court has the authority to determine both temporary and final spousal maintenance for spouses with a combined income exceeding $203,000. Over this combined income, the court reviews the same or similar factors as a divorce with a combined yearly income between $203,000 and one million dollars.

The court also takes into account any arguments made by attorneys representing the spouses. This is when the help of experienced legal counsel is vital.

How Does Property Division Work in High-Net-Worth Divorces?

Property division in a high-net-worth divorce is more intricate than in a typical case because the court must address complex assets. Because New York divides marital property on an equitable basis, separate property, such as assets owned before marriage or received through inheritance or gift, generally remains with the original owner. Disputes often arise when separate and marital funds become commingled.

Accurate valuation is critical. Expert appraisers, accountants, and financial analysts help determine the true value of business interests, stock options, and other high-value assets. Courts may use offsets or structured settlements to balance differing asset types and liquidity.

Tax and timing considerations also matter. Selling or transferring assets can trigger capital gains or liquidity issues, so our experienced counsel ensures the court considers these factors. When assets are concealed or undervalued, forensic accountants may uncover hidden wealth to facilitate a fair outcome.

In every high-net-worth case, protecting your long-term financial security requires a legal and economic strategy.

Contact a Manhattan High Net Worth Divorce Attorney

At the Law Office of Vivien I. Stark, P.C., our decades of experience give us the ability, knowledge, resources, and expertise to represent you in your high net worth divorce. You worked hard for your home, business, investment properties, savings, and other assets; do not place those assets at risk.

Meet with Manhattan divorce attorneys right away at the Law Office of Vivien I. Stark, P.C.