Equitable Division Of Assets: Protecting Your Right To A Fair Share During Divorce

Divorce is hard enough to deal with, but it can be downright unnerving to think about the complexities of dividing marital assets, especially for spouses with a high net worth. You may wonder how to divide assets like your home and vehicles or luxury items, like boats, yachts or country club memberships.

It’s important to understand that equitable distribution in Florida doesn’t necessarily mean an equal split. I am Lorri Fishman, a Fort Lauderdale divorce attorney with over 25 years of family law experience. As a divorcée, I also bring invaluable personal knowledge to secure your interests during this complicated process.

Factors Affecting The Distribution Of Marital Assets

When dividing marital assets and debts during divorce, several key factors come into play under Florida law. Here are some of the factors courts consider:

• The duration of the marriage
• Each spouse’s economic circumstances
• The disruption of career or educational opportunities
• Each spouse’s contribution to the marriage, such as care and education of the children and services as a homemaker
• One spouse’s contribution to the other’s education or career
• The desire to keep any asset –  including interests in businesses, corporations, or professional practices – free from any claim or interference
• Each spouse’s contribution to buying, enhancing or improving assets or acquiring debt for both marital and nonmarital assets
• The intent to remain in the family home as a residence for the benefit of a child
• The intentional depletion, dissipation or destruction of marital assets within two years of filing for divorce
• Any additional factors necessary to achieve an equitable distribution of assets

In every high-asset divorce, I work diligently to ensure you receive what is rightfully yours. That includes the fair division of debts and assets in the complex process of valuing and dividing a business.

What Assets Are Considered In A Divorce?

When navigating a divorce involving substantial wealth, the division of assets becomes a critical and often complex legal process. High-value divorces often involve many assets that require careful consideration and expert valuation. These may include:

• Yachts and boats: Luxury watercraft can represent significant investments.
• Country club memberships: These often-overlooked assets can be quite valuable, with initiation fees sometimes exceeding $50,000.
• Real estate holdings: Division is tricky when a couple owned multiple properties, including vacation homes and investments.
• Business assets: Ownership stakes in companies require thorough evaluation.
• Stock holdings: Extensive investment portfolios need proper analysis.
• Luxury car collections: High-end or vintage vehicles can be substantial assets.

In a high net worth divorce, each asset category has specific valuation challenges and legal considerations. A knowledgeable lawyer who can initiate the proper legal intervention should address asset division in these situations.

I Can Help Protect Your Interests

As someone who has personally gone through a divorce, I understand the emotional and financial stakes involved. My approach combines empathy with aggressive advocacy to help protect your rights from the start to the end. I will work closely with you to:

• Identify and value all marital assets, including those that may be less obvious or deliberately hidden.
• Collaborate with financial experts when necessary to help ensure accurate valuations of complex assets like businesses or investment portfolios.
• Develop a strategy to pursue an equitable distribution that aligns with your long-term financial goals.
• Negotiate on your behalf or litigate if necessary to achieve the best possible outcome.
• Help ensure all legal requirements for financial disclosure are met, both by you and your spouse.

With over 25 years of legal experience, I leverage my knowledge and skills in addressing the difficulties of these asset division categories. I aim to help you navigate this challenging process confidently, knowing your financial future is being vigorously protected.

The Florida equitable distribution policy does not always mean a 50/50 split. The marriage’s length, each spouse’s financial circumstances and contributions to the marriage are all considered. In that case, I will fight to help ensure these factors are appropriately weighed in your favor.

Work With An Attorney Who Knows What You’re Going Through

During a divorce, you need an attorney who understands the emotional and legal intricacies involved. Call Lorri K. Fishman, P.A., at 954-928-9832 or email me to schedule your free consultation. I have the personal and professional experience necessary to protect your rights to a secure future.