Portland High-Asset Divorce Attorney
High Asset Divorce Lawyers in Portland, Oregon
At Brittle Family Law Group, our Portland high-asset divorce attorneys bring decades of experience handling complex divorces involving significant wealth, business interests, and multi-jurisdictional assets. We understand that divorce is not only emotionally difficult but can also have long-term financial consequences that disrupt years of careful planning and investment.
High-asset divorces often involve:
- Multiple investment accounts and stock portfolios
- Retirement plans, including IRAs, 401(k)s, and pensions
- Business ownership and professional practices
- Real estate holdings in Oregon, other states, or abroad
- Substantial inheritance or trust interests
- International property and financial accounts
Protecting your wealth and securing your financial future requires strategic legal representation and the right team of professionals. Our attorneys work alongside forensic accountants, valuation experts, and financial planners to ensure every asset is properly identified, valued, and equitably divided under Oregon law.
Why Experience Matters in High-Asset Divorce
Dividing substantial marital estates is rarely straightforward. In Oregon, divorce follows an equitable distribution system, meaning property and debt are divided fairly but not always equally. High-income earners and couples with diverse assets often face disputes over:
- Business valuations and ownership stakes
- Complex tax implications tied to asset division
- Spousal and child support determinations
- Prenuptial or postnuptial agreement enforcement
- Hidden or transferred assets
Our attorneys have successfully represented business owners, executives, professionals, and spouses of high-net-worth individuals in divorces involving millions of dollars in assets. We know how to uncover hidden wealth, analyze complicated financial documents, and advocate for your long-term financial security.
Identifying & Valuing Assets in High-Asset Divorce
Proper identification and valuation of marital property is the cornerstone of a successful high-asset divorce strategy. Assets may include:
- Primary and secondary homes, vacation properties, and rental units
- Stock options, RSUs, bonds, and brokerage accounts
- Closely held companies, partnerships, or professional practices
- Inheritances, trusts, or personal injury settlements
- International accounts or overseas real estate
We work with leading financial experts to ensure assets are not overlooked, undervalued, or concealed. When necessary, we engage forensic accountants to track down missing funds or investigate suspicious transfers.
The Unique Challenges of High Asset Divorces in Oregon
In the state of Oregon, we follow an equitable distribution system of dividing joint assets and property. This means that all marital assets will be divided by the couple “equitably” but not necessarily evenly. Particularly when one party has a much higher income than the other, matters of spousal support, child support, and splitting of assets can become contentious. Because of this, a high asset divorce can be especially problematic.
Identification and Assessment of Joint Assets
High asset divorces typically involve a significant amount of marital property accumulated over a marriage. Identifying and assessing these marital assets in a high asset divorce is multifaceted. These assets may include:
- Multiple homes; including rental properties
- Complicated investment and retirement vehicles
- Shared corporate and business interests
- Inheritances, gifts, or personal injury awards
- International investments and accounts
- Complicated spousal support, child support, and custody issues
- Tax implications
A determination must be made whether assets are marital (and subject to the presumption of equal contribution) or separate and whether a comprehensive valuation should be conducted for those that are marital in nature. Many times, there are international issues to consider when assets or accounts are held outside the country. Complicated tax implications must also be considered. In all these cases, you will need the assistance of a high asset attorney in Portland with the experience necessary to consider all these complicated issues.
Other Complexities of High Asset Divorces
Ending a high asset marriage may cause one party to try to hide assets from the other, so they are not considered in the equitable distribution process. Hiding assets can be quite sophisticated and can happen in many different ways, including
- Transferring funds to other parties or family members
- Transferring funds to offshore accounts
- Underreporting income
- Underreporting the value of assets
- Changing names on investments
- Making large purchases hoping to go unnoticed
Assets are not the only consideration in high asset divorces. The debt must also be distributed equitably. Although the debt of the individuals before marriage may not be considered, any debt incurred by the couple after marriage could become the obligation of both parties. This may be quite complicated when considering business ventures, multiple properties, tax bills, and penalties, or other factors.
Prenuptial agreements may also factor into high asset divorces frequently. In the case of a couple acquiring much more wealth than anticipated at the time of the prenup, it may require a reassessment of the agreement by the court.
In all these cases, it is essential to locate and have a comprehensive valuation placed on all assets and debt to ensure that it is equitably distributed under the law. This will frequently require the assistance of financial professionals, valuation appraisers, and forensic accountants to arrive at accurate valuations or to locate missing or overlooked assets.
What to Expect in Your Oregon Divorce Consultation
We offer a confidential initial consultation for a flat fee. During this meeting, we:
- Learn about your background and goals
- Explain your rights and obligations under Oregon divorce law
- Discuss potential strategies tailored to your circumstances
- Determine whether our firm is the right fit for your needs
Many clients ask, “Who is the best divorce lawyer in Portland?” The truth is, the best attorney is the one who listens carefully, provides clear and honest guidance, and has the skill to protect your interests in and out of court. Our proven track record in high-asset divorce cases demonstrates our ability to deliver results.
Contact Our Portland High-Asset Divorce Lawyer Today
Because of the complexity of high asset divorces, it is essential to have the experience, skill, and guidance of an experienced Portland high-asset divorce attorney to ensure that your legal rights and financial future are being represented. The experienced family law attorneys at Brittle Family Law Group have the unique experience it takes to represent your financial rights in a high asset divorce situation. Contact us to schedule an initial consultation.