There is no single dollar figure that defines it. Generally, a high-net-worth divorce involves substantial or complicated assets: a business, significant investments, multiple properties, retirement accounts, or other holdings that require careful valuation and division.
High Net-Worth Divorce
Chicago High Net-Worth Divorce Lawyers
Ending a marriage with high assets can be more stressful than just dividing your assets amongst each other. Because the courts will divide everything, the stakes are higher, the disputes run deeper, and a single mistake can cost you a great deal.
At Hammer Serna & Quinn, LLC, our high-net-worth divorce lawyers have the legal skills and financial know-how to help you navigate a complex marital separation and dissolution. High-income and high-asset divorce cases can be seemingly overwhelming, but you do not have to go through the legal process alone. If you are preparing for a high-net-worth divorce, we can help. To set up a confidential consultation with a top-rated lawyer, please contact our law office today.
Who We Help
At Hammer Serna & Quin, LLC, we understand that people come to us at different points in their lives and for different reasons. You may recognize yourself in one of these situations:
- You already know this divorce won’t be friendly. You want a lawyer who has handled bitter financial disputes and will stand firm when things get tough.
- You suspect your spouse is hiding something. Maybe there are accounts you have never seen, income that never gets reported, or spending that does not add up.
- You own a business and worry about losing part of it. You want to understand whether your company counts as marital property and what you can do to protect it.
- You have built up investment accounts, brokerage portfolios, retirement funds, or cryptocurrency. You want a clear picture of how Illinois law treats these assets in a divorce.
- You are not sure your prenuptial or postnuptial agreement will hold up. You want to know whether the agreement you signed will actually stand in court.
If any of these sound familiar, you are in the right place. Even if they don’t, our team will schedule a consultation, discuss your case, and see how we can help.
The High-Net-Worth Divorce Process in Illinois
Illinois follows a set of rules that impact how your case moves along. Knowing the basic steps helps you understand what lies ahead. Our high-net-worth divorce lawyers will guide you through every step so that you can have peace of mind. In general, the process is as follows:
1. Equitable Distribution
Illinois is an equitable distribution state, meaning that while the court will divide marital property fairly, this does not mean always equally. Judges consider aspects such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income and contributions, and the value of any non-marital property. First, the court decides what counts as marital versus separate property. Assets you brought into the marriage or received as a gift or inheritance may stay yours, but this isn’t guaranteed.
2. Discovery and Financial Disclosure
Both spouses are required to disclose their full financial standing. Discovery is the formal process of gathering that information through documents, written questions, and sometimes depositions. In cases with suspected hidden accounts or unreported income, this step becomes extremely important. We use it to build a complete and accurate account of each spouse’s financial standing.
3. Asset Valuation
Once the assets are on the table, someone has to determine their value. A business, a pension, or a real estate portfolio each requires a proper valuation, often with help from financial professionals. Competing valuations are common, and the difference between them can be worth a great deal to you.
4. Negotiation or Litigation
Many cases settle through negotiation, which tends to save time, money, and stress. When a fair agreement is within reach, we push hard to get you there. When your spouse refuses to play fair, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial and advocate for you in the courtroom.
Why Choose Hammer Serna & Quinn, LLC
When it comes to high-net-worth divorce, you need to choose legal representation you can trust. Our lawyers offer compassionate support, zealous advocacy, and creative solutions. Many people choose our team because we provide:
- Deep experience with complex finances. We are comfortable with business valuations, investment accounts, and the tax questions that come with them.
- A network of trusted professionals. We involve forensic accountants, appraisers, and valuation analysts when your case needs them.
- Strong, steady advocacy. We negotiate hard for a fair settlement and stand ready to litigate when that is what protects you.
- Clear communication. We explain your options in plain language, so you always understand where your case stands and what comes next.
Our process starts with a private consultation to learn your goals and review your finances. From there, we map out a strategy suited to your situation, keep you informed at every stage, and adjust as the case develops. You are never left guessing.
Talk to Us About Your Situation
At Hammer Serna & Quinn, LLC, our high net worth divorce lawyers are zealous, creative, and solutions-driven advocates for our clients. We have the specialized skills and legal experience to handle the full range of high-net-worth divorce cases. Contact our legal team today for a strictly confidential case evaluation. We handle high-net-worth divorce cases throughout the Chicagoland area, including in Evanston, Oak Park, Glenview, and Wheaton.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I think my spouse is hiding assets?
The discovery process is designed to surface everything, and we often work with forensic accountants to trace undisclosed income or hidden accounts. Courts take financial dishonesty seriously, and uncovering hidden assets can strengthen your position.
How is cryptocurrency handled in a divorce?
Cryptocurrency is treated as property, so it can be subject to division like any other asset. Because crypto can be easy to move or conceal, tracing and valuing it takes a careful approach, which is something we plan for from the start.
How is property divided under Illinois law?
Illinois uses equitable distribution, which means property is divided fairly rather than automatically in half. The court first separates marital property from non-marital property, then divides the marital estate in accordance with factors like the length of the marriage and each spouse’s circumstances.
Do these cases always go to trial?
No. Many high-net-worth divorces settle through negotiation, which usually saves time and reduces conflict. We prepare every case thoroughly, so we are ready to reach a strong agreement or go to court if that becomes necessary.
Get In Touch
Call or email Hammer Serna & Quinn, LLC today to schedule a consultation.
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