What Happens in a High-Net-Worth Divorce?
The ongoing public divorce between Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher highlights both the unique and typical issues that divorcing high-net-worth individuals face. The considerations of divorcing celebrities are unusual because of the amount of money at stake and the publicity. They are similar in that the adversarial divorce process can encourage vindictive behavior by spouses intent on exacting personal retribution for marital slights.
Ms. Moore and Mr. Kutcher are each separately worth nearly $150 million. Nevertheless, Ms. Moore is purportedly demanding nearly $30 million dollars from Mr. Kutcher to compensate her for the “emotional turmoil” she endured following their split. According to sources, Ms. Moore wants compensation for Mr. Kutcher’s alleged infidelities, which gossip columns say triggered Ms. Moore’s rehab stint.
Whether famous or not, divorcing high-net-worth couples are inclined to disagree heartily over the re-distribution of their assets. Some of the assets may be a mixture of marital or separate properties. High-stakes divorce involves valuation and division issues for the following types of assets:
- Corporate remunerations like stock options and other deferred compensation
- Monies from retirement funds, including pensions and 401(k)s
- Assets held in various kinds of trusts
- A spouse’s earning potential, including degrees or professional licenses obtained when married
- Business assets, which may be of a professional nature, like an investment or medical firm
- “Luxury” assets like exclusive club memberships, art collections or multiple vacation homes
- Real estate and securities
Divorce can be challenging for individuals in every tax bracket. Contact our skilled Florida divorce lawyer at Miller Morse Law PLLC to understand how to best protect your assets in a divorce.
