High Net Worth Divorce Solicitors
Divorce involving substantial or complex assets can raise important financial questions. NLS Private Law can help you understand the issues, consider your options and prepare for the next steps. Please note that we do not offer legal aid for private divorce and financial matters.
Take a clear view of your finances before deciding what comes next.
Shabana Sultana
High net worth divorce and complex finances
High net worth divorce can involve more than the overall value of a couple’s assets. The structure, ownership and location of those assets can all affect the issues that need to be considered.
You may need to address property, savings, investments, pensions, business interests, trusts or assets held outside the UK. Income, borrowing, future needs and arrangements for children may also form part of the wider picture.
The NLS Private Law department provides clear advice, careful representation and practical support. We can help you identify the financial issues involved and understand the options available in your circumstances.
What can make a divorce financially complex?
Complexity can arise where assets are held in different ways, where financial information needs to be clarified or where there are important long-term considerations for both households.
This may include a family business, several properties, substantial pension provision, investments, inherited wealth or trust arrangements. Where assets are located abroad, it can be particularly important to build a clear picture of the finances before decisions are made.
Each case is different. The right approach will depend on the assets, income, family circumstances and legal issues involved.
How NLS can help with a high net worth divorce
NLS can support clients with the financial aspects of a complex divorce. This may include helping you to:
- Understand the financial issues that may need to be addressed
- Review the assets, income, liabilities and future needs involved
- Consider financial disclosure and the information that may be required
- Explore settlement options
- Understand the next steps if an agreement cannot be reached
Property, businesses and investments
Property can include the family home, investment property, holiday homes or property held through other arrangements. Business interests, company shareholdings, investments and savings can also be an important part of the financial picture.
These assets may provide income, future security or both. Understanding how they are held, their value and any related liabilities can help you assess the matters that need to be resolved.
Pensions, trusts and overseas assets
Pensions can be a significant part of financial arrangements following separation, particularly after a long marriage or where one person has built up substantial provision for later life.
Trusts and assets held outside the UK can add further questions. The NLS Private Law department can help you understand the information that may be needed and the issues that may be relevant alongside the rest of your financial circumstances.
Financial disclosure and settlement options
Before financial arrangements can be considered fully, it is important to have a clear view of the financial position. This may include assets, income, pensions, debts and other financial interests.
Accurate information can help both parties understand the matters that need to be resolved and consider whether an agreement is possible. A financial settlement can address how assets, income and liabilities will be dealt with after separation.
Complex assets and financial circumstances
A high net worth divorce can involve property, business interests, pensions, investments, trusts or assets held outside the UK. The value of assets is important, but so is understanding how they are owned, any related liabilities and their role in each person’s future financial arrangements.
NLS can help you identify the financial issues that may need to be addressed and work towards a clear plan based on your circumstances.
Financial disclosure and settlement options
Before financial arrangements can be considered properly, it is important to have an accurate picture of the assets, income, pensions, debts and other relevant interests involved. This information can help both parties understand the matters that need to be resolved.
The NLS Private Law department can explain financial disclosure, discuss settlement options and help you understand the next steps if an agreement cannot be reached.
Shabana Sultana - Head of Private Family Law
Shabana has spent more than 26 years working solely in family law and can conduct with confidence all private family cases of every description. She specialises in financial matters following divorce and private Children’s matters with a focus on international child relocation cases are the heart of her practice. She is a natural problem solver always thinking creatively and outside the box to achieve successful outcomes for her clients. Her clients praise her for being a master negotiating who is never phased by the noise of her opponents, and this has meant she can boast a strong record of achieving out of court settlements.
Shabana works alongside an impressive team of carefully selected experts who lead with discretion and expertise including accountants, auditors, from pension actuaries to surveyors and private investigators. Twenty-six years in practice have given her a strong network of family law barristers who time after time deliver the results her clients want.
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Contact NLS to discuss your circumstances. Evening and weekend appointments available.
High Net Worth Divorce FAQs
- What is a high net worth divorce?
A high net worth divorce generally involves substantial or complex financial circumstances. This may include property, businesses, trusts, pensions, investments, international assets or a combination of these.
- How are assets considered during a high net worth divorce?
The assets that need to be considered will depend on the individual circumstances. It may be necessary to look at property, savings, investments, pensions, business interests, liabilities, income and future financial needs before financial arrangements can be discussed properly.
- What happens to a business during divorce?
A business can be an important part of the financial picture in a divorce. The issues may include its ownership, value, income, debts and the role it plays in the wider financial circumstances. The appropriate approach will depend on the particular facts of the case.
- Are pensions relevant in a high net worth divorce?
Yes. Pensions can be a significant financial asset, particularly in long marriages or where one person has built up substantial pension provision. They should be considered alongside other assets, income and future financial needs.
- What if I am concerned that financial information is incomplete?
Clear and accurate financial information is important when considering financial arrangements after divorce. If you have concerns about whether the full financial position is understood, it is sensible to seek advice about the information that may be needed and the next steps available.
- Can a nuptial agreement help protect assets?
A nuptial agreement can help couples have open discussions about financial arrangements before or during marriage. Whether an agreement is suitable, and the effect it may have, will depend on the circumstances and should be considered with appropriate legal advice.
- How long does a high net worth divorce take?
Timescales vary. They can be affected by the complexity of the assets, the information required, whether financial arrangements can be agreed and whether further legal steps are needed. It is not possible to predict a timescale without understanding the circumstances.
- How much does a high net worth divorce cost?
Costs will depend on the issues involved, the complexity of the finances and the steps required.