The High-Earner’s Divorce: What’s at Stake?

The High-Earner’s Divorce: What’s at Stake?

Divorce Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All-Especially When You’ve Built Something

Divorce can be complex for anyone, but for high-income earners, the stakes are significantly
higher. Whether you’re an executive, a business owner, a medical professional, or a high level entrepreneur, you’ve likely worked hard to create stability, grow your assets, and
secure your lifestyle. A divorce can threaten all of that-unless it’s handled strategically.

At our firm, we understand the unique pressures you face. This isn’t just about dividing
property; it’s about protecting what you’ve built, minimizing exposure, and ensuring your
voice is heard when it matters most.

1. What Makes High-Income Divorces Different?
   • When you earn significantly more than average, divorce isn’t just about emotions – it’s also about:
     • Complex Asset Division: Multiple income streams, investment portfolios, business interests, or executive compensation packages are harder to value and divide.
     • Potential for Higher Alimony Exposure: Courts will scrutinize the marital lifestyle to determine if spousal support is appropriate – and for how long.
     • Child Support Calculations Above the Guidelines: Florida’s child support guidelines only go up to a certain income threshold – after that, it’s at the court’s discretion.
     • Privacy Risks: If not managed carefully, your financial details may become part of the public record.
2. How Florida Law Views “Equitable”
   • Florida follows the rule of equitable distribution – which does not mean equal. It means fair. But “fair” is subjective, and that’s where your representation matters.
   • Marital assets and liabilities are divided, while non-marital property – such as what you owned before marriage or inherited – may be protected if properly documented. This is especially critical when dealing with:
     • Real estate
     • Business interests
     • Retirement accounts
     • Professional practices
     • Deferred compensation or stock options
3. What Can You Do Right Now?
   • Get your financial documents in order. The sooner you can show what’s yours and how you acquired it, the stronger your position.
   • Avoid making big financial moves. Don’t sell, transfer, or hide assets – it will backfire.
   • Speak with an experienced attorney early. Even if you’re not ready to file, you need to understand your exposure and rights.
4. Discretion, Strategy, and Results
   • We don’t treat your case like every other case. Our firm combines a strong understanding of high-asset issues with a strategic approach designed to protect your reputation, your time, and your financial future.

Is it time to take the next step?

You don’t have to have all the answers to get started. A confidential consultation can give you clarity and help you develop a strategy – even if you haven’t decided whether to file yet.

Call us today to schedule a confidential consultation, your future self will thank you.

**Please note to ensure you receive a timely response from a member of our staff, please include family@costalawyers.com in all email correspondence. Thank you **