High Net Worth Divorce in New York

High net worth divorces require the experience of a knowledgeable divorce lawyer. Trust our team of expert attorneys in Manhattan and Brooklyn to help win your case.

Divorce is never easy—but when millions are on the line, the stakes are even higher. A high-net-worth divorce in New York isn’t just about ending a marriage—it’s about protecting your future, your business, and everything you’ve worked hard to achieve. At Brian D. Perskin & Associates P.C., we specialize in handling complex, high-net-worth divorces in New York, and we understand how to protect what you’ve worked hard to build.

Whether you’re facing a contested or uncontested divorce, working with an experienced New York high-net-worth divorce attorney can make all the difference in securing your financial future. We provide the strategy, discretion, and legal expertise needed to navigate this challenging process with confidence.

What Is Considered a High-Net-Worth Divorce in New York?

A high-net-worth divorce typically involves one or both spouses owning $1 million or more in assets. These cases often involve far more than dividing bank accounts—they may include real estate holdings, business ownership, investment portfolios, trusts, and other complex financial matters. While the legal process is similar to a traditional divorce, the complexity of the financial landscape requires a more strategic and informed approach.

Along with standard family law issues like child custody and spousal support, high-net-worth divorces frequently involve:

Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
Inherited wealth and generational trusts
Ownership of professional practices or private businesses
Luxury real estate and vacation properties
Stocks, bonds, and investment accounts
Pensions, 401(k)s, and other retirement assets

Dividing Assets in a High-Net-Worth Divorce in New York

New York law follows the principle of equitable distribution, which aims for a fair—not necessarily equal—division of marital assets. For high-net-worth couples, this process can become especially nuanced due to the volume and variety of property at stake.

Courts consider several categories of factors when determining how to divide assets fairly:

Financial Contributions & Legal Agreements

Each spouse’s income and earning capacity
Financial and non-financial contributions to the marriage
Valid prenuptial or postnuptial agreements
Ownership interests in businesses or professional practices

Marital History & Personal Circumstances

Duration of the marriage
Age and health of both spouses
Parenting responsibilities and custody arrangements

Asset Types & Liabilities

Real estate (primary homes, rentals, vacation homes)
Investment and retirement accounts
Inherited assets and personal gifts
High-value items such as jewelry, art, or vehicles
Tax liabilities or debts accumulated during the marriage

Our team is experienced in identifying, valuing, and categorizing all forms of marital and separate property—ensuring your financial interests are protected at every stage.

Common Challenges in High-Net-Worth Divorces

High-net-worth divorces in New York often come with complications that require a legal team well-versed in both family law and financial strategy. Some of the most frequent issues include:

Hidden or Undervalued Assets

A spouse may attempt to conceal assets such as income, property, or offshore accounts to skew the asset division in their favor. These tactics require forensic financial analysis to uncover and address.

Business Ownership and Valuation

When one or both spouses own a business, determining its present and future value—and deciding how it will be divided—can be a major source of dispute.

Complex Valuation of Property

Luxury homes, real estate investments, and rare assets like fine art or collectibles may require third-party appraisers to assign accurate market value.

Tax Implications

Without proper planning, dividing or transferring assets could result in unexpected tax burdens. Strategic decisions can help minimize those financial consequences.

To handle these challenges, we regularly collaborate with forensic accountants, tax advisors, and valuation experts to ensure no asset is overlooked or undervalued.

What to Expect in the High-Net-Worth Divorce Process

While the legal steps of a high-net-worth divorce are similar to any other divorce in New York, the financial intricacies demand greater attention to detail. Here’s what you can expect during the process:

1. Initial Consultation & Divorce Filing: Your attorney will help you evaluate your options and file the necessary divorce petition with the appropriate New York court.

2. Financial Disclosure & Discovery: Both parties are required to disclose all financial assets, liabilities, and income. In high-net-worth cases, this often involves extensive documentation and third-party analysis.

3. Asset Valuation & Expert Review: Valuation experts may assess businesses, real estate, and other high-value property to determine accurate worth.

4. Negotiation or Mediation: If possible, spouses will work toward a settlement agreement regarding property division, child support, spousal support, and custody arrangements.

5. Trial (If Necessary): If a fair agreement cannot be reached, the case proceeds to trial, where a judge will determine asset division based on the principle of equitable distribution.

6. Final Judgment & Enforcement: Once a resolution is reached, the court will issue a final divorce decree. Your attorney can help enforce the agreement and ensure compliance moving forward.

Why You Need a High-Net-Worth Divorce Attorney in New York

High-net-worth divorces are too important to leave to chance. When your legacy, your business, and your financial future are at stake, you need legal representation that understands both the complexity of New York divorce law and the real-world value of your assets.

At Brian D. Perskin & Associates P.C., our attorneys bring more than four decades of combined experience navigating high-net-worth divorces across New York City. We’ve helped clients:

Secure favorable outcomes in contested divorce trials
Protect family businesses from division
Preserve retirement savings and investment accounts
Enforce prenuptial agreements and defend separate property

We provide smart, aggressive, and discrete representation designed to protect your future.

Speak With a New York High-Net-Worth Divorce Attorney Today

If you’re facing a high-net-worth divorce in New York, you don’t have to go through it alone. Our team at Brian D. Perskin & Associates P.C. is here to guide you with clarity, strategy, and confidence.

Call us today to schedule your confidential strategy session. Let’s work together to protect what matters most.