An Indiana Firm Providing Skilled, Sophisticated Representation In High-Asset Divorce

Last updated on February 6, 2025

Any divorce has the potential to be complicated. But when a couple has significant assets, however, divorce complications become especially likely. Both parties have much at stake financially, making it crucial to have knowledgeable legal representation to protect their interests.

If you are facing a divorce involving significant and/or complex assets in southwest Indiana, the firm to contact is Bumb Law Office, LLC. Our attorney has more than 40 years of legal experience in family law, and our team provides personalized representation and advocacy throughout the duration of your case.

We Work To Simplify The Division Of Complex Assets

High-asset divorce is complex largely due to the variety and magnitude of the assets involved, which require careful and precise evaluation to ensure a fair division. Our attorney can help you accurately value and fairly divide nearly any complex marital assets, including:

• A closely held business
• Other business interests and investments
• Real estate properties, including vacation homes and investment properties
• Stock options and portfolios
• Luxury items such as art, jewelry and vehicles
• Retirement accounts and pensions
• Offshore accounts

Each of these assets presents unique challenges in terms of valuation and division. For example, determining the value of a business or complex investments often requires the insights of financial professionals who will work in collaboration with your lawyer. Furthermore, considerations such as tax implications and the liquidity of assets play a crucial role in deciding how to equitably divide them.

Protecting The Livelihood Of Small-Business Owners

As a small-business owner, safeguarding your business is likely one of your top divorce concerns. Under Indiana property division laws, a business established during a marriage is likely to be considered marital property. Even if one spouse plays no role in daily operations, they still have a financial stake and the business might therefore be subject to division.

Our lawyer understands the unique challenges you face and can help ensure that your business valuation is fair and accurate. She can also explore strategies such as negotiating a settlement that allows you to retain full ownership or structuring payments over time to buy out your spouse’s share.

The Benefits Of Mediation In High-Asset Divorce

There is an unfortunate stereotype that divorce between couples with significant assets is always a drawn-out legal battle filled with petty demands and refusal to compromise. These are certainly the cases that make the tabloids, but they are not representative of most high-asset divorces.

In reality, most couples want to part quickly and amicably without drawing undue attention. Mediation is often ideal in these circumstances, as it allows couples to negotiate the terms of their divorce directly with one another (and in consultation with their respective attorneys). Because the divorce isn’t being litigated, the terms are not a matter of public record. Among its many other benefits, mediation can help protect your privacy.

Our attorney is a registered mediator, and she has counseled many clients through the process.

Answering Questions About Indiana High-Asset Divorce

Navigating a high-asset divorce can be complex and overwhelming. The answers to some common questions can provide you with clarity.

How long does a high-asset divorce typically take to resolve?

The duration of a high-asset divorce in Indiana can vary widely, often taking anywhere from six months to several years. The complexity of asset division, especially when it involves businesses, investments and retirement accounts, can impact the timeline.

Additionally, factors such as spousal cooperation and the court’s schedule can significantly affect the length of the process.

How can I find out what my spouse really makes?

You can insist on full financial disclosure during the divorce proceedings. Your spouse must comply by providing detailed information about income, assets and expenses.

If they are not forthcoming, you and your lawyer can seek the court’s assistance to compel disclosure. Forensic accountants can also help uncover hidden assets and provide a comprehensive overview of your spouse’s financial situation.

How are retirement accounts divided during a high-asset divorce?

Since retirement accounts are considered marital property in Indiana, they are subject to equitable distribution laws. This means the court will divide retirement accounts fairly, though not necessarily equally, based on factors such as the duration of the marriage and each spouse’s financial situation.

A Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is often used to divide these accounts without incurring tax penalties. Evaluating the long-term impact of dividing retirement assets with an attorney is essential for fair division.

Can I keep my business assets in a high-asset divorce?

It may be possible to keep your business assets, but it depends on various factors, including business value and whether it was started before or during the marriage. The court will consider these factors and may award the business to one spouse while compensating the other with other assets. Negotiation and mediation can be critical in reaching an agreement that allows you to retain your business interests while ensuring a fair distribution of marital property.

Get Started With An Initial Consultation

At Bumb Law, we are committed to providing you with clear, professional legal counsel to help you understand your divorce options and work toward achieving a resolution that protects your financial future.

If you are ready to discuss your case and learn how we can help, we invite you to schedule an initial consultation at our office in Evansville, Indiana. Just call 812-913-5007 or reach out online.