The particular issues involved when dealing with a high net worth divorce are something which we at Higgins Miller have a strong track record of dealing with. Although every divorce case has to go through a formally agreed and legally binding process, there is no escaping the fact that high net worth divorce cases bring with them a raft of issues which other cases don’t. These might involve dealing with business concerns, high value assets, multiple properties and pension plans, and our position as a leading Stockport family law firm means we are perfectly placed to deal with such issues.
That expertise is drawn from our geographical proximity to some of the most affluent parts of the country. The area of Cheshire, for example, which has been dubbed the ‘Golden Triangle’, is bordered by extremely wealthy areas such as Alderley Edge, Wilmslow and Mottram St. Andrew, and is home to some of the wealthiest people and families in the UK. Our work with these people has allowed us to amass experience in areas such as identifying and dividing assets and protecting those assets for future generations. When this is allied to our general expertise in areas such as family law, divorce and civil partnership, financial settlement and prenuptial and cohabitation agreements it means that Higgins Miller are the perfect legal practice to contact if you’re thinking of embarking upon a high net worth divorce case.
The fact that clients of this kind are classed as being high net worth individuals doesn’t stop us striving to minimise the financial implications of any divorce case. As far as we are concerned, avoiding lengthy court hearings means avoiding stress and emotional upheaval as well as costly legal fees, and so we always work with our high net worth divorce clients to reach an accommodation which satisfies all parties. Our expert knowledge, and the calm, accessible manner in which we put that knowledge to use, are vital in cases such as this, since a hasty or ill-thought agreement can, where high net worth individuals are concerned, end up proving to be very costly for one party or the other.
In the initial stages of any high net worth divorce our advice will centre upon how to divide any marital home or homes, how to identify, protect and, if necessary, divide any personal and business assets, finalising the maintenance arrangements for any children involved and dividing pension funds.
Many high net worth individuals opt to draw up and sign a prenuptial agreement before getting married. Agreements of this kind set out which of the two parties are the owner of any assets, and how these assets will be divided in the event of a divorce. Although they are not, strictly speaking, legally binding, prenuptial agreements have, since 2010, played an increasingly important role in divorce cases and, unless the court feels that an agreement is unfair to any children involved, will generally be recognised. Prenuptial agreements are particularly useful when one or both partners already have children from a previous marriage, and therefore wish to safeguard the future of their children by guaranteeing the division of assets. As with a high net worth divorce case, a successful prenuptial agreement is far more likely if the parties involved seek the expert help of Higgins Miller.
Any high net worth individual involved in or thinking of starting a divorce case should contact us at the earliest opportunity. You can call us on 0161 429 7251 or email us at [email protected]. An expert member of our team will take the details of your case and suggest the best way to move forward. As with all of our clients, high net worth individuals can take advantage of an initial fixed fee first appointment for £50 (Plus VAT).