Palm Beach Divorce Lawyers
Top-Tier Divorce Firm in Serving All of Florida
Sasser, Cestero & Roy, P.A. is widely recognized for its expertise in managing intricate and high-value divorce cases in Florida while maintaining utmost confidentiality. Our team of skilled Family and Marital Law Specialists, who are board certified, places a strong emphasis on safeguarding our clients' privacy. We fully grasp the significance of shielding your personal matters from public scrutiny, and we are dedicated to ensuring that your private life remains out of the spotlight.
In Palm Beach, high-asset divorces pose unique challenges that demand a significant degree of legal acumen, financial savvy, and confidentiality.
These types of divorces often involve the following complex matters:
- Ownership of privately held businesses and shares in publicly traded companies.
- Offshore bank accounts and international financial holdings.
- Retirement funds, diverse investments, stocks, mutual funds, and bonds.
- Extensive real estate portfolios, including residential and commercial properties.
- Inherited assets and trusts.
- Evaluation of businesses and the division of joint business interests.
- Thorough investigation and disclosure of income and assets.
- Management of cross-border assets that may span multiple jurisdictions.
- Determination of marital and nonmarital property, both within the country and internationally.
Looking for answers regarding high-asset divorce or in need of the proficient guidance of a seasoned divorce lawyer in Palm Beach? Kickstart the process by reaching out to Sasser, Cestero & Roy, P.A. at (561) 693-1241. We're here to assist you.
What Makes a High Net Worth Divorce Different?
While divorce doesn't discriminate based on income or net worth, high-net-worth divorce cases are more complicated and require more time and attention. Our firm is experienced in dealing with high-net-worth divorce cases, and we are well-equipped to represent you through the process.
A high-net-worth divorce differs from a typical divorce in several key aspects. Here are some factors that make a high-net-worth divorce distinct:
Complex Asset Division: High net worth divorces often involve substantial assets, such as multiple properties, businesses, investments, stock options, offshore accounts, valuable collections, and more. Dividing these assets equitably requires a thorough understanding of financial matters and the ability to navigate intricate ownership structures.
Valuation Challenges: Assigning accurate values to diverse assets can be challenging in high-net-worth divorces. Expert appraisers may be needed to assess the worth of businesses, real estate, artwork, intellectual property, and other valuable holdings. Valuation disputes are more common and can prolong the divorce process.
Spousal Support: With significant wealth involved, spousal support or alimony calculations become more complex. The court must consider the lifestyle and financial needs of both parties to determine a fair and appropriate amount. Factors like income disparities, standard of living during the marriage, and future earning potential may heavily influence the spousal support determination.
Privacy and Publicity Concerns: High-profile individuals or those who value their privacy are often more concerned about keeping their divorce proceedings out of the public eye. They may strive for confidential settlements or opt for alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation or collaborative divorce, to maintain discretion.
Financial Expertise: Given the intricate financial landscape, it is crucial to have a legal team experienced in handling high-net-worth divorces. Attorneys specialized in family law, particularly those with expertise in complex financial matters, can provide the necessary guidance to protect their clients' financial interests.
Emotional Complexity: High-net-worth divorces can be emotionally charged due to the stakes involved. The emotions surrounding the division of substantial assets, business interests, and financial security can intensify the overall divorce process. It is essential to work with professionals who understand the unique emotional challenges associated with high-net-worth divorces.
Navigating a high-net-worth divorce requires a skilled legal team with expertise in complex financial matters, valuation, and negotiation. We can help ensure a fair and equitable division of assets while prioritizing the client's financial well-being and protecting their privacy.
Marital Versus Nonmarital Property
Marital property refers to assets and liabilities acquired during the course of the marriage by either or both spouses.
- Income
- Retirement accounts
- Stocks, bonds, and mutual funds
- 401(k)s, IRAs, profit-sharing accounts
- Benefits
Nonmarital property, also known as separate property or premarital property, generally consists of assets or debts that were acquired by either spouse before the marriage.
- Assets, property, and debts defined in a legal written agreement, such as a premarital agreement
- Income from separate property
- Items exchanged for or purchased with separate property (re-write)
- Gifts acquired during marriage
Can Separate Property Become Marital Property in FL?
Yes, in Florida, separate property can potentially become marital property through a process called "transmutation" or under certain circumstances known as "co-mingling" or "appreciation."
Situations where separate property may be classified as marital property include:
Co-mingling: If separate property, such as funds or assets, is mixed or combined with marital assets to the extent that it becomes indistinguishable, it can be considered co-mingled. This co-mingling may lead to the reclassification of the separate property as marital property. For example, if funds from a separate bank account are used to purchase a marital home, the funds used may be deemed marital property.
Appreciation: If the value of separate property increases during the marriage due to the efforts or contributions of both spouses, the appreciation in value may be considered marital property. This commonly occurs with businesses, investments, or real estate that experience growth or enhancement during the marriage as a result of joint efforts.
Transmutation: A transmutation occurs when there is a clear intention by both spouses to convert separate property into marital property. This can happen through a written agreement, such as a postnuptial agreement, where the spouses explicitly state their intent to treat separate property as marital property.
Grounds for Divorce in FL
In Florida, the grounds for divorce are based on a "no-fault" divorce system, which means that a spouse does not need to prove fault or wrongdoing on the part of the other spouse to obtain a divorce.
The only grounds for divorce recognized in Florida is anirretrievable breakdown of the marriage. This occurs when the marriage is no longer viable, and there is no reasonable expectation of reconciliation. One or both spouses can state that the marriage is irretrievably broken, leading to the dissolution of the marriage.
Equitable Distribution in FL
Our Philosophy
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Protecting Your PrivacyWe offer best-in-class legal services means we are committed to handling our clients’ cases with the utmost professionalism and discretion. Your case is in safe, protective hands.
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Unmatched Family Law Experience
Our team has an unparalleled reputation as the premier family law firm in Florida. We are the best choice to help you navigate the complexities and details of your case.
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Equipped For International Cases
Our team is ready to help you with international issues related to your case. We are available to assist in international agreements, jurisdictional disputes, international child abduction, gathering evidence from foreign countries, and other international matters.
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Direct Attorney AccessCommunication and collaboration between attorney and client is key to the outcome of a case. From start to finish, you will always be able to contact your attorney directly.