Buffalo High-End Divorce Attorneys Protect Clients’ Interests 

Providing powerful legal support for complex high-asset divorces

When you are a high-net-worth individual, the amount of property at stake in a divorce is substantial. At the Law Offices of Randy S. Margulis, our attorneys develop effective strategies to safeguard the monetary interests of wealthy New Yorkers and ensure advantageous financial outcomes. As trusted family lawyers in Buffalo with extensive experience in high-end divorce cases, we are knowledgeable about the unique issues affluent people face in ending their marriages. 

Issues in high-net-worth divorce we help with

Working with attorneys who understand the complexities of high-end divorce is the first step toward moving on with life with your wealth intact. We can provide guidance related to the full range of issues concerning asset division including: 

• Business valuation
• How family businesses are divided 
• Protection of separate property
• Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements 
• Valuation of professional licenses
• Valuation of professional degrees
• Division of retirement benefits
• Tax consequences in high-net-worth divorce 
• Real estate concerns

You can rely on our firm for strong and effective legal support in safeguarding what is rightfully yours and pursuing your fair share of the marital estate. 

Determining marital versus separate property

Only marital property is subject to division. Property owned before marriage, received as a gift or inheritance by one spouse, or protected by a valid prenuptial or postnuptial agreement is generally separate property. However, you must prove that assets are separate property and be aware that commingling of assets can turn separate into marital property. In high-income marriages where parties have businesses, intricate investments, professional practices, pricey artwork and collectibles and other high-value assets, determining what belongs in the marital versus separate pot is a complex process, especially when there is disagreement. We will help you identify the evidence to prove what is yours alone and advocate for you in property disputes. 

Valuing marital property in divorce 

Before marital property is divided it has to be valued. Valuing involves hiring experts in forensic accounting, tax specialists, business appraisers and real estate professionals to evaluate asset worth. Your spouse may also hire their own experts who may arrive at different conclusions. Our law firm can help you in identifying trusted experts for valuations and stand up for your interests if there is conflict as to asset values. 

How New York divides property 

Sometimes couples can reach settlement between themselves in dividing marital property. Our attorneys can assist with negotiations and reviewing the settlement agreement to ensure fairness, which is critical in divorces with complicated assets and properties. It is often preferable to reach settlement because that allows you and your spouse to maintain control of the process and also keeps your private financial business from being aired in court. As family law attorneys with three decades of experience, we know, though, that agreement is not always possible. If you and your spouse cannot agree, an Erie County family court judge will decide for you using the law of equitable distribution. In equitable distribution assets are divided fairly but not necessarily equally after the court considers numerous financial and personal factors. 

Contact an experienced New York law firm for your high-end divorce

At the Law Offices of Randy S. Margulis in Buffalo, we achieve beneficial results for high-net-worth Western New York clients in issues of asset division, spousal support and the full range of divorce concerns. To schedule a confidential consultation with an attorney call 716-886-9600 or contact us online.