Mission Viejo High Net Worth Divorce Lawyer

Mission Viejo High Net Worth Divorce Attorney

Divorce is never easy, especially when complex finances are involved. Having a skilled Mission Viejo high net worth divorce lawyer on your side can mean the difference between coming out of your divorce protected and walking away from your marriage empty-handed.

At Quinn & Dworakowski, LLP, we understand how complicated high-asset divorce cases can be, both financially and emotionally. We work with you to protect your interests, outline your options, and aggressively advocate for your goals throughout the legal process.

Hire a High Net Worth Divorce Lawyer

Quinn & Dworakowski, LLP offers legal representation for people in Mission Viejo who are dealing with divorce and high net worth family law issues. The firm has extensive experience with thorough financial review, strategic case preparation, and a comprehensive knowledge of California’s community property laws.

We understand how to successfully handle contested asset division, support issues, and litigation in Orange County family court. Let us work for you to protect your financial future.

Division of Retirement Accounts & Investments

If retirement accounts or investments were established during the marriage, then they are generally considered community property and subject to division upon divorce. If one or both spouses entered the marriage with retirement funds or investments, those assets may remain separate property. Contributions made during the marriage and any increase in value attributable to community contributions or efforts may be subject to division under California law.

Important steps in the property division process include identifying all retirement accounts and investments, tracing separate property and community property, and determining the proper valuation methods to be used for each asset. Due to these complexities, high asset divorces typically involve more financial analysis than the average divorce case.

Business Interests & Professional Practices

Assets owned by one or both spouses that may impact future earnings or control include interests in businesses or professional practices. Dividing business interests can become complicated, as they can take many forms, such as closely held corporations, partnerships, professional corporations, sole proprietorships, or even passive investments.

Common disputes include valuation methods, whether the business interest is considered community property or separate property, if one spouse wants to buy out the other’s interest in the business, and disagreements over imputing income from the business for support calculations

Use of Financial Professionals in High-Asset Divorce Cases

Financial professionals are often used in high net worth divorce cases to address issues of valuation and disclosure. Common types of professionals include: 

• forensic accountants to review income and spending, identify hidden assets, and track irregular transactions
• business valuation professionals to determine the value of ownership interests
• tax professionals to project long-term tax implications of proposed agreements

Financial professionals help courts unravel complex finances and offer objective insight regarding financial issues. Ultimately, professional findings may impact negotiations related to property division, spousal support, and long-term financial considerations.

High Net Worth Divorce Proceedings for Mission Viejo Residents

Divorce cases in Mission Viejo are litigated in the Orange County Superior Court at the Lamoreaux Justice Center. Divorce filings involving high net worth individuals processed through this court feature comprehensive discovery processes, which include financial disclosures, formal information requests, and judicial decisions regarding valuation conflicts.

Before making decisions, judges may hear testimony from financial professionals, review financial documents and depositions, and consider long-term financial support. High net worth divorces can take longer than average and typically require more procedural steps. It’s important to understand how cases progress through the Orange County family court system.

Determining Lifestyle in Divorce Proceedings

Courts may rely on lifestyle analysis during divorce proceedings to discover how assets were spent throughout the marriage. Items that may be reviewed during a lifestyle analysis include home expenses, travel costs, entertainment, and any other discretionary spending. In cases where there is variable income or income from investments, this type of evidence can show a person’s spending ability outside of reported income.

Lifestyle analysis can pull from bank statements, credit card accounts, and compiled financial reports. In high net worth divorce cases, determining lifestyle may help both spouses understand how spending contributed to the marital standard of living.

FAQs About Mission Viejo, CA High Net Worth Divorce Laws

How Do Divorce Rates in California Compare to the National Average?

Divorce rates in California are higher than the national average. According to recent data, California had 5.88 divorces per 1,000 residents, while across all states, the average was 2.4 divorces per 1,000 people. While these numbers help establish an idea of divorce frequency, they don’t show how complicated a case can become. When you hire a high net worth divorce lawyer, they can help you gauge what your specific process could entail.

Are High Net Worth Divorces Treated Differently Under California Law?

High net worth divorces are treated the same as other divorces under California law. Divorce cases with more money involved typically have more discovery. You can usually expect more documentation, more professionals, and longer time requirements. But the same laws and statutes apply to every divorce case in the state.

Can Privacy Be a Concern in High Net Worth Divorce Cases?

Yes, privacy can be a concern in high net worth divorces cases that involve a significant amount of money or a career that may be affected by public perception. Because most divorce filings and trials are public records, you may be required to disclose financial information. While there are ways to protect areas of your finances through the divorce process, a high-asset divorce usually requires significant documentation. Know that trials are open to the public.

Does Wealth Affect Whether a Divorce Is Contested or Uncontested?

Wealth does not affect whether a divorce is contested or uncontested. Just because you have a high net worth does not mean you automatically have a contested divorce. Some high-asset divorces are uncontested, while others are not. Whether your divorce is contested only has to do with the degree to which parties are able to agree on the terms of the divorce, including the division of the marital estate and, when applicable, spousal support.

Contact a Mission Viejo High Net Worth Divorce Lawyer

Divorces for high net worth individuals can be complex with multiple financial factors and implications in Mission Viejo. Quinn & Dworakowski, LLP practices family law for California residents and is here to help you through these issues. Contact us to set up a consultation and hire a high net worth divorce lawyer who is ready to meet your marital estate’s needs.