Denver High Net Worth Divorce Lawyers
When one or both spouses in a divorce hold substantial assets, the financial and emotional stakes increase significantly. A high-net-worth divorce involves complex property division, asset valuation, tax considerations, and privacy concerns that require strategic legal guidance. Working with an experienced Denver high-net-worth divorce attorney helps protect your financial interests, respect your privacy, and accurately account for every asset.
At Plog & Stein, P.C., our attorneys have represented clients in high-asset and complex divorce cases throughout Denver and surrounding Colorado counties since 1999.
We understand that every asset requires thoughtful analysis and a personalized legal strategy. If you live in the Denver area and are searching for “high-net-worth divorce lawyers near me,” we can help.
What Is a High-Net-Worth Divorce?
In a divorce, couples divide marital property while each spouse retains their separate property.
Colorado law requires courts to divide marital property equitably, meaning fairly, though not necessarily equally. Marital property includes assets that either spouse acquired during the marriage.
Separate property includes assets that either spouse acquired before the marriage, after legal separation, by gift or inheritance, or from the appreciation of their separate property.
A high-net-worth divorce involves significant financial assets, typically exceeding $1 million in combined marital property. These matters often include liquid assets, such as cash and stocks that can be easily converted into money, and illiquid assets, such as real estate or business ownership that an owner cannot sell quickly.
High-net-worth divorces demand detailed financial analysis and collaboration with professionals to determine asset value and ownership.
What Makes High-Net-Worth Divorces Unique?
High-net-worth divorces differ from standard divorces in terms of scope, complexity, and financial risk.
Common complications in high-net-worth divorce cases include:
- Diverse holdings. Couples often hold various types of property, such as stocks, bonds, business interests, real estate, trusts, cryptocurrency, and other accounts, that require accurate valuation before division.
- Unvested or deferred compensation. Spouses must determine the value of income or benefits such as stock options and restricted stock units (RSUs), which are shares or bonuses that vest over time, based on when and how they become available.
- Hidden assets. One spouse may attempt to conceal marital assets to prevent the other from taking their fair share.
- Spousal maintenance. Spouses may be accustomed to a high standard of living and more likely to request spousal maintenance (alimony).
Determining the value of these varied assets can be particularly challenging; therefore, high-net-worth divorces often involve the services of financial experts.
Expert Valuation
Accurately determining the value of complex assets is one of the most critical steps in a high-net-worth divorce. A skilled Denver high-net-worth divorce lawyer collaborates with financial experts such as:
- Forensic accountants—examine financial records to identify hidden or misreported income and assets;
- Business valuators—determine the fair market value of privately held companies or partnerships, including goodwill;
- Tax professionals—evaluate how asset division may affect each spouse’s tax exposure, including potential current and future tax obligations; and
- Real estate appraisers—determine the fair market value of homes, commercial properties, and investment real estate.
Without reliable valuations, one spouse may receive far less or more than their fair share.
Diversity of Holdings
High-net-worth couples typically own a diverse range of assets, each presenting unique valuation challenges and tax implications. Common examples include:
- Investment portfolios such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and cryptocurrency;
- Multiple real estate properties, including vacation homes, rentals, and commercial holdings; and
- Business interests, including private companies, family-owned businesses, and professional practices.
Each asset may require a separate valuation method, and in some cases, expert testimony may be necessary to determine its true worth. A Denver high-net-worth divorce attorney helps clients analyze liquidity, long-term value, and potential tax impacts before agreeing to any division.
Unvested and Deferred Compensation
Many executives, business owners, and professionals receive part of their income through unvested or deferred compensation. Common examples include:
- Stock options or restricted stock units (RSUs) that vest over time,
- Deferred bonuses or performance-based pay, and
- Retirement benefits that accumulate during the marriage.
Determining the marital share of these assets can be a complex process.
Hidden Assets
High-net-worth divorces sometimes involve assets that one spouse attempts to conceal, such as undisclosed accounts or misrepresented business income.
To uncover the full financial picture, our attorneys utilize discovery tools such as subpoenas and depositions. We also work with forensic accountants to verify reported income and reveal concealed assets. A fair resolution depends on complete financial transparency.
Spousal Maintenance (Alimony)
High-net-worth divorces may be more likely to include disputes over spousal maintenance, which is financial support one spouse pays to the other during or after the divorce.
When deciding whether to order one spouse to pay the other spousal maintenance, Colorado courts consider factors such as:
- Each spouse’s financial resources and ability to earn income,
- The standard of living established during the marriage,
- The duration of the marriage and the contributions each spouse made, and
- Any economic disparities that result from dividing property.
Our attorneys craft detailed, evidence-based arguments to ensure that Colorado law treats maintenance awards fairly and consistently.
How a Denver High-Net-Worth Divorce Lawyer Helps
A knowledgeable Denver high-net-worth divorce lawyer does more than provide legal advice. They coordinate the financial, legal, and strategic elements necessary to protect your long-term interests. Our attorneys at Plog & Stein, P.C. help clients by:
- Identifying and categorizing marital and separate assets;
- Working with valuation experts to ensure accuracy;
- Designing property division strategies that minimize tax consequences;
- Negotiating fair settlements that reflect each spouse’s contributions; and
- Representing you in court when the spouses cannot reach an agreement.
We combine assertive advocacy with practical problem-solving.
Protect Your Future with an Experienced Denver High-Net-Worth Divorce Attorney
For over 25 years, Plog & Stein, P.C. has guided Colorado clients through challenging family law matters, including high-net-worth divorces. Clients throughout the Denver area know us for our:
- Extensive experience in asset valuation, financial discovery, and property division;
- Tailored legal strategies built around each client’s goals;
- Collaborative work with financial and tax professionals; and
- Commitment to privacy, efficiency, and transparency throughout every stage of your case.
Our firm serves clients across Denver, Douglas, and Arapahoe counties, including Aurora, Centennial, Highlands Ranch, and Castle Rock. We focus on protecting your wealth, privacy, and future stability.
Contact us to schedule a confidential consultation with a seasoned Denver high-net-worth divorce attorney today. We’ll help you inventory complex assets, evaluate options, and pursue a resolution that protects your financial future.
