Columbia High Asset Divorce Attorney
Divorce is never simple — but when a marriage involves significant assets, it becomes even more complex. The identification, valuation, and division of marital property requires careful analysis and experienced legal representation. Without the right guidance, you could walk away from your marriage without the financial security you need to move forward and access to the assets to which you are entitled under the law.
At the Law Office of Shelly M. Ingram, our attorneys have extensive experience representing clients in high asset divorce cases throughout Howard County and the surrounding Maryland counties. We understand the unique legal and financial challenges these cases present, and we are committed to protecting your interests at every stage of the process.
What Makes a Divorce 'High Asset'?
A high asset divorce typically involves marital estates with substantial or complex property, which may include:
- Real estate holdings, including primary residences, vacation properties, or investment properties
- Business interests, professional practices, or partnership shares
- Retirement accounts, pensions, and deferred compensation plans
- Stock portfolios, restricted stock units, or equity compensation
- Bonuses, commissions, and other variable income
- Trusts, inheritance assets, and family wealth
- Valuable personal property, including art, jewelry, and collectibles
The higher the value and complexity of the marital estate, the more important it becomes to work with a family law attorney who understands how to properly identify, document, and argue for the equitable division of these assets.
How Maryland Divides Marital Property
Maryland follows the doctrine of equitable distribution. This means that a court divides marital property in a way that is equitable under the circumstances. Equitable does not mean equal. The court will consider a list of factors to determine what is equitable, including:
- The length of the marriage
- Each spouse's monetary and non-monetary contributions to the marital estate
- The circumstances that contributed to the breakdown of the marriage
- Each spouse's age, health, and financial needs
- How and when specific assets were acquired
Not all property is subject to division. Assets that were owned before the marriage, or that were received as a gift or inheritance during the marriage, may be considered non-marital property. However, the line between marital and non-marital property is not always clear, particularly in long marriages or when assets have been commingled. Our attorneys know how to investigate and document property classifications to help protect your interests.
Valuation of Complex Assets
Accurately valuing complex assets is often one of the most contested aspects of a high asset divorce. Business interests, professional practices, and retirement benefits can be difficult to value, and it is not uncommon to disagree about how much these assets are worth. At the Law Office of Shelly M. Ingram, we work closely with financial experts and forensic accountants when necessary to ensure that all assets are properly identified and accurately valued.