High-Asset Divorce

A look at how an inheritance is treated during a divorce

Massachusetts couples may be interested in information regarding the splitting of inheritances during a divorce. The outcome could depend on how the money is treated when received. When a marriage ends, there are often questions about whether certain property is included in the division between the former spouses. One type of property that may be contentious is an inheritance received by one spouse during the marriage. An inheritance received before or after the marriage is generally not considered marital property, so this is usually not divided. Similarly, when an inheritance is received during a marriage by only one spouse, this usually not counted as marital property. When the inheritance is received and the funds are kept separate from other marital property, it is usually safe. This means that the money is deposited in a separate bank account than the rest of the money owned by the former couple. If the inheritor commingles the inheritance with the rest of the couple’s money, though, this could make it part of the former couple’s marital property. This, in turn, would be part of the property division phase of the divorce. This could apply to both inheritances received during the marriage and outside of the marriage. It may be possible to show that the funds were never meant to be mixed, but the bar for proving this in court can be quite high. Understanding the proper way to handle inheritance funds, real estate holdings and other property in a high net-worth divorce can be

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Addressing complex property concerns during a divorce

While many Massachusetts divorces can be contentious as property division is discussed, some situations are more challenging because of the complex nature of marital and other assets. Business interests, stocks, real estate, and other issues may require particularly careful analysis to determine value and status as marital or separate assets. Those of you who hold executive positions, own your own companies or have a high net worth may find these issues to be particularly significant during divorce proceedings. An effective approach to property division begins with accurately valuing assets. Tax consequences should also be considered as certain funds are evaluated. In addition to determining the value of retirement resources, professional bonuses, stock options, and bank accounts, it is important to evaluate collectible items, antiques, and other physical belongings of value. Real estate and closely held businesses should also be evaluated. With an accurate value of the marital estate, it is possible to work toward setting attainable goals related to the property division phase of the divorce. The principle of equitable distribution is a guiding factor through this process. A fair division of assets is often determined by a judge, meaning that it is important to present a convincing argument for your wishes with regard to complex assets. It may be a priority to define certain properties as separate during this phase. A prenuptial agreement may also play a significant role in determining how marital assets are to be divided. If you are facing challenges related to high-value or complex assets

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High net-worth divorce could complicate Massachusetts proceedings

For many Massachusetts residents, being successful may mean gaining a considerable amount of money. Measuring success in this manner is not uncommon, and many individuals hope to maintain a certain level of wealth once it has been achieved. However, high net-worth divorce could threaten a person’s ability to remain in control of their assets, especially if there was not a prenuptial agreement in place. Harold Hamm, founder of successful oil company Continental Resources, may be wishing that he had created a prenuptial agreement as he is now going through divorce. It was reported that Hamm’s worth comes in at approximately $17 billion, and now that he and his wife are separating, that wealth could potentially be split in half if it determined that it falls under marital property. In this case, the difference between hard work and luck could play a crucial role. Hamm claims that he was very lucky in obtaining the wealth that is currently attributed to his name. As a result, he believes that he should continue to be in full control of that wealth. However, the assets involved in this situation could potentially be considered marital property and up for equitable division if it is determined that Hamm’s gaining of the wealth had little to do with luck. Because Hamm would like to maintain his wealth and his wife likely hopes to gain an equal share, the high net-worth divorce could be quite complicated. For Massachusetts residents who have a considerable amount of wealth themselves, this

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High net-worth divorce could affect Massachusetts residents

Preparing for a situation that Massachusetts residents believe will be emotionally taxing may be difficult. High net-worth divorce could be one of those situations as the parties involved may feel that their lifestyle will be greatly affected by separation. Therefore, individuals may wish to ensure that they focus on the proceedings as clearly as possible in order to be better able to prepare for their future. When a significant amount of money or property is to be divided during a divorce, it may seem easy to simply worry about how to gain assets that are worth more. Parties may think that they will be more easily able to maintain their lifestyle if they obtain more money or valuable property. However, not all property is easily sold, and if an individual needs the income from the assets, he or she could be found in a difficult situation. If an individual is able to maintain ownership of a residence, it may seem as if something has been won. Unfortunately, making payments on a home may be more difficult when an income is reduced due to divorce. Therefore, researching and preparing for what a person’s situation may be like financially after divorce could help parties have the ability to focus on what would be best for their future as opposed to simply gaining as much property as they can. High net-worth divorce can be difficult for the individuals involved as they may wish to fight in order to maintain the lifestyle they are

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High net-worth divorce: majority of Mihos assets to go to wife

When the divorce was granted on Oct. 15, the judge found that Christy Mihos, politician and businessman from Massachusetts, was a deceiving, ego-driven man. His impulsive and reckless behavior was said to have resulted in financial destruction. In the high net-worth divorce case of Christy and his wife Andrea, the court ruled that the majority of their assets go to Andrea. Andrea Mihos accused Christy of misusing millions of dollars during two hopeless political campaigns in 2006 and 2010, along with squandering money on porn stars, strippers and prostitutes. The majority of the Mihos’ remaining riches are offset by liabilities or tied up in real estate, as shown in documents filed in bankruptcy court and the divorce case. The judge ordered two multimillion-dollar homes on Great Island to be sold. According to court documents, the assets are worth around $4 million, including profits from the sale of the Great Island properties. Of this, the judge ordered Christy to receive $1.1 million and Andrea approximately $2.9 million. Christy Mihos had suggested he receive 53 percent, while Andrea Mihos wished to receive 95 percent of the net assets. The final decision granted the husband about 28 percent and the wife about 72 percent. Their condominium in Florida and a home on Great Island were split between them. Of their vehicles, the judge ordered that Andrea Mihos will get a leased BMW, two Land Rovers and a Mercedes, while Christy Mihos will get a Jeep. This Massachusetts high net-worth divorce battle is far

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Custody and stock options, Could this happen in Massachusetts?

Ongoing and pernicious divorce negotiations could happen to any couple with significant assets, in Massachusetts or another jurisdiction. Stock options, real estate holdings and other investments can complicate matters. One particular divorce in another state has lasted for more than a decade. There have also been more than 600 court filings. Though not quite a record, the proceedings are certainly on the extreme end of what is at stake. The divorce was originally filed on Aug. 13, 2003, and a divorce was granted nearly two years later. That part is over but other things which both parties feel are worth fighting for are still in court. Things like child visitation, supervised visits, stock options are involved. Moreover, complex financial issues such as who pays for what have been difficult for the parties to sort out. Further complications regarding possible Securities and Exchange Commission violations have also come into play. Legal moves have been made by both parties. Expert opinions regarding the character or psychological makeup of a party, if left unanswered can have damaging consequences. Nevertheless, countering such legal moves, though sometimes difficult, is achievable. It is often important to distinguish between unsupported allegations and actual proof. Most divorces, in Massachusetts or elsewhere, do not take 10 years to resolve — even with complicated child custody or financial issues like stock options or other extensive assets. When one party is fighting with everything they can possibly throw on the table, asserting one’s legal rights to reach a fair and acceptable

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Social media could affect high net-worth divorce in Massachusetts

Massachusetts residents going through a high net-worth divorce may not realize the impact the use of social media can have on the outcome of their divorce. Most people use at least one form of social media without realizing the repercussions it could have. A recent article that discussed social media outlets and the surprising ways they can impact a divorce settlement may be of special interest to those facing a high net-worth divorce. One of the things the article pointed out is that couples typically have mutual friends that will feel forced to choose one person’s side. Therefore, anything posted on a social media outlet, such as Twitter or Facebook can easily be relayed to the other party in the divorce. This can be an issue if one person is posting pictures of expensive trips or things about their spending habits if they’re trying to hide some of their assets during the divorce process. Other forms of communication including emails and text messages could also potentially be subpoenaed in court. Therefore, a person may want to keep in mind that anything they type, send, or post can be used against them. The article suggests a person doesn’t say anything they wouldn’t announce to the entire world. If the husband has a girlfriend he is providing for financially, and there is any evidence of that, it can be used in court. A high net-worth divorce can be a complicated situation that can be made a little easier by having an understanding

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Murdoch split highlights difficulties in high net-worth divorces

Most Massachusetts couples involved in the dissolution of their marriage do not have to deal with complex property division. Most divorcing couples do not have millions in assets to consider. For those couples such as Rupert and Wendi Murdoch who are currently involved in a high net-worth divorce, the issues can become more complex and may require greater amounts of time and negotiation to resolve. Rupert Murdoch, the media mogul is ending his 14 year marriage to his wife. In spite of legal contracts drawn up prior to the marriage (pre-nuptial) and during the marriage (post-nuptial) there are still many issues that will need to be resolved. The couple had two children during the course of the marriage. Accordingly, custody and visitation will have to be determined. Family trusts that have been created may need to have new administrators selected, and marital assets outside the scope of post-nuptial agreements will need to be divided fairly. Although discussions regarding the division of property and schedules of assets are all very impersonal and business-oriented, it should be remembered that a divorce is not often just the dissolution of an economic relationship. Frequently, strong emotions play a part in the success or failure of negotiations and proposed divorce settlements. Money issues aside, it is still the deconstruction of a family and therefore should be handled with care and respect for the feelings of all those involved. Those in Massachusetts who, like the Wendy and Rupert Murdoch, are dealing with a high net-worth divorce

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