High Net Worth Divorce

Why Choose Howells Solicitors for Your High Net Worth Divorce?

If a high-net-worth divorce is handled incorrectly this can result in lengthy litigation, financial loss, reputation damage and a chance of you not receiving what you deserve in a settlement. High net worth divorces typically raise highly complex legal and commercial issues that demand expert legal advice and representation from a high net worth divorce solicitor.

A divorce solicitor does more than just handle paperwork during the divorce process. We are with you throughout the entire process, providing invaluable divorce advice and professional and emotional support.

As one of the largest and most respected family law teams in the region, we combine high-quality legal advice with cost-effective solutions. We are also one of the highest rated divorce solicitors for client care and expertise.

Our affordable family law solicitors make the family law process straightforward and cost-effective. Whether you’re considering a separation or applying for a divorce, we offer expert legal advice through fixed-fee divorce packages and competitive hourly rates.

Our team of high net worth divorce solicitors are part of one of the largest family law teams in the north of England. The Legal 500 accredits the team as one of the top family law firms in the country.

The team are also accredited by Resolution and the Law Society and have many positive client reviews, earning them a rating of 4.9 out of 5 on Review Solicitors.

What is a High Net Worth Divorce?

A high net worth individual typically owns assets exceeding £1 million. The term ‘high net worth’, in the context of a divorce, generally means couples have a combined net worth of £1 million or more. High net worth divorces involve considerations that normal divorces do not.

A high net worth divorce involves situations where there are assets, pensions and/or income in the marriage that exceed what the divorce court believes the reasonable financial needs of both spouses to be.

High net worth divorces are complicated because there is usually the following involved:

• Assets that are held in complex structures, such as wealth tied up in trusts.
• High value matrimonial property.
• Business interests and/or business assets, such as business shares.
• Prenuptial agreements.
• High value pensions.
• Investments, such as stocks and shares.
• Luxury goods of high value, such as cars, jewellery, and technology.
• High value expenses, such as private school fees.
• Tax implications associated with asset division and payments.

High-net-worth divorces present distinct challenges that demand specialised legal expertise. One of the primary challenges of high value divorces is ensuring that all assets are disclosed and accurately valued. With significant financial stakes, the outcome can have a profound effect on the financial future of both parties.

What Will Be Considered When Dividing Assets in High Net Worth Divorce?

A divorce ends your marriage, but it doesn’t end your financial ties to your former spouse. A high net worth divorce requires detailed valuation and division of assets within the divorce settlement, which includes:

• Financial Wealth
• Business Interests
• Property Wealth
• Investments
• Pensions
• Luxury Goods

The court considers a fair division based on factors like the length of the marriage and both parties’ financial needs.

To ensure you get a fair divorce financial settlement, it is advised to seek advice from a divorce solicitor.

Contact us or call us on 0114 2235 807 to book a free consultation today.

Non-Disclosure in High Net Worth Divorce

Financial disclosure is a process where you and your ex-spouse provide information to the other regarding your income, assets, and debts. The purpose of financial disclosure is to ensure that you both have a clear understanding of each other’s finances so you can negotiate a fair agreement on how to divide your assets and address any ongoing financial responsibilities.

Some spouses may refuse to make full and frank disclosure of their financial position to gain a financial advantage over the other spouse. A divorce solicitor will be able to ask the court to intervene where necessary. When needed, applications to court for emergency remedies can be made. The complexities involved in disclosing financial wealth in high net worth divorces require specialised legal representation.

Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements

Prenuptial agreements, often referred to as ‘prenups,’ are common in high net-worth marriages to outline the terms of a potential separation. These agreements can detail how premarital assets, inheritances, and business interests will be allocated in the event of a divorce.

If you have a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, this may help to make division of assets more straightforward.

Assets Owned Before a Marriage

In high net worth divorces, arguments about whether assets should properly be classified as matrimonial or non-matrimonial will likely have a greater significance than in ordinary divorces.

In high net-worth cases, spouses with non-matrimonial assets regularly engage in arguments about why these assets should not be shared on divorce.

A high net worth divorce solicitor will find out if the needs of a spouse or any of the children of the family can or cannot be met from the parties’ matrimonial property alone.

Child Maintenance

Child maintenance is a critical aspect of any divorce where children are involved. The court considers various factors when determining child maintenance payments, including the income and financial resources of both parents, the needs of the child, and the family’s standard of living.

The court may consider a range of expenses, such as private school fees, extracurricular activities, and other costs associated with the child’s upbringing. Find out more on child maintenance here.

Child Custody

Child custody or arrangements for children, including access, are crucial considerations in high net worth divorces. Custody and access arrangements can be particularly complex in high net worth divorces, especially when one parent has a high profile or significant financial resources.

Working with a family law solicitor experienced in high net worth divorces is essential to determine these arrangements fairly and in the best interests of the child. Find out more on child custody here.

Business Interests in a High Net Worth Divorce

The most significant asset in high value divorces is often a privately-owned business or shares in a business. The value of these business interests will need to be considered during division of assets.

A specialist high net worth divorce solicitor can help you to effectively evaluate the business assets to ensure that this process is fair for both parties involved.

Pensions in a High Net Worth Divorce

Pensions often represent one of the largest assets in a high net worth divorce. There are three different ways to divide pensions in divorce:

• Pension Sharing.
• Pension Offsetting.
• Pension Earmarking.

Each approach has its benefits and challenges, and the right choice depends on your individual circumstances.

Contact us or call us on 0114 2235 807 to book a free appointment today and discuss your circumstances.

Non-Matrimonial Property

Non-matrimonial property is property acquired before the marriage. In high net worth divorce cases, there are often arguments regarding whether non-matrimonial assets should be shared between the spouses.

The decision on non-matrimonial property will be determined by the Courts based on if the financial needs of both parties are met.

Trusts

Trusts can be complicated to deal with during divorce, especially if they are family trusts where one spouse is a beneficiary but not the sole beneficiary. If a trust benefits the family, it might be considered when dividing assets. Exactly how trusts will be treated will depend on the circumstances, so it is important to get specialist legal advice from a high net worth divorce solicitor on this matter.

How Can You Protect Wealth in a Divorce?

There are penalties in England and Wales if you do not fully disclose your financial position during divorce proceedings. However, Trusts are often used to ‘protect’ assets in a divorce. Creating a trust under false pretence to ‘protect’ money in a divorce will lead to the court to believe this is legal interference.

Other options are postnuptial agreements which can be used to protect assets acquired before and during the marriage.

Find out more in our Protecting Assets During a Divorce advice article.

Flexible Family Law Appointments

We understand that dealing with family law matters can be stressful, and finding time to attend in-person appointments isn’t always easy. That’s why we offer our full range of family law services remotely, offering a more efficient and convenient service.

We are able to offer advice nationwide on that basis, which can often work out to be cheaper and more convenient, frequently providing representation to family law clients around the whole country.

We can offer our family law legal support via telephone or secure online meetings. This approach allows you to access expert legal advice from the comfort of your home, without the need to travel or rearrange your schedule. I

If your case requires a court hearing, many such procedural matters are now handled remotely too, or if in person we can arrange representation by a suitable local barrister, ensuring your legal journey is as smooth and accessible as possible.

Our remote services are designed to be just as personal and confidential as in-person consultations, with clear communication and full transparency every step of the way.

Remote appointments are offered throughout the case, and most correspondence is handled by email. Whether you’re dealing with sensitive family matters or simply seeking guidance, we ensure a smooth, stress-free experience that puts your needs first.

If you do wish to meet us face to face, you can book an appointment at one of our offices in Sheffield, Barnsley or Rotherham. While remote services offer convenience, they may not be suitable for those with limited digital literacy or access or where safeguarding is critical.

Contact us or call us on 0114 2235 807 to speak to a family law expert or book an appointment today.

Our High Net Worth Divorce Solicitors

Our Divorce Solicitors represent clients in:

• Sheffield
• Barnsley
• Rotherham
• Doncaster 
• Derbyshire, including Chesterfield
• Other South Yorkshire areas
• Nottingham and surrounding areas in Nottinghamshire
• London and surrounding areas
• Other areas in the north of England, including Manchester, Liverpool,   Newcastle, Bradford, Bolton and Middlesbrough
• The midlands, including Birmingham, Stoke on Trent, Wolverhampton, Coventry, Peterborough, Leicester and Cheltenham
• The south of England, including Plymouth, Cornwall, Dorset, Milton Keys and Exeter
• Cheshire
• Nationwide (throughout England)

The divorce team offer a free 30-minute consultation on your first visit, which can be made face-to-face, on the phone or virtually.

Contact us or call us on 0114 2235 807 to book your free consultation today.

Free Divorce Advice

Our High Net Worth Divorce Solicitors offer a free legal consultation to new clients. You can book an appointment by telephone, video call or in person You can book a consultation to have by telephone, video call or in person, at a time that suits your needs.

What is included:

• A 30-minute in depth consultation with a qualified family law Solicitor.
• A good understanding of your legal position and issues surrounding your situation.
• A clear road map of your situation and the solutions available to you.
• An estimate of your costs.

The process is:

1. Contact us and speak to one of our friendly family law team members for a confidential discussion on your situation.

2. Book your free family law consultation with one of our specialist family law solicitors.

3. Receive a case review which will give you a good understanding of your legal position and options to move forward including costs.

4. Instruct your family law solicitor and receive expert tailored advice and representation to get the best possible outcome for you and your family.

Contact us or call us on 0114 2235 807 to book your free consultation today.