Strategies for Complex Asset Division in High-Net-Worth Divorces
When significant assets are involved in a divorce—such as multiple properties, investment portfolios, business interests, retirement accounts, and luxury goods—each decision carries long-term consequences. Ohio’s equitable distribution model shapes the legal process and knowing how to approach each category of wealth is essential to reaching a fair outcome.
At Heckert & Moreland Co., LPA in Columbus, Ohio, we work closely with clients who are going through high-net-worth divorces in Ohio. These cases often bring unique challenges that require a deep understanding of divorce law and a thoughtful, strategic approach.
Equitable Distribution in Ohio
Under Ohio divorce law, marital property is divided equitably, not necessarily equally. This means that the court aims to distribute property in a way that’s fair based on the facts of the marriage.
Separate property—assets acquired before the marriage or received as a gift or inheritance—generally remains with the individual spouse, unless it was commingled with marital funds.
We take time to assess each client’s unique financial picture. It’s not just about splitting assets down the middle.
Divorce law in Ohio allows the court to consider various factors when deciding how to divide property, including the duration of the marriage, the economic circumstances of each spouse, and contributions to the acquisition of assets. Our job is to present those factors clearly, backed by accurate financial records and credible valuation methods.
Valuation of Businesses and Professional Practices
In a high-net-worth divorce, business ownership can significantly complicate property division. Whether it’s a family business, a medical or legal practice, or a stake in a larger enterprise, the value of that business must be determined before anything else can proceed.
Under Ohio divorce law, if a business was started during the marriage or grew in value due to the efforts of either spouse, that increase may be considered marital property.
We often work with financial professionals to obtain a reliable business valuation. This helps identify the fair market value, analyze any appreciation, and determine if the increase in value was active or passive. Active appreciation, which results from the labor of one or both spouses, is often treated as marital property.
Passive appreciation, due to market forces or other external factors, might not be. This distinction can shift the balance of a property division and directly affect other negotiations, such as spousal support.
Dividing Investment Portfolios and Retirement Accounts
Investment portfolios and retirement accounts bring another layer of sophistication to asset division. Stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and brokerage accounts may fluctuate in value daily, and that volatility must be addressed during the process. Ohio divorce law treats these assets as marital or separate based on when and how they were acquired.
When dividing retirement accounts such as 401(k)s, IRAs, and pensions, we must follow precise legal procedures. A Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is often required to divide these accounts without triggering penalties or tax consequences.
Each financial institution has its own requirements, and timing matters. We guide our clients through the QDRO process so that retirement assets are split accurately and efficiently, in line with Ohio law.
Tax implications also play a major part in determining who receives what. Two assets with the same dollar value may have very different after-tax values, depending on the type of account and how distributions are handled.
That’s why divorce law in Ohio isn’t just about what’s fair today—it’s about protecting our clients’ financial security for the future.
Handling Real Estate and Vacation Properties
Real estate is often one of the most valuable and emotionally charged assets in any high-net-worth divorce. The marital home, rental properties, vacation homes, and undeveloped land all carry financial and personal significance.
Ohio divorce law requires the fair division of these assets, but the process begins with an accurate valuation.
We often recommend having real estate appraised early in the process. This gives both parties a reliable sense of the property’s current market value.
If a couple owns multiple properties, deciding who keeps what—or whether a sale is necessary—depends on a combination of valuation, mortgage debt, tax exposure, and individual preferences.
When one party wants to keep the marital home, we work through buyout options, refinance possibilities, and whether any equity needs to be equalized through the exchange of other marital property.
Vacation properties often introduce additional complications. These may be located in another state or country and may be subject to different laws. We help our clients assess how to deal with those assets while remaining compliant with Ohio’s divorce law.
Tracking Hidden Assets and Financial Transparency
In high-net-worth divorces, one spouse may have more control over financial records and accounts. This imbalance can lead to frustration and mistrust. Divorce law in Ohio requires full disclosure of all assets and debts, but that doesn’t stop some individuals from attempting to hide or undervalue property.
At Heckert & Moreland Co. LPA, we take proactive steps to uncover and evaluate financial assets:
Use the discovery process to request key documents and financial disclosures
Subpoena financial institutions when necessary to access hidden records
Involve forensic accountants to trace funds, identify inconsistencies, and uncover off-shore accounts, shell companies, or hidden investments
Courts in Ohio don’t look kindly on spouses who fail to disclose assets, and attempting to do so can backfire significantly during final property division.
Our priority is to protect our clients’ rights and maintain fairness under the law. Divorce law doesn’t permit one spouse to walk away with more than their fair share just because they held the keys to the financial kingdom during the marriage
Addressing Debts and Liabilities
Asset division also includes a full review of debts. High-net-worth couples may share mortgages, credit cards, business loans, or personal lines of credit. Divorce law in Ohio requires both assets and liabilities to be divided equitably.
Sometimes this means that one spouse will assume more debt in exchange for a greater share of the assets. In other cases, debts may be jointly assigned or paid down during the divorce process.
We take a close look at how and when the debt was acquired. If one spouse accumulated significant personal credit card debt shortly before filing, we may argue that it shouldn’t be included as marital debt. These arguments must be supported by records and framed carefully under Ohio divorce law.
Another consideration involves co-signed debts. Even if a divorce decree assigns responsibility to one spouse, the other may still be legally liable if the debt isn’t paid. We help our clients address these issues through indemnification agreements or strategic asset division that minimizes risk after the divorce is finalized.
Spousal Support and Income Disparity
High-net-worth divorces often involve one spouse who earns significantly more than the other. In these cases, spousal support becomes a key part of the financial picture. Ohio divorce law allows for spousal support based on the needs of one spouse and the ability of the other to pay.
The court considers income, duration of the marriage, standard of living, and contributions made to the household or business.
Our job is to advocate for fair support, whether that means seeking it or defending against unreasonable demands.
We explore whether a lump-sum settlement might make more sense than ongoing payments and assess how spousal support fits into the overall asset division. Divorce law in Ohio gives courts wide discretion, so presenting a complete and clear picture is crucial to achieving the right outcome.
Crafting a Settlement That Works
Every high-net-worth divorce is different. What works for one family may not be right for another. Ohio divorce law gives spouses the opportunity to reach a settlement outside of court through negotiation or mediation. This allows both parties to retain more control over the outcome rather than leaving critical financial decisions to a judge.
At Heckert & Moreland Co., LPA, we help clients develop tailored strategies based on their unique goals.
That might include preserving a family business, protecting future inheritance for children, or maintaining lifestyle standards after divorce. We prepare thoroughly for negotiations, keeping in mind how each asset, debt, and support obligation fits into the larger financial picture.
We also remain focused on what life will look like after divorce. Divorce law in Ohio affects not just the division of assets, but also how those assets will be taxed, invested, or transferred down the road. We want our clients to leave the process with a clear financial path ahead, supported by a strong legal footing.
High-Stakes Divorce Requires Strong Legal Guidance
At Heckert & Moreland Co. LPA, we take pride in guiding our clients through the division of sophisticated financial assets with care and precision. We’re proud to serve Columbus, Ohio, and the surrounding areas across central Ohio. Call today to speak with an experienced divorce attorney.