Headed for a high-net-worth Oklahoma divorce? Though divorces involving significant assets follow the same basic legal procedure and often include disagreements over the same issues as other divorces, the stakes are much, much higher. Having knowledgeable and experienced legal counsel is essential to protecting your rights and interests, especially if there's a prenuptial agreement or you put your career on hold to raise the children and maintain the home. Looking for a caring, capable, and courageous divorce attorney? Look no further.
Skilled Representation for Oklahoma Divorces Involving High Assets
High-net-worth divorces can be complicated. Fortunately, Diana Cupps is fierce and fearless in the face of challenges. Having served in the Army and worked as an emergency room nurse before becoming a Jenks divorce attorney, Diana the Lawyer is the kind of person you want by your side when stakes and tensions are high. Here's what you need to know about high-asset divorces in Oklahoma and how she can help you get the respect and the settlement you deserve.
Types of Assets in an Oklahoma Divorce
High-net-worth divorces don't just involve a lot of assets; they can also involve many different types of assets, such as:
- Checking and savings accounts
- Stocks
- Bonds
- Retirement accounts
- Investment accounts
- Certified deposits
- Primary residences
- Vacation homes
- Vehicles
- Jewelry
- Rental properties
- Digital assets
- Land
Out-of-State and International Assets
Many wealthy Oklahoma married couples have assets or property located or managed out of the state or country. These assets need special handling in divorce, as they may be subject to more restrictions and tax burdens than assets held in Oklahoma.
Separate vs. Marital Property
Separate property is assets you or your spouse owned before you married, while marital property is assets either of you gained during the marriage. As an equitable distribution state, Oklahoma allows each spouse to keep their separate property, with a few exceptions. For example, when separate property is commingled—or blended—with marital assets, it can become marital property. This could happen if one spouse received an inheritance but placed it in a joint account or if one spouse owned a home but added the other spouse's name to the title. Additionally, any increase in a home's value will likely be subject to division as marital property—even if it's only owned by one spouse—since the increase in value occurred during the marriage.
Understanding Equitable Distribution
When divorcing spouses can't agree on the division of marital assets, the court will step in and distribute marital assets in a way it considers fair and equitable. The judge assigned to your divorce case will take numerous factors into consideration before making a decision, such as:
- How long the marriage lasted
- How much each spouse contributed to the marriage
- How much separate property each spouse owns
- How much each spouse is reasonably expected to earn
- Whether there's evidence of either spouse intentionally dissipating or wasting marital assets
- Whether and how much maintenance (spousal support or alimony) either spouse will require
If you and your spouse share minor children, the judge may also consider the proposed child custody arrangements and how much child support each spouse will pay or receive.
The Importance of Expert Testimony
Properly valuing and categorizing assets is vital to equitable distribution in a high-asset divorce. Opinion and testimony from real estate, business, and asset appraisers, certified public accountants (CPAs), forensic accountants, pension valuators, financial planners, vocational specialists, and other experts may be needed to secure the best possible outcome. Fortunately, Diana the Lawyer can connect you with a network of qualified and well-respected experts who can:
- Identify which assets are marital property and which are separate property
- Evaluate the enforceability of prenuptial agreements
- Verify multiple sources of income
- Provide valuation for businesses and professional licenses
- Appraise real estate portfolios, vacation homes, and rental properties
- Assess retirement holdings
- Determine whether your spouse is hiding assets
- Valuate personal belongings, antiques, heirlooms, and luxury items
- Assess and testify to your need for spousal support (alimony)
High-Asset Divorce Involving Minor Children
In Oklahoma, divorce-related decisions involving minor children are made “in the best interests of (their) physical, mental, and moral welfare.” Expert opinion and testimony can help define children's best interests for the court. Financial planners can address your child's support needs, while pediatricians, child psychologists, social workers, and other experts can offer their opinions on child custody and visitation.
Handling Conflict, Contention, and Other Issues
Any divorce has the potential to devolve into conflict, but high-asset divorces tend to either start out contentious or go from amicable to contested in the blink of an eye. If your divorce has become contentious or involves a history of domestic violence or emotional or financial abuse, it's more important than ever to have a skilled and courageous attorney representing you. Not only can Diana the Lawyer adeptly handle communication with your spouse's legal team, but she can also help you draft important messages to your spouse and communicate regarding co-parenting while keeping things as peaceful for you as possible. Diana isn't afraid to stand up to an intimidating or abusive spouse, and with her by your side, you don't have to be afraid, either.
Experienced Oklahoma Divorce Counsel
Let Diana the Lawyer help you get the settlement or divorce award you deserve. Based in Jenks, our Veteran-owned business serves clients in Tulsa, Owasso, Broken Arrow, Bixby, Glenpool, Sapulpa, and throughout Oklahoma. Combat-trained and trial-ready, Diana has the legal knowledge, life experience, business acumen, and courtroom skill needed to ensure an equitable division of assets.
Schedule a Consultation
Ready to talk to Diana about your high-asset Oklahoma divorce and find out how she can help you achieve your objectives? Complete the contact form or call 918-605-4826 to schedule an appointment for a confidential divorce consultation with Diana the Lawyer.