Nashville, TN family law attorney Anne Hamer talks about the biggest challenges faced in high net-worth cases. She identifies two primary challenges in high-net-worth divorce cases. The first is accurately valuing all assets. High-net-worth divorces are often complex, involving trusts, closely held family businesses, or enterprises started during the marriage that have grown significantly. Proper valuation of these assets is essential to ensure an equitable division.

The second challenge lies in determining the actual financial needs of one spouse, particularly when there is a significant income disparity. The lower-earning spouse may be accustomed to a lifestyle funded by the higher-earning spouse and may not have a clear understanding of monthly expenses. Unlike typical households that track utility bills, mortgages, and groceries, high-net-worth individuals may manage multiple homes, private travel, and other substantial expenditures.

She notes that a business manager can be extremely helpful in these situations, as they often maintain detailed records of expenses. Nonetheless, establishing realistic lifestyle and expense projections for the lower-earning spouse remains a complex and critical task in high-net-worth divorces.