Houston, TX family law attorney Rachel Sedita discusses the issues that can arise in the division of complex assets. She explains that two main issues arise when dividing complex assets: valuation and actual division. Valuation is the first step, requiring a determination of what the asset is worth. Sometimes this involves gathering documentation to show an account’s value, while other times it requires the assistance of an expert or accountant. For real estate, a real estate appraiser is often needed, whereas a family-run business may require a business valuation expert to determine its worth.

Once the asset’s value is established, the next step is determining how it will be divided. Often, a jointly held family business is not something clients want to continue jointly after a divorce. In those cases, she works to figure out whether one party needs to be bought out and how that process will work.