High-Asset Divorce · Jacksonville

High-Asset Divorce in Jacksonville.
Business Valuations, Executive Equity & Tracing.

High-asset divorce requires more than the standard equitable-distribution playbook. Closely held businesses, restricted stock, deferred compensation, SERPs, multi-state real estate, prenuptial enforcement, forensic accounting, and tax-aware distribution all interact in ways that determine the actual outcome. Attorney Fraser handles every phase personally — including coordination with valuation experts, forensic accountants, and tax counsel.

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Quick Answer

Florida high-asset divorce involves the same statutes as standard divorce — Fla. Stat. § 61.075 equitable distribution, § 61.08 alimony as reformed by SB 1416, § 61.079 UPAA for prenups — but with substantially more complexity around valuation, executive compensation, tracing of non-marital property, and tax planning. Steven C. Fraser, Esq. — FL Bar No. 625825, DC Bar No. 460026, FL Supreme Court Certified Mediator (Cert. No. 37256 CFR). 25+ years of experience including Ponte Vedra, Sawgrass, and Southpoint executive divorces. Free consultation: 877-862-7188.

High-Asset Divorce — What Drives the Outcome

Five Issue Categories That Define These Cases

Most high-asset divorces involve some combination of: a closely held business interest; executive equity (RSUs, ISOs, NSOs, deferred comp, SERPs); multiple real-estate holdings (vacation homes, investment properties); significant pre-marital, inherited, or gifted property; and a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement. Each category triggers a distinct analytical framework, and the interaction among them — not any single asset — usually determines the outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

High-Asset Divorce Questions

What qualifies as a high-asset divorce in Florida?
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No statutory threshold. As a practical matter, divorces with total marital assets above ~$1 million, closely held business interests, complex executive comp, multi-state real estate, or significant non-marital tracing are typically handled as high-asset cases. The defining feature is complexity — multiple asset categories, valuation disputes, forensic accounting, tax-aware planning.
How are closely held businesses valued in divorce?
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Florida accepts three valuation approaches: income (capitalized earnings or DCF), market (comparable transactions), and asset (adjusted net asset). The court typically appoints or accepts a stipulated appraiser. Personal goodwill (tied to the individual) is generally not divisible; enterprise goodwill (tied to the business) is. Marketability and minority-interest discounts are case-specific.
How is executive compensation divided?
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RSUs, ISOs, NSOs, deferred comp, SERPs, and similar grants must be allocated between marital and non-marital using time-rule formulas. Vesting after divorce can still produce a marital interest if granted for work performed during the marriage. Tax treatment under §83 and §409A affects division mechanics. Court orders may use a DRO to bind the employer or trustee.
What about non-marital property and tracing?
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Pre-marital, inherited, and gifted property is generally non-marital under Fla. Stat. § 61.075. Commingling can convert non-marital property into marital — depositing inheritance into a joint account, paying down marital debt with non-marital funds. Tracing requires documentary evidence: statements, deeds, gift documentation, source-of-funds records. The party claiming non-marital character bears the burden.
Are prenuptial and postnuptial agreements enforceable in Florida high-asset cases?
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Yes. Florida enforces prenups under the UPAA (Fla. Stat. § 61.079). Required: voluntary execution, fair financial disclosure (or knowing waiver), conscionability at execution. Postnuptial agreements (during marriage) are enforceable but face stricter scrutiny — especially when one spouse has dramatically more bargaining power or financial information.

High-Asset Free Consultation

Confidential consultation. Phone or video. Same-week availability. Coordination with your tax counsel, financial advisor, and accountant if needed.

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