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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