- Contact Us for a Free Consultation 515-267-1265
When parents share custody of a child after a divorce or separation, relocation is one of the most challenging issues...
Dividing assets and debts during a divorce is one of the most critical and stressful legal processes. Iowa follows the...
In Iowa, spousal support—often called alimony—is not always permanent. While it provides essential financial support to one spouse after divorce,...
A great experience with a lawyer, and fairly cheap too. He will always give you all the options, talk you threw the options, and will tell you some odds. He explains any question and doesn’t seem to be bothered by it. The easiest time I had with a lawyer ever. Highly Highly recommend.
I hired Jeremy for my child custody case. He is incredibly knowledgeable but also speaks to you in a way that’s very direct and easy to understand. He was very thorough and always responded quickly. He showed up to trial extremely prepared and always did a good job of helping put my mind at ease. I would absolutely recommend him, and I’ll hire him again in a heartbeat if I ever need anything else.
Jeremy is absolutely amazing!!! Very professional and does a great job of explaining processes. He has done a great job handling all of our family needs!!! High recommend Feitelson Law Firm!!!
When your marriage involves substantial assets, business interests, or complex financial portfolios, divorce becomes more than an emotional challenge; it transforms into a high-stakes financial negotiation that demands careful planning and experienced legal guidance. High-net-worth divorces in Des Moines require a thorough understanding of Iowa property division laws, sophisticated asset valuation techniques, and strategic approaches to protecting wealth accumulated over years or even generations. At Feitelson Law Firm, we understand that your financial security and your family’s future depend on how these matters are handled today. With over 20 years of trial experience navigating the Des Moines legal community, our firm is dedicated to helping clients preserve their assets while working toward fair, sustainable resolutions that honor both parties’ contributions to the marital estate.
While there is no universal threshold defining a high-net-worth divorce, these cases typically involve couples with significant assets, complex financial portfolios, or substantial business interests. Generally, divorces involving marital estates valued at $1 million or more are considered high-net-worth cases, though the complexity of the assets often matters more than the dollar amount alone.
High-net-worth divorces often involve multiple types of assets that require careful evaluation and division. These may encompass real estate holdings beyond a primary residence, such as vacation homes, rental properties, or commercial real estate investments. Business ownership, whether sole proprietorships, partnerships, or corporate interests, adds considerable complexity to property division. Investment portfolios containing stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and retirement accounts often represent substantial marital assets requiring sophisticated valuation methods.
Additional considerations in high-net-worth cases include executive compensation packages with stock options, restricted stock units, or deferred compensation plans. Professional practices, such as medical or legal partnerships, require a valuation approach. Intellectual property, including patents, copyrights, or royalty streams, may constitute significant marital assets.
The presence of trusts, offshore accounts, or complex tax structures further distinguishes high net worth divorces from standard dissolution proceedings. These cases demand legal representation that understands not only family law but also the financial, tax, and business implications of every decision made during the divorce process.
High-net-worth divorces in Des Moines present unique challenges that extend far beyond the emotional difficulties inherent in any marriage dissolution. The complexity stems from multiple factors that require both legal acumen and financial sophistication to navigate successfully.
Asset identification and valuation represent the first major hurdle. Unlike divorces involving straightforward assets, high-net-worth cases often require uncovering and accurately valuing complex holdings. Business valuations may require forensic accountants to assess goodwill, market position, and future earning potential. Investment portfolios fluctuate in value, requiring strategic timing decisions about when to value and divide assets.
Iowa follows an equitable distribution model, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. Determining what constitutes marital versus separate property becomes particularly challenging when substantial assets are involved. Inheritance received during the marriage may be separate property, but if commingled with marital funds, tracing becomes essential. Similarly, businesses started before marriage but grew during the marriage require careful analysis to determine which portion represents marital property subject to division.
Hidden assets pose another concern in high-net-worth divorces. When substantial wealth is at stake, some spouses attempt to conceal assets through offshore accounts, shell companies, or transfers to family members. Identifying these hidden assets requires thorough discovery, forensic accounting, and, in some cases, the services of private investigators to ensure all marital property is disclosed correctly and divided in accordance with Iowa State Bar Association standards.
Tax implications multiply in high-net-worth cases. Capital gains taxes on asset sales, tax consequences of retirement account divisions, and the tax treatment of spousal support payments all factor into settlement negotiations. Making decisions without considering tax ramifications can result in substantial financial losses that undermine otherwise fair property divisions.
Business interests add another layer of complexity. If one or both spouses own businesses, questions arise about valuation methods, ongoing operations during divorce proceedings, and whether one spouse will buy out the other’s interest or whether the company must be sold. Professional practices face similar challenges, with additional considerations around patient or client relationships and professional licenses.
Selecting the right attorney for a high-net-worth divorce in Des Moines can significantly impact both the process and outcome of your case. The stakes are too high to trust your financial future to inexperienced counsel or attorneys unfamiliar with complex asset division.
Look for an attorney with substantial experience handling high-net-worth divorces specifically. While general family law experience is valuable, high asset cases demand familiarity with business valuation, complex property division, and sophisticated financial instruments. At Feitelson Law Firm, our 20 years of trial experience include navigating property and asset division cases that require strategic thinking and thorough economic analysis.
Strong negotiation skills prove essential in high-net-worth divorces. Many of these cases settle outside of court through strategic negotiations that protect client interests while avoiding the time, expense, and uncertainty of trial. However, your attorney must also possess the courtroom experience and litigation skills necessary to try your case if settlement negotiations fail. Our firm brings both exceptional negotiation abilities and proven trial experience to every case.
An understanding of the Des Moines legal community provides strategic advantages. Familiarity with local judges, Polk County court procedures, and opposing counsel can inform case strategy and settlement discussions. We have developed this in-depth knowledge through decades of practice in Polk County courts.
Look for an attorney who communicates clearly and keeps you informed throughout the process. High net worth divorces involve numerous decisions with lasting financial implications. You need an attorney who explains your options, helps you understand the potential consequences of each choice, and empowers you to make informed decisions about your future. At Feitelson Law Firm, we are committed to making the legal process easy to understand, working with you every step of the way to ensure you feel confident about the choices you are making.
Protecting your assets during a high-net-worth divorce requires proactive steps taken early in the process. While Iowa law requires full financial disclosure, strategic planning can help safeguard your interests and ensure fair property division.
Begin by gathering comprehensive financial documentation before filing for divorce or as soon as possible after learning your spouse intends to file. Collect recent statements for all bank accounts, investment accounts, retirement accounts, and credit cards. Obtain documentation of real estate holdings, business interests, and valuable personal property. Secure tax returns for at least the past five years, as these provide crucial information about income, assets, and financial transactions.
Document all marital and separate property carefully. If you brought assets into the marriage, maintain clear records demonstrating these items were separate property. Suppose you received an inheritance or gift during the marriage. In that case, documentation showing the asset was intended for you alone and was never commingled with marital funds helps establish it as separate property.
Consider hiring a forensic accountant early in the process, particularly if you suspect your spouse may be hiding assets or if your marital estate includes complex business interests. These professionals can trace funds, identify hidden assets, and provide accurate valuations that protect your interests during property division negotiations.
At Feitelson Law Firm, we work closely with our clients to develop comprehensive asset protection strategies tailored to their unique situations. We coordinate with financial professionals, implement legal safeguards, and advocate vigorously to ensure your financial interests are protected throughout the divorce process.
Tax considerations play a crucial role in high-net-worth divorces, potentially affecting hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars in the outcome. Understanding these implications helps you make informed decisions about property division and spousal support that protect your long-term financial interests.
Property division itself is generally not a taxable event under federal tax law. However, the tax basis of assets matters significantly. If you receive assets with a low tax basis, such as stock purchased years ago at a much lower price, you will face capital gains taxes when you eventually sell those assets. Conversely, assets with high tax bases or those that have lost value may be less desirable despite appearing equal in current market value.
Retirement account divisions require careful handling to avoid unnecessary taxes and penalties. Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) allow retirement accounts to be divided between spouses without triggering immediate tax consequences or early withdrawal penalties. However, these orders must be drafted correctly and approved by both the court and the plan administrator. 401(k) plans, pension plans, and other qualified retirement accounts all have specific requirements for proper division.
The tax treatment of spousal support changed significantly under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. For divorce agreements executed after December 31, 2018, spousal support payments are no longer tax-deductible for the paying spouse and are not considered taxable income for the receiving spouse. This change affects negotiation strategies, as the paying spouse no longer receives a tax benefit for making support payments.
Real estate sales can trigger significant capital gains taxes, particularly for investment properties or vacation homes. Primary residences may qualify for capital gains exclusions, but only if specific requirements are met regarding ownership and use. Timing the sale of real estate relative to the divorce finalization can impact who bears the tax burden and whether capital gains exclusions apply.
Business interests present particularly complex tax issues. If one spouse buys out the other’s interest in a business, the transaction structure affects both immediate and long-term tax consequences. Asset sales versus stock sales, installment payments versus lump sum buyouts, and the allocation of purchase price among different business assets all create different tax outcomes.
Estate and gift tax considerations may also factor into high-net-worth divorces, particularly when substantial assets are being transferred between spouses or when considering asset protection strategies. While interspousal transfers are generally tax-free, post-divorce transfers may have different implications. Many high-net-worth clients also benefit from establishing prenuptial agreements before remarriage to protect assets acquired during and after the divorce.
Working with both an experienced family law attorney and qualified tax professionals helps you navigate these complex issues. At Feitelson Law Firm, we collaborate with financial advisors and tax specialists to ensure you understand the full financial picture before making critical decisions about property division and support arrangements. For questions about family law matters or to learn more about Iowa Legal Aid family law resources, we’re here to provide guidance.
High-net-worth divorces demand more than standard legal representation; they require strategic thinking, financial sophistication, and unwavering dedication to protecting your interests. The decisions you make during this process will impact your financial security for years to come, making it essential to have experienced counsel guiding you through every step.
At Feitelson Law Firm, we bring years of trial experience to high-net-worth divorce cases in Des Moines. Our honest, straightforward approach ensures you understand your options and feel empowered to make informed decisions about your future. We have in-depth knowledge of the Des Moines legal community, including familiarity with local courts, judges, and attorneys, which gives us a strategic advantage as we advocate for your interests.
We understand that every high-net-worth divorce is unique, presenting its own set of challenges, assets, and priorities. Our client-focused representation means we involve you at every step, ensuring you understand the legal process and the implications of each decision. Whether through skilled negotiation or aggressive litigation, we are committed to achieving results that protect your financial future while treating you with the respect and attention you deserve.
Time is critical in high-net-worth divorce cases. Early action enables thorough financial discovery, strategic planning, and the protection of your assets before they can be dissipated or hidden. Don’t wait to seek the legal guidance you need.
Contact Feitelson Law Firm today at 515-267-1265 to schedule a consultation. We will provide honest answers, clear guidance, and the legal support necessary to navigate your high-net-worth divorce with confidence. Your financial future matters. Let’s protect it together.
In Iowa, businesses are subject to equitable distribution, meaning the court will determine what portion of your business constitutes marital property and divide it fairly between spouses. If you started the business before marriage, the portion that grew during the marriage may be considered marital property. The business will need professional valuation to determine its fair market value, goodwill, and future earning potential. Options for handling business interests include one spouse buying out the other’s share, continuing co-ownership, or selling the business and dividing proceeds. The approach depends on factors like when the business was established, each spouse’s contribution to its growth, whether marital funds were used for business expenses, and the feasibility of continued operations. Our firm has experience navigating complex property division involving business interests and can help you explore strategies to protect your business while ensuring fair treatment of marital assets.
Mediation can be highly effective in high net worth divorces, offering several advantages over traditional litigation. It provides privacy, unlike court proceedings which become public record, protecting sensitive financial information from public disclosure. Mediation also gives you greater control over the outcome rather than leaving decisions to a judge who may not fully understand the nuances of your financial situation. The process is typically faster and less expensive than trial, even accounting for mediator fees and expert costs. However, mediation works best when both parties are willing to negotiate in good faith and fully disclose their assets. If you suspect hidden assets or face a spouse who refuses to cooperate, litigation may be necessary to compel discovery and protect your rights.
In Iowa, inheritance and trust funds are generally considered separate property if they were received by one spouse individually and kept separate from marital assets. However, several factors can change this classification. If you deposited inheritance money into a joint bank account, used it to purchase marital property, or commingled it with marital funds, the court may consider it marital property subject to division. Similarly, if you used inheritance funds for marital expenses like mortgage payments or home renovations, tracing becomes more complex. Trusts with specific restrictions on distribution may offer additional protection, but the increase in value of trust assets during the marriage could potentially be considered marital property depending on the circumstances. The key is documentation, clear records showing the inheritance was kept separate and never commingled with marital funds strengthen your claim that it should remain your separate property. Each situation is unique and depends heavily on how the inherited assets were managed throughout the marriage. Contact Feitelson Law Firm at (515) 277-3271 to discuss your specific situation and develop strategies to protect your separate property.
When there’s a substantial income disparity between spouses, Iowa law provides protections to ensure fairness in divorce proceedings. You may be entitled to spousal support (alimony) to help maintain a reasonable standard of living post-divorce, particularly if you sacrificed career opportunities to support your spouse’s career advancement or to care for children. The court considers factors including the length of the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, education and training, age and health, and contributions to the marriage including homemaking and child-rearing. In high net worth cases, you may also be entitled to a portion of assets acquired during the marriage regardless of whose name they’re in, including retirement accounts, business interests, and investment portfolios. It’s important to document your financial need and your spouse’s ability to pay. You may also be entitled to temporary support during the divorce process to cover living expenses and attorney fees. Don’t let income disparity discourage you from pursuing a fair settlement, Iowa’s equitable distribution laws are designed to ensure both parties are treated fairly regardless of individual income levels.
Stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs), deferred compensation, and other executive benefits present unique challenges in divorce cases. The key question is whether these benefits were earned during the marriage, making them marital property subject to division. Unvested stock options may be partially marital property if they were granted for work performed during the marriage, even if they don’t vest until after divorce. The court typically looks at the purpose of the compensation, whether it rewards past performance (marital property) or incentivizes future performance (separate property). Deferred compensation plans, bonuses, and profit-sharing arrangements require careful analysis to determine what portion accrued during the marriage. Valuation is particularly complex because these assets may fluctuate in value and have tax implications upon exercise or distribution. Division methods vary, some couples agree to split the actual shares or options, while others negotiate for offsetting assets of equivalent value. The timing of exercise and tax consequences must be carefully considered in any settlement. Our firm has experience handling complex compensation packages and works with financial experts to ensure accurate valuation and equitable divisio
© 2025 Feitelson Law Firm All Rights Reserved. | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer
