High-Net Worth Divorces

Divorces involving substantial assets, properties, businesses, and investments, require detailed valuation, categorisation, and division. At McCarthy + Co, our family law team has many years of experience in resolving the complex issues that are frequently associated with these types of divorce cases. We listen empathetically to the details of your case, then work closely with you, aiming to achieve a settlement that meets your target and goals as closely as possible.

Under Ireland’s no-fault divorce system, married partners can divorce without holding their spouse responsible. It’s possible to divorce even if one side is firmly against it. Our team often deal with turbulent scenarios where one or both parties feel they have been wronged in the relationship and are therefore entitled to a better financial settlement. However, courts in Ireland rarely look to apportion blame in the failure of a marriage and instead are focused on ensuring an equitable division of assets alongside provisions for any children.

Whilst we understand the desire to seek redress for any perceived wrongdoing in a marriage, our team always encourages our clients to take a rational, realistic approach to the division of assets, considering the likely outcome should your case need to be decided by a judge in court. We encourage you, where possible, to avoid a lengthy, costly, and emotionally taxing divorce, and to settle out of court as early as possible.

We assist our high-net worth clients in achieving an out of court settlement through:

• Asset Identification – Helping you to identify all assets, including properties, businesses, investments, pensions, and trusts, as well as any hidden assets.
• Asset Valuation – We obtain accurate and up-to-date valuations of all marital assets.
• Debt Assessment – We identify and value all marital debts.
• Financial Expert Consultation – Our team engages experts like forensic accountants, appraisers, or financial planners to ensure comprehensive asset assessment.
• Understanding Tax Implications – We analyse potential tax consequences related to asset division or spousal support.
• Review of Agreements – We interpret and analyse prenuptial or postnuptial agreements.
• Assessing Children’s Needs – We assess the financial implications of child support, custody, and educational considerations, where applicable.
• Spousal Support Evaluation – Determining if support is necessary, its amount, and duration.
• Effective Communication – Our team will help establish open and constructive communication between both parties to facilitate agreement.
• Negotiation – We liaise with your spouse’s legal team to help resolve matters quickly and efficiently.
• Drafting the Settlement – We put together the terms of the agreement, ensuring that it is legally enforceable.

No matter what stage of the divorce process you are at, it is highly beneficial to consult with lawyers who have experience in dealing with high-net worth cases. For advice with any aspect of your divorce, you can arrange an initial meeting with us by completing our confidential consultation form.