Rochester Hills High Asset Divorce Lawyer
High Asset Divorce Lawyer Rochester Hills, MI
If you are facing a divorce that involves substantial property, business interests, retirement accounts, or investments, our team is here to help. High asset divorces are not just about ending a marriage. At Merel Family Law, we know this is about protecting what you have spent many years building. Our Rochester Hills, MI high asset divorce attorney understands how much is on the line and approaches every case with the precision these divorces demand. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Why Choose Merel Family Law for High Asset Divorce in Rochester Hills, MI?
Michigan-Licensed Attorneys Who Know What’s at Stake
Jonathan Merel is licensed to practice in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Illinois. This multi-state licensure matters when assets cross state lines, when business entities are registered elsewhere, or when you need an attorney who genuinely understands how Michigan courts approach the division of complex marital estates. Jonathan founded Merel Family Law and has spent his career building a firm that handles only family law.
Our attorneys bring 221 combined years of family law experience to every case. That depth shows when the other side gets resistant, when financial records need to be thoroughly assessed, or when a spouse attempts to obscure the true value of marital property. Our family lawyer in Rochester Hills, MI understands how to handle divorce cases like yours.
Jonathan Merel is a member of the American Bar Association, the Illinois State Bar Association, and the Chicago Bar Association. He graduated from Chicago-Kent College of Law. These credentials and associations speak to his background and ability to handle divorce cases of high stakes.
Sophisticated Handling of Complex Financial Situations
High net worth divorce cases rarely involve a simple asset list. We regularly work through cases involving business valuations, deferred compensation packages, stock options, RSUs, real estate portfolios, investment accounts, retirement funds, and more. Our attorneys know when to use forensic accountants, financial analysts, and valuation professionals. The goal is always a complete and accurate picture of the marital estate so nothing gets missed or hidden.
We know that you may want to conclude your divorce as soon as possible, but rushing this process can prove to be a costly mistake. We can help you remain patient so that all the financial factors can be assessed and protected for your best interests. If you have questions or concerns about a high-asset divorce, we are ready to assist.
Proven Results for Clients Facing High Stakes Divorces
Our clients have gone through some of the most financially and emotionally complex divorce matters in the region. Merel Family Law has helped clients recover millions of dollars in favorable divorce settlements and asset division outcomes. We work hard to get you what you are entitled to under Michigan law.
What Our Clients Say
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“I worked with Brad Kaye and Mitch Dean for well over a year through my divorce and they were a fantastic team. They were both very patient and understanding during a turbulent period. They were always prepared and on the ball and I knew that I could trust their advice and judgment.” — David Barnhart
Read more reviews on our Google Business Profile.
Types of High Asset Divorce Cases We Handle in Rochester Hills
High net worth divorce is rarely a single-issue matter. The following represent the range of situations we handle regularly.
- Divorce. We handle contested and uncontested divorce proceedings, including those with significant property, spousal support disputes, and business ownership complications. Every divorce is different, and our approach reflects your individual circumstances.
- Property division. Dividing a large marital estate requires more than splitting a bank account. We work through real estate holdings, brokerage accounts, business equity, retirement accounts, and deferred compensation to make sure the division is accurate and fair. Michigan’s equitable distribution standard means courts divide property fairly, not always equally.
- LGBTQ divorce. Same-sex couples with substantial shared assets face the same complexity as any high asset divorce, sometimes more. We handle these cases with the same thoroughness and discretion.
- Business owner divorce. When one or both spouses own a business, determining its value and deciding what happens to it becomes one of the central disputes in the case. We’ve written on business assets in Michigan divorce specifically, and we bring that knowledge to every case involving a privately held company or professional practice.
- Executive compensation division. RSUs, stock options, bonuses, and deferred compensation are among the most contested and misunderstood assets in high asset divorce. Our attorneys understand how these instruments vest, how they’re valued, and how to approach dividing them.
Michigan Legal Requirements for High Asset Divorce
Michigan is an equitable distribution state. Under MCL 552.19, courts divide marital property in a manner that is fair and equitable, taking into account the length of the marriage, contributions of each spouse, needs of the parties, and other relevant factors. Equitable does not automatically mean equal, and in high asset cases, the distinction matters considerably.
Michigan also requires at least 180 days of residency before a divorce can be filed, per MCL 552.9. For cases with minor children, Michigan courts apply the best interests of the child standard under MCL 722.23 when determining custody arrangements.
Spousal support in Michigan is governed by MCL 552.23, which gives courts discretion to award maintenance based on factors including the length of the marriage, each party’s earning capacity, standard of living during the marriage, and contributions to the other’s career or education. In long marriages with significant income disparity, spousal support can become one of the most heavily contested issues in a high net worth case.
Important Aspects of a Rochester Hills High Asset Divorce Case
Asset Discovery and Financial Disclosure
Full financial disclosure is required in every Michigan divorce. But in high asset cases, getting accurate, complete information from the other side often requires more than asking. Our attorneys know how to use formal discovery, subpoenas, and forensic accounting referrals to uncover hidden assets, undervalued business interests, and unreported income. Incomplete disclosure is viewed as unfair, so under Michigan law, it can have serious consequences for the spouse who attempts to hide assets.
We’ve seen clients blindsided by a spouse who moved money, undervalued property, or failed to disclose accounts. Essential financial records need to be gathered and preserved early. We help clients understand exactly what to document and when so they can be as prepared as possible.
Valuation of Business Interests and Investments
Valuing a closely held business, professional practice, or investment portfolio accurately is one of the most technically demanding parts of any complex divorce attorney’s practice. And there’s rarely just one number, as different valuation methods produce different results and the method chosen can affect the outcome by hundreds of thousands of dollars. We work with qualified professionals to challenge inflated or deflated valuations and make sure the court has accurate information.
Retirement Account Division
Retirement accounts, pensions, and deferred compensation plans require specific legal instruments to divide correctly in a divorce. For 401(k)s and similar accounts, a Qualified Domestic Relations Order, commonly called a QDRO, is required. Errors in drafting QDROs can cost a client significant retirement income. Our attorneys handle these carefully, and can guide you through the basic framework clients should understand going in.
Spousal Support and Long-Term Financial Planning
In high asset cases, spousal support disputes are often as significant as property division. A long marriage with one high-earning spouse and one who stayed home or reduced their career creates real financial dependence. Courts look at a range of factors, and the numbers involved can be substantial. We also advise clients on the long-term financial picture. Financial planning after divorce looks different when the marital estate is complex.
Post-Decree Issues and Modifications
High asset divorces sometimes produce post-decree disputes. A former spouse may fail to comply with the property division terms, QDROs may need enforcement, or changed circumstances may require support modifications. Our attorneys handle these matters after the divorce is final, as we understand that the process doesn’t always end when the judge signs the decree.
Contact Merel Family Law
A Rochester Hills high asset divorce attorney at Merel Family Law is ready to assist you with your high-asset divorce. Our team is fully qualified and capable of handling even the most complex, high net worth divorce cases throughout Oakland County and the greater Metro Detroit area. We understand what’s at stake for you financially when significant assets are involved. Contact us to schedule a consultation.
