Wheaton High Asset Divorce Lawyer

Wheaton High Asset Divorce Attorney

When you’re going through a divorce, also called dissolution of marriage, in Wheaton that involves a significant amount of assets, funds, and investments, it’s crucial that you have experienced legal counsel by your side who can ensure your interests are protected. A Wheaton high asset divorce lawyer from Schaffer Family Law, Ltd, has the knowledge and experience needed to help protect your property and ensure you receive what you rightfully own.

Understanding High Asset Divorces in Wheaton

Illinois follows an equitable distribution model, which means property in a high asset divorce is divided fairly, but not necessarily equally. A high asset divorce generally involves substantial marital estates that may include business interests, executive compensation, multiple properties, retirement accounts, or inherited wealth. Generally, what differentiates the average divorce from a high asset divorce in Illinois is the amount of complex, valuable assets involved.

When going through a high asset divorce in Wheaton, each asset involved must be evaluated to see how it was acquired, maintained, or if it commingled during the marriage. In Wheaton, DuPage County Circuit Court Judges look closely at documentation, credibility, and expert analysis when resolving owner disputes regarding marital property.

What Makes a Divorce a High Asset Divorce in Illinois

A divorce qualifies as “high asset” in Illinois when the marital estate includes more than just the standard home, vehicles, and bank accounts. Instead, the high value of assets and the complexity of their nature call for careful valuation, classification, and division. In Wheaton, high asset divorces often involve:

• Ownership or significant interest in private businesses or professional practice
• Portfolios that include real estate beyond the family home, such as additional properties, rental or commercial real estate, vacation homes, or land holdings
• Retirement accounts, stock holdings, restricted stock units, deferred compensation, or other complex investments
• Trusts, inherited wealth, or assets acquired before marriage that have been commingled
• Mixed assets, where some parts are marital, and some are separate, requiring tracing and expert accounting

High asset divorces in Illinois demand more than a standard property-inventory checklist because of the sheer value of assets involved. These assets often require appraisals, forensic accounting, valuations of businesses, and sometimes tax analysis to understand real value, liquidity, and long-term implications. A skilled Wheaton divorce lawyer from our firm can ensure the true value of your assets is identified and protected.

Why High Asset Divorces Are Increasingly Common

According to the latest data from the 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances, household wealth varies dramatically across the country. In fact, the median net worth for all U.S. households in 2023 was $191,100, but the 90th-percentile households that are more likely to be involved in high-asset matters had wealth over $1.8 million.

However, high asset divorces are no longer limited to the ultra-wealthy. As more couples build wealth through real estate, investments, business ownership, and retirement accounts, it is becoming more common for a marriage to involve assets that are both valuable and complex.

This suggests that as more households accumulate wealth, more divorces will involve assets that demand careful accounting and division, making high-asset matters a growing component of family law here in Illinois and the Wheaton area.

Why You Need to Hire a High Asset Divorce Lawyer in Wheaton

High asset divorce cases demand careful attention and a clear understanding of both local Illinois laws and financial realities. Schaffer Family Law, Ltd. is known for handling complex divorce matters with discretion and thoughtful strategy. We regularly work with financial professionals, understand the expectations of DuPage County courts, and approach each case with careful preparation rather than assumptions.

When representing clients in high asset divorce cases, we can assist with:

• Identifying and classifying marital versus non-marital assets
• Coordinating with business valuation experts and forensic accountants
• Evaluating complex compensation, investment, and retirement assets
• Addressing tax implications tied to property division
• Managing financial discovery and ensuring full, accurate disclosure
• Developing negotiation or litigation strategies tailored to long-term goals

High asset divorces are rarely just about dividing property. They are about protecting financial footing, minimizing unnecessary conflict, and planning responsibly for what comes next.

FAQs

What Assets Are Untouchable in an Illinois Divorce?

In Illinois, non-marital assets are generally not subject to division. These may include property owned before the marriage, inheritances, and gifts given to one spouse alone. However, if non-marital assets are mixed with marital property or used for marital purposes, they can lose their protected status. Careful tracing and documentation are often required to establish whether an asset remains separate in high asset divorce cases.

Why Can Moving Out of Your Home Be a Mistake in an Illinois Divorce?

Moving out of your marital residence in Illinois can create unintended consequences, especially in high asset divorce cases. It may affect future claims related to possession of the home, potential parenting time, or even financial contributions to household expenses. While there are situations where living separately is appropriate, leaving without a clear legal strategy can weaken your position in negotiations and complicate divorce matters later on.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a High Asset Divorce Lawyer in Illinois?

There is no exact average for the cost of a high asset divorce lawyer in Illinois. This is because the amount you pay for your lawyer will depend on a wide range of details, including your lawyer’s experience, where your lawyer is located, the amount of time it takes to settle your case, how complex your case is, and the services you require. You should discuss all potential fees and pricing structures during your initial consultation.

What Is Considered a High Asset Divorce in Illinois?

A high asset divorce in Illinois typically involves a marital estate with substantial net worth or complex financial holdings. This can include businesses, high-value real estate, executive compensation, or large investment portfolios. The key difference between the average divorce and a high net worth divorce is not just the amount of wealth involved, but the complexity involved in identifying, valuing, and dividing those assets under Illinois law.

Trusted High Asset Divorce Representation in Wheaton

Every high asset divorce is shaped by financial complexity and personal priorities. The decisions made during this process can influence financial security for years to come. At Schaffer Family Law, Ltd., we work tirelessly to protect the rights of Wheaton residents and ensure they receive what is rightfully theirs. Contact us today to learn more about our high asset divorce services.