Special Considerations in High-Profile Divorces

In most divorce cases, we deal with issues pertaining to the division of marital property, alimony, child custody, child support, and parenting time issues. These types of family issues also are common in high-profile divorces. However, there are special considerations in high-profile divorces. Before getting into those special considerations, let’s look at potential clients in a high-profile divorce.

Types of Clients

In a high-profile divorce, the types of clients involved can vary, and they often include:

• Celebrities
• Politicians
• Professional Athletes
• Business Tycoons
• High-Net-Worth Individuals
• Royalty and Nobility
• Philanthropists
• Prominent Professionals

These types of high-profile clients often bring unique legal, financial, and public relations challenges to divorce cases due to the parties’ status, the complexities of their assets, and public image. As a result, these cases may require a legal strategy different than a “normal” divorce.

Unique Issues

Privacy and Confidentiality: High-profile individuals may be particularly concerned about protecting their privacy and sensitive information from public scrutiny. Therefore, the inclusion of confidentiality clauses and non-disclosure agreements in divorce settlements can be effective.

Image and Reputation: Maintaining a positive public image is crucial for many high-profile individuals. Marital settlement agreements should include provisions that address how the divorce will be portrayed in the media and the impact on each party’s public image. Additionally, an attorney can help with media relations to keep the client’s personal life from becoming tabloid fodder.

Business Interests: If one or both spouses have significant business interests, the valuation, division, or continued ownership of these assets can be complex. As a result, we may require the assistance of business valuation experts, forensic accountants, tax professionals, and business attorneys.

Pre-existing Agreements: Many times, high-profile couples will have prenuptial agreements or postnuptial agreements in place. These agreements can significantly influence the division of assets and other aspects of the divorce. In addition, the enforcement or challenges to these agreements may need to be addressed.

Child Custody and Visitation: If one or both parents have demanding careers that involve extensive travel or public appearances, crafting a custody and parenting time plan that accommodates these factors may be necessary.

Child Support and Extracurricular Activities: High-profile individuals may have the financial means to provide a high standard of living for their children. Special considerations may involve addressing the costs of private schooling, extracurricular activities, and other extraordinary expenses beyond basic child support.

International Assets and Jurisdiction: If assets are in multiple countries or if the couple has ties to more than one jurisdiction, determining the appropriate jurisdiction for the divorce proceedings and asset division needs to be addressed.

Experience Matters

These are just some of the special considerations that may arise in a high-profile divorce. Given the complexity and uniqueness of each case, it’s important to work closely with experienced divorce attorneys and other professionals to address these issues and reach equitable settlements. Please reach out to me if you have any questions.