Livingston County High-Asset Divorce Attorney
Last updated on March 5, 2026
At Gormley Law Offices, PLC, we understand that divorces involving complex assets are often more contentious. Each of our attorneys has more than 20 years of experience handling difficult property division agreements, alimony settlements and other related matters. Clients throughout Howell turn to us to protect their best interests in a high-asset divorce.
In every case, we strive to provide the maximum return on our clients’ investment. Your goal is our goal, whether it involves receiving the highest possible share of your family business, securing alimony to support your lifestyle or, in a divorce with kids, ensuring you have the resources available to help your children thrive. With our backgrounds in contentious divorce proceedings, you can trust that we will assertively fight for your success.
What Makes High-Asset Divorce Different?
Although there are no separate laws governing high-asset divorce, most family law attorneys would tell you that a divorce involving significant assets is going to have more complications and higher stakes than normal. Here are just some of the factors that make high-asset divorce complex:
Size and diversity of assets: In addition to the marital residence and retirement accounts like 401(k)s, the marital estates of high net worth couples are likely to include things like stock and investment portfolios, vacation and investment real estate, closely held businesses, offshore assets, professional practices and valuable personal collections. Properly accounting for and dividing these assets requires the help of an experienced high-asset divorce lawyer.
The need for expert testimony: High net worth divorce often requires the services and expert testimony of financial professionals, including CPAs, real estate appraisers, business appraisers, financial planners and more. Our high-asset divorce law firm maintains a strong network of third-party professionals who can assist with complex assessments and provide expert testimony.
Prenuptial agreements: While they are not just for the very wealthy, prenuptial agreements are more common among couples where one party comes into the marriage with significant assets. Depending on how they were written and the conditions under which they were signed, prenuptial agreements can either streamline the divorce process or become the subject of legal challenges.
The desire for privacy and discretion: Litigated divorce is a matter of public record, and most high-asset couples place a premium on privacy. Our high-asset divorce lawyers often encourage couples to reach agreement through mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution. In addition to typically being faster and less expensive, they also afford greater privacy and discretion.
What To Know About Michigan’s Property Division Laws
Michigan is an “equitable distribution” state, which means marital assets must be divided equitably – not necessarily equally. Judges can award an unequal division of property if doing so would be considered fair. The same applies to the allocation of marital debt.
If you have substantial assets to be divided, it is especially important to classify each asset correctly as either marital (subject to division) or separate (not subject to division). Although most assets acquired by either spouse during the marriage are considered marital, this isn’t an ironclad rule. There may be compelling arguments for reclassifying certain assets, and our attorneys can help you pursue this option, when appropriate.
When A Complex Divorce Intersects With Business
If you own a business or professional practice, your divorce has even higher stakes. The valuation and division of your business assets in a manner that maximizes your finances is crucial.
We have helped business owners and shareholders in a variety of industries uphold the long-term well-being of their companies, even when faced with an asset division battle. In situations where a divorce and the division of your business may cause a ripple effect on other areas of your life, a property division lawyer at Gormley Law Offices, PLC, can help you anticipate these issues and address them proactively.
Comprehensive Spousal Support Representation
Spousal support, better known as alimony, is often a factor in high-asset divorces. Given the income and net worth of high-asset couples, support awards have the potential to be substantial. Having an alimony attorney on your side is vital, whether you are making or receiving spousal support payments.
In Michigan, spousal support is rarely permanent unless the recipient is nearing retirement, has minimal work experience or lacks the ability to maintain their marital lifestyle on their own. Permanent support may end, though, when shared retirement benefits come into play.
No matter how long spousal support is expected to last, you should prepare for its tax consequences. Since January 1, 2019, the tax burden for spousal support falls on the payer. Recipients do not need to pay taxes on any spousal support payments they receive.
The duration and tax implications of spousal support can cause anxiety for high net worth individuals. While no one should be burdened by their spousal support payments, no one should be denied the support they deserve, either. Consulting with an alimony lawyer at Gormley Law Offices, PLC, can help you ensure that any support payments resulting from your divorce are fair for both you and your ex-spouse.
Friendly With You, Aggressive In The Courtroom
Clients tell us repeatedly that we offer an atmosphere of warmth and comfort. However, you should not mistake our kindness for weakness. As trial-tested litigators, we do not shy away from a tough fight. If your divorce goes to trial, you will see why we have earned a reputation as forceful litigators who are determined to succeed.
Discuss High-Asset Divorce Representation Today
For attorneys who can assist you with all aspects of a high-asset divorce, contact Gormley Law Offices, PLC. Our experienced team is here for you. To schedule your consultation, please call our Fowlerville office at 517-219-9301 or send us an email.