In Denver, Colorado, high-asset dissolutions (divorces) can be more contentious and complex. Whether the case involves business ownership, executive compensation, trusts, or complex tax implications, we always employ a sophisticated legal strategy grounded in real-world financial acumen.
If you or your spouse owns substantial assets, investments, or a closely held business, pursuing a divorce without the right counsel can be financially devastating. At Brown Carrington, PLLC, our divorce attorney in Denver, CO, has the skills, experience, and resources to strongly represent high-net-worth individuals in divorce cases where the stakes are high, the issues are challenging, and the need for a personalized strategy is required.
What Is a High-Asset Divorce in Denver?
There’s no formal dollar threshold for what constitutes a “high asset divorce,” but cases may be considered as high-net-worth when the marital estate includes assets, such as:
- Business ownership or professional practices
- Real estate portfolios beyond a primary residence
- Investment accounts, stocks, and bonds
- Retirement assets (401(k)s, pensions, IRAs) with significant balances
- Trusts, inheritances, or offshore holdings
- Executive compensation, such as stock options, RSUs, or golden parachutes
- Luxury assets (e.g., art, collectibles, yachts, or aviation assets)
In these cases, our Denver high asset divorce lawyers at Brown Carrington, PLLC lead with strategy, deep financial analysis, and a relentless commitment to preserving what you have built with passion.
Why High-Asset Divorces Are More Complex
Most divorce attorneys in Denver can divide a home and a couple of bank accounts. But high-asset divorces can involve:
Business Valuation and Division
If you or your spouse owns a closely held business, practice, or partnership, the business itself is likely considered part of the marital estate-at least in part-and must be properly valued and divided under Colorado law. At Brown Carrington, PLLC, we may work closely with forensic accountants, valuation experts, and industry-specific consultants to:
- Determine fair market values
- Distinguish marital vs. separate business interests
- Evaluate the impact of goodwill, income, and debt obligations
- Craft solutions such as buyouts or co-ownership structures
We understand how businesses operate and how they can be shielded, devalued, or manipulated during a divorce. Whether you’re protecting your ownership stake or seeking transparency into your spouse’s business, our job is to preserve your financial rights and present a clear, evidence-backed case to the court.
Uncovering and Tracing Assets
In many high-net-worth divorces, there’s an added layer of complexity: locating and tracing assets that may be hidden, undervalued, or transferred to third parties. In Colorado, full financial disclosure is mandatory-but that doesn’t mean all parties comply. Our legal team knows the red flags. We collaborate with forensic investigators to uncover:
- Undisclosed accounts
- Undervalued business interests
- Transfers to family members or shell corporations
- Unreported income or fraudulent asset protection schemes
We don’t just take the other party’s word for it; we verify.
Handling Premarital (Prenuptial) or Marital (Postnuptial) Agreements
In many high-asset marriages, these types of agreements are in play. These contracts must be carefully reviewed to assess:
- Validity under Colorado law
- Enforceability, especially under claims of coercion or inadequate disclosure
- The scope and limitations of the agreement, including separate vs. marital assets, support waivers, or business protection clauses
We are equipped to skillfully enforce or challenge these agreements based on your specific needs and circumstances.
Tax Optimization and Financial Planning
Dividing assets without a tax-aware strategy can trigger disastrous financial consequences. We work with CPAs and financial planners to evaluate your financial landscape and develop strategies that best protect you and your estate from:
- Capital gains taxes on asset sales
- Penalties on early retirement account withdrawals
- Tax consequences of alimony and property transfers
- Business-related tax implications
Equitable Distribution in Colorado: What That Means for You
Colorado is an equitable or fair distribution state, which means the court divides marital assets “fairly,” not necessarily equally. In high-asset divorces, what’s “fair” depends on a constellation of factors:
- Each spouse’s financial contribution and non-financial support (such as homemaking or child-rearing)
- The length of the marriage
- Separate property of each party
- The earning capacity of each party
- Any dissipation (waste) of marital assets by either party
- Existing premarital or marital agreements
- The preference for awarding certain assets (e.g., business ownership) to one party
We advocate aggressively to ensure the final distribution reflects your contributions and safeguards your future.
Spousal Maintenance/Support in High Net Worth Divorces
Spousal maintenance (alimony) takes on a different character when one or both spouses enjoy a high standard of living. The court in Denver may consider:
- The income disparity between spouses
- Separate property of each spouse
- The recipient spouse’s ability to be self-supporting
- The length of the marriage
- The marital lifestyle and what it takes to maintain it
We negotiate or litigate spousal support with clarity around cash flow, tax treatment, and duration, often utilizing structured settlements that protect your financial liquidity while achieving legal compliance.
Confidentiality, Discretion, and Reputation Management
High-asset divorces may involve public figures, corporate executives, medical professionals, and entrepreneurs. We understand the sensitivity involved. Whether you’re protecting your reputation, your client list, or your privacy, our approach is designed to minimize public exposure:
- We may utilize confidential settlement negotiations outside of court.
- We explore alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation or collaborative divorce.
- When litigation is necessary, we ensure records are protected where legally permissible and court filings are strategically drafted to protect sensitive information.
We protect not just your wealth, but your legacy.
Child Custody in High-Asset Divorces
When children are involved, parental responsibility and parenting time arrangements often intersect with wealth in nuanced ways:
- Private school tuition, extracurriculars, and trust management
- Parenting time arrangements that involve travel, security, or private staff
- Ensuring each parent’s household maintains a standard of living comparable to the child’s lifestyle pre-divorce
We develop parenting plans that reflect both your child’s best interests and the logistical realities of high-net-worth family life.
Why High-Net-Worth Clients Trust Brown Carrington, PLLC
At Brown Carrington, we bring a deep command of legal strategy, financial knowledge, and negotiation skills. Our clients include C-suite executives, tech founders, medical professionals, real estate developers, and high-income earners. They choose us because:
- We build powerful legal strategies based on your assets, goals, and exposure.
- We don’t rely on cookie-cutter property division advice; we engineer creative solutions backed by professional teams.
- We fight hard but smart with diplomacy where possible and ferocity where necessary in the divorce process.
- We handle cases involving marital or separate property quietly and efficiently.
Our Process Is Strategic, Transparent, and Results-Oriented
From day one, we approach your case like a high-stakes business deal:
Step 1: Strategy Session
We meet to map out your goals, risk profile, and areas of concern. We begin early asset discovery and forensic analysis if needed.
Step 2: Legal and Financial Coordination
We may assemble a team of necessary professionals, such as CPAs, valuation experts, business advisors, and private investigators for your estate.
Step 3: Tactical Negotiation
We lead with a detailed marital property settlement proposal, leveraging negotiation and mediation to resolve disputes quietly, but with strength.
Step 4: Litigation Readiness
If necessary, we prepare to litigate aggressively in family court, always focused on pursuing a favorable result in line with your long-term interests.At Brown Carrington, PLLC, our Denver high-asset divorce lawyer has the experience, discretion, and legal firepower to help you emerge stronger and financially secure. To schedule your confidential consultation, call us at 720-599-4666 or contact us online.
