High-Net-Worth Divorces Involving Children

Child support and custody issues in high-net-worth divorces come with inherent challenges that go beyond the norm. Unfortunately, the stakes are much higher, and the decisions made during this process can significantly impact your children’s future and well-being. The good news is that the Messner Reeves team of family law attorneys is skilled in navigating these sensitive matters with precision and care, resulting in the best possible outcomes for your family.

Determining Child Support in High-Net-Worth Divorces

Child support in high-net-worth divorces extends beyond covering basic needs. Essentials such as housing, food, and clothing remain a foundation in any divorce, but these cases frequently necessitate additional considerations tied to the family’s lifestyle and resources. Private education, tutoring, extracurricular activities like competitive sports or music programs, and international travel are common considerations when evaluating the appropriate level of financial support.

High-net-worth divorces involving children may also need to address other unique expenses, such as luxury travel and vacations, private aviation costs, personal drivers, household staff, and specialized healthcare needs, which may be part of a child’s accustomed lifestyle.

Additionally, healthcare can play a pivotal role in determining child support. High-net-worth families may have access to premium medical care, including private specialists and advanced therapies, which may be factored into support agreements. Our lawyers will negotiate or litigate all of these elements to achieve a comprehensive support plan that truly reflects the needs of the child and the family’s financial capabilities.

Child support in these cases should reflect the family’s pre-divorce standard of living to preserve continuity for the children involved. Our family law attorneys are well-versed in crafting fair support agreements that reflect these realities while balancing the best interests of the child with your desires and each parent’s resources.

Child Custody Arrangements in High-Net-Worth Divorces

Child custody arrangements in high-net-worth divorces often require addressing unique factors beyond physical and legal custody. For families with significant wealth and resources, work schedules, travel commitments, and access to opportunities such as elite educational institutions or cultural experiences can influence decisions about custody, as can medical needs and access to healthcare.

Consistency should be a priority in a child’s routine and lifestyle during this process. No matter the end result of child custody, it’s usually in the best interest of the child to maintain their involvement in familiar activities and their relationships with tutors or coaches and to preserve their access to trusted caregivers or household staff.  Parents may need help with communication between themselves, as well as coordinating schedules and access to transportation.

Parental work schedules and travel obligations often add another layer of difficulty. High-net-worth individuals often have demanding professional lives that require extensive travel or irregular professional hours, which must be carefully balanced with their custody responsibilities

At Messner Reeves, we focus on solutions that protect the child’s well-being while respecting the unique circumstances of high-net-worth families.

Comprehensive Support Across All Stages of Your Case

At Messner Reeves, our family law attorneys are with you every step of the way. We meticulously handle all aspects of your child support and custody matter, including:

• Thorough Investigation and Documentation: Collecting and evaluating relevant evidence to build a strong foundation for your claims.
• Negotiation Expertise: Working towards favorable settlements that preserve your resources and reduce conflict.
• Courtroom Advocacy: If settlement attempts fail and litigation is the next step, you can rely on our skilled representation to protect your rights and achieve the best possible results.

A Collaborative and Proactive Approach

Our attorneys understand that your case may involve not only legal issues but also emotional and financial challenges. We work collaboratively with you and, when necessary, partner with financial advisors, forensic accountants, medical experts, or other professionals to ensure all aspects of your case are addressed. Our proactive approach allows us to anticipate challenges and adapt strategies as new information arises.

Personalized Child Custody and Support Solutions for High-Net-Worth Families

Every high-net worth family has unique dynamics and priorities. Our approach to child support and custody matters involves personalized strategies that align with your family’s specific needs. Whether negotiating settlements or litigating contentious disputes, we will protect your rights as well as your children’s well-being while preserving the lifestyle and opportunities they deserve. With our reliable representation, you can face these challenges with confidence, knowing your family’s future is in capable hands.