Atkinson & Kelsey Law Firm Blog

Using divorce mediation in a high asset divorce

Divorce — it’s not easy to talk about and it certainly isn’t easy to go through; however, even the most complex divorces have mechanisms to address the divorce issues a parting couple is dealing with. With regards to a high asset divorce, spouses in New Mexico and elsewhere may become overwhelmed by the numerous decisions he or she is required to make. And while litigation could be the method to sort through the most difficult and troublesome issues, divorcing high asset couples may want to consider how divorce mediation could benefit them.

With the recent shocking divorce filing by Angelina Jolie to end her marriage with Brad Pitt, fans were not only surprised by this news but were also questioning how the couple will address their long laundry list of divorce decisions that need to be made. The couple has six children, numerous homes around the world, assets that reach into the tens of millions of dollars as well as the royalty incomes of both spouses. These, among various other factors, can make for a complex dissolution.

Nonetheless, wealthy couples are able to manage their split through the assistance of divorce lawyers, financial advisors and mediators. In facts, major divorce decisions could be negotiated in the mediation process, helping the divorce couple reach a timely and amicable divorce decree.

Although it is common for wealthy couples to have a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement involved in the union these legal documents do not take care of all divorce issues. For example, this document cannot designate certain decisions such as child custody or child support. The mediation process promotes collaboration between parents when it comes to addressing the needs and the best interests of the children.

A high asset divorce can seem like a complex and difficult process; however, spouses have methods to address their needs, whether its litigation, collaboration or mediation. If people are unaware of their options or what steps to take, it is important to become fully informed.

Source: New York Times, “How Rich Couples Who Aren’t Pitt and Jolie Manage Their Divorces,” Paul Sullivan, Sept. 30, 2016