High Net Worth Divorce in New York
Divorce litigators may want you to believe that your complex or high-value estate divorce can only be fairly resolved by courtroom litigation. This is false.
In fact, spouses with high net worth have a great deal to gain via mediation, as well as much to lose should they choose to litigate. Horror stories about divorcing spouses embroiled in lengthy legal battles, only to relinquish much of their assets to attorneys' fees and costs are common for this reason. Usually, they are so embroiled by the time they realize it, that it is hard to stop. I worked with one couple who, after spending $1,000,000.00 and two years in court, came to me at the recommendation of their therapist. I was able to finish their case in a few weeks for less than $8,000.00
The dirty secret of divorce litigation is there is nothing “litigation” can help you achieve that can’t be achieved with mediation. “Divorce litigation in court” often entails two seasoned trial lawyers, just before trial, who launch into negotiations to avoid that trial. This is, of course, if you both are lucky enough to have chosen two like-minded attorneys. But why spend exorbitant amounts of money hiring two attorneys, posturing, and battling in court before coming to the “settlement table?”
Individuals going through divorce who have a high profile and/or net worth often present unique sets of challenges. Look at how Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes avoided years of politicized litigation. Some of the issues which may arise in these high net worth cases include the disposition and distribution of:
- Business assets
- Professional licenses or degrees (which offer increased earning potential)
- Stock options, IRAs, 401(k) accounts and pensions
- Trusts
- Real estate
- Family businesses
- Professional practices
- Closely held businesses
- Inherited wealth
- Separate property
- Celebrity value
When you work with Lois M. Brenner, Esq., you will not only benefit from her background in corporate law at Sullivan & Cromwell and her comprehensive understanding of those complex financial issues, but our proven results in high-stakes matters. Working with our skilled divorce team puts you in the driver’s seat – not in the courts.
Lois Brenner is referred to as the “Lawyer's Lawyer” and is recognized for handling sophisticated and complex cases discreetly and creatively, including those involving high net worth individuals, business owners and executives, lawyers, doctors, celebrities, and public figures.
Call to schedule your consultation today – (646) 663-4546.
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Everything you said about mediation was true. My husband and I really connected in a positive way working out the details of our divorce in mediation with you. The arguing was endless but we finally heard each other. You have a lot of patience. The property discussions made everything so emotional. You kept us focused and stopped us from rehashing the past. We tell everyone about you. Hopefully none of our friends will divorce but if they do we will tell them they need you.- Tom & Philip R.
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I had read about Lois’ unusual divorce method in one of her blog posts. It was refreshing to see someone was working with the psychological issues in divorce. My husband is bipolar and getting him to agree to a divorce and commit to the process was tough. When we met with Lois she really understood him. She immediately identified his mental health issues, and because she has a psych background, she was empathetic to his needs and was skillful at guiding him through her divorce mediation process. It took a while but she really got us to a point where we could actually discuss things without my husband blowing up. Her method is unique and it really helped in our situation. She actually recommended a great psychiatrist who changed my husband’s meds at her urging (she has a medical degree too), and my husband is coping much better. We can’t thank her enough for her compassion and advice! If you need a divorce attorney, especially if mental illness is a part of the fabric of your marriage, go see Lois! Thanks Lois - Lorna P.
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When I first decided to hire a divorce attorney, I thought a male attorney would be best. Lois Brenner really surprised me. Although she has written a divorce book on women’s rights, she is totally an advocate for men as well. She really understood how much I loved my kids, and listened and understood all the horrible things my wife was doing to destroy their relationship with me. She didn’t miss a beat and really went to bat for me. She reached out to my wife’s attorney every time my wife made any attempt to disrupt my visiting our kids and always demanded the best results. She made herself available, even when she was on vacation! Lois has been there every step of the way in these difficult circumstances. I highly recommend her.- Sam
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“We are forever grateful!”- Donna and Frank
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“You are New York’s best divorce lawyer!”- Danielle
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Lois was an absolute pleasure to work with. She worked on a prenuptial agreement for me. Our very first conversation put me at ease. She was interested in my upcoming marriage and wedding. She assured me the prenuptial agreement could be drafted quickly. She made intelligent recommendations to address some of my complex financial decisions. She also made sound suggestions to protect my multi-million dollar portfolio. Our wedding is coming up and will be a lot smaller than we originally thought due to COVID-19, but Lois Brenner got our prenuptial agreement done in time, and made it a lot more pleasurable experience than I thought it would be. I would recommend Lois to anyone seeking a truly skilled attorney to draft their prenuptial agreement.- Glen Mearns
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Finding my way to Lois was the best thing that could have happened during my very contentious divorce. Lois took on my case with a level of care that has been above and beyond. She has been an incredible advocate for me, both legally, guiding me through this difficult process with knowledge and wisdom, and also personally, helping give me strength and support to stand up to my very aggressive ex husband. Lois is a gift, and I am so grateful to her and for the future she is helping to make possible to myself and for my son.- SC
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- Lois M. Brenner, Esq.
"My medical and legal training allow me and my team to look beyond the surface conflict of a divorce and understand the emotional and psychological dynamics often shaping it. When you understand what is truly driving the dispute, you are better equipped to protect your family, make sound decisions, and move forward with dignity."
