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 hose 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 discretely and creatively, including those involving high net worth individuals, business owners and executives, lawyers, doctors, celebrities, and public figures.
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Amazing, Skillful Mediator!!!! We went to see Lois Brenner for a mediation consultation. We had pretty much decided our marriage was over. We just wanted to end things fair and amicably. Lois Brenner spent so much time with us, and gave us great insight as to how the process would help us, we hired her on the spot. Our sessions thereafter were stealth. She organized us, helped us identify and address all the issues. She showed us how to communicate effectively throughout the process. We were able to address all our issues, especially property and finances, arrive at a comfortable settlement agreement, and now we are waiting for the judge to sign our divorce. What an extraordinary process. I highly recommend Lois Brenner and mediation. She’s super, and mediation really works.- Maggie & Josh
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“Thank you for doing such a tremendous job!”- Bill
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“You are extremely knowledgeable and the consummate professional.”- Ben and Jill
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Going through with our divorce was very difficult time for me and my ex husband. Finding the right lawyer was very confusing, frustrating and time consuming. I was very lucky to find Lois. She is professional and human at the same time. In a few sessions she answered all of our questions, gave us great advice and filled and filed all paperwork for us. Our divorce was finalized very quickly and thanks to Lois it was very smooth process. If my best friend would need a divorce lawyer I would recommend Lois without any reservations.!!! Christina C.- Christine C.
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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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Thanks to Lois Brenner our wedding went well because we had our prenuptial agreement in place. We literally had her draft our prenuptial agreement 2 weeks before our wedding. She was thorough, made suggestions to include things we hadn’t even thought of, and got it done really quickly. Thanks Lois :)- Tanya S
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I am a highly successful money manager and before meeting Lois Brenner, hiring a divorce attorney was a disaster. Two previous divorce attorneys really wasted my funds, and had no savvy when it came to asset and property distribution. Lois Brenner finally fixed the mess I was in. She and her team of financial experts, including attorney Matthew Ehrlich were able to prepare an asset and property distribution that was realistic, keeping in mind tax ramifications, and important distributions and allocations. They negotiated a thorough and financially sound divorce settlement. If you have a lot of assets, just any divorce attorney won’t do. You really need someone with a lot of knowledge. Lois Brenner and Matthew Ehrlich were really impressive. Thanks!!- Michael C.
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"Like at First Sight!" We consulted Lois on the best, most cost-effective way to get divorced. First, she extended a free in-office consultation to us. It was supposed to be one hour; it was an hour and a half. She was gracious, didn’t rush us, explained thoroughly all the ins and outs of going to court, and answered thoroughly lots of our questions. She also shared lots of great information on divorce mediation, which we really knew nothing about, and now we have decided mediation will be the best route for us. We knew in the first 10 minutes that we really liked and trusted her. We are starting our mediation process with her next week. We are really looking forward to working with her. We feel strongly she is the best person for us.- Jen
