Divorce is difficult under nearly any circumstances, but when you have a significant net worth, the legal and financial challenges make things even harder. If your marital property includes valuable businesses, investment portfolios, real estate holdings, retirement accounts, or other complex financial interests, dividing those assets—and protecting your fair share of them—takes skilled legal and financial counsel. Let the team at Olson Law LLC provide that for you.
Our firm guides clients through high-asset divorces in Sherburne, Wright, Anoka, Carver, Hennepin, and McLeod Counties. These matters demand a strategic approach grounded in Minnesota law and strong financial analysis. Whether you are concerned about business valuations, protecting nonmarital assets, or addressing spousal maintenance and child support, our experienced team offers straightforward legal counsel tailored to your unique situation.
If you’re going through or preparing for divorce in Minnesota, call Olson Law LLC today to find out how we can help.
Minnesota is an equitable distribution state. That means that courts want to divide assets fairly—which doesn’t always mean equally. Each divorce is considered on a case-by-case basis.
The statute requires courts to consider several key factors:
Length of the marriage
Financial contributions of each spouse
Non-financial contributions of each spouse (such as homemaking or child-rearing)
Economic circumstances of each party
The court will also consider any other factors they deem relevant. The goal is to reach a division that is just and reasonable, given the couple’s unique situation.
However, Minnesota also distinguishes between marital and nonmarital property. Marital property generally includes assets and debts acquired during the marriage, regardless of which spouse holds the title. Nonmarital property includes assets acquired before the marriage, inheritances, gifts, or property excluded by valid agreement. Only marital property will be divided during the divorce—each spouse retains their separate property unless otherwise agreed.
It’s important to remember that separate (nonmarital) property can become marital property. This can be done by commingling assets or using nonmarital funds to improve marital property, like real estate. Tracing nonmarital assets in high-asset divorces can be complex and often requires detailed financial investigation.
Olson Law LLC carefully analyzes all property and financial data to build a strong, tailored strategy that aligns with your goals.
Below are some of the most common issues in high-asset divorce cases:
Business Valuations
If you own one or more businesses with your spouse, you’ll need to determine the value of any closely held businesses or professional practices. These assets often represent a significant portion of the marital estate, but their worth can be difficult to assess. Accurate valuation typically requires forensic accountants or certified business appraisers. These professionals analyze financial statements, market conditions, and growth potential to provide a clear picture of what the business is truly worth.
Investment and Retirement Accounts
Investment portfolios, retirement accounts, and pensions require careful division so you can avoid unintended tax consequences. Minnesota law recognizes these assets as marital property when acquired during the marriage, but they often cannot be transferred directly without a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO).
Real Estate Holdings
Real estate in high asset divorces often extends beyond the family home and includes vacation properties or income-generating real estate investments. Each property must be appraised and its income potential evaluated. Division must consider not only current market values but also tax implications such as capital gains and mortgage liabilities.
Hidden or Undervalued Assets
Unfortunately, some spouses attempt to hide or undervalue assets. In high-asset cases, thorough financial discovery and investigation are critical. Our firm uses all available legal tools, including subpoenas, depositions, and forensic accounting, to uncover any hidden assets and work toward full disclosure.
Executive Compensation and Deferred Income
Large compensation packages add another layer of complexity. Stock options, bonuses, restricted stock units (RSUs), and deferred compensation can be difficult to value. Dividing these assets requires specialized knowledge. Their payout schedules, vesting periods, and market volatility can affect their present and future worth.
Olson Law LLC anticipates these challenges. We leverage our legal and financial resources to achieve equitable outcomes for all of our clients. If your divorce involves any of these complicated assets, reach out today to discuss your case.
Minnesota law recognizes both prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, assuming they meet statutory requirements. These requirements include:
Written form: The agreement must be in writing and signed by both parties.
Full financial disclosure: Both spouses must provide a fair and reasonable disclosure of their assets, liabilities, and financial obligations at the time the agreement is executed.
Separate legal counsel: Although not strictly required, courts generally expect each party to have had the opportunity to consult independent legal counsel.
Voluntary execution: The agreement must be signed without coercion, duress, or undue influence.
Minnesota courts reserve the right to evaluate the agreement’s fairness and legality, especially in cases involving significant assets. A court may refuse to enforce provisions that are unconscionable or violate public policy.
Olson Law LLC can analyze your prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. Whether you wish to defend your rights under an existing contract or challenge an agreement that may be unfair or invalid, our attorneys will work to protect your financial interests.
Your financial circumstances can dramatically affect how spousal support, child support, and child custody issues are resolved. While Minnesota courts apply consistent legal standards across all income levels, the implications in high-asset cases are more complex—and the potential long-term impact is far greater.
Courts may award spousal maintenance if one spouse lacks property or income to provide for their needs. High-net-worth divorces may involve higher support amounts for longer periods than the average divorce. This is particularly common after long-term marriages or when one spouse has significantly reduced earning capacity compared to the other.
Child custody and support determinations are based on the best interests of the child. Wealth does not determine custody. However, it can influence how parenting time is structured, how educational and extracurricular decisions are made, and how child-related expenses are allocated.
Olson Law LLC focuses on protecting your finances, your parental rights, and your child’s well-being. Whether negotiating a detailed parenting plan or litigating high-stakes support and custody issues, we help our clients understand their rights and options.
We approach high-asset divorce cases with precision. Our attorneys have extensive experience in financial discovery, asset tracing, and trial advocacy, and we tailor our strategies to your specific goals.
Our firm takes an aggressive, client-first approach. We prioritize your financial security and long-term stability. Whether uncovering hidden assets or analyzing complex compensation structures, we work relentlessly to protect your interests. At the same time, we recognize that not every case should end up in court. Our team frequently works alongside forensic accountants, neutral appraisers, and professional mediators to resolve disputes and reduce legal costs.
When settlement is not in your best interest, we won’t hesitate to litigate. We prepare every case as though it will go to trial, which leads to stronger negotiating positions and better outcomes. Our goal is simple: to deliver effective and results-driven representation that allows you to move forward after divorce.
High-asset divorces in Minnesota present unique challenges. If you are facing a complex divorce involving significant assets, we can help you assert your rights and protect your fair share of assets. Contact Olson Law LLC today for a consultation.
