Even under the best circumstances, divorce can be a complicated and emotional process. In the case of high-net-worth divorce cases, the complexities grow, and the frustrations and stress get magnified. Although you may be ready to move forward and start fresh, you may feel stuck in legal limbo waiting to resolve your case.
It is natural to want to resolve your case quickly, and you may question how long it will take to complete a high-net-worth divorce. In high-value divorces, it pays to be patient and trust a high-net-worth divorce attorney to guide you through the situation without rushing the timeline.
How Long Can It Take to Resolve a High-Net-Worth Divorce?
Divorce takes time. In the most favorable circumstances, when couples generally agree on the terms of the divorce, an uncontested divorce in Missouri can take three to six months. Missouri law stipulates that the court cannot grant a divorce until at least 30 days after the petition is filed. Add to that timeframe the time it takes for the case to get on the docket and before a judge to review, and 90 days to six months is a reasonable period to expect to resolve a divorce.
High-net-worth divorces are different. They tend to be much more complex because of the value of the property and assets involved, and most are contested because it can be challenging for couples to agree on asset division, child custody, and spousal maintenance when so much is at stake. Expect most high-value divorce cases to last at least one year or longer, depending on the circumstances.
Factors That Extend a High-Net-Worth Divorce Timeline
Several factors make high-value divorce cases more challenging to resolve. The first issue is that estimating the value of significant assets like property, business holdings, investments, jewelry, and other valuables can take time. It may take the experience of financial experts and appraisers to estimate the value of an estate so the court can accurately distribute assets to each couple based on Missouri’s equitable distribution regulation.
High-net-worth divorces may also take longer than traditional divorces because a lot is at stake. Some individuals attempt to circumvent the process of asset division by hiding valuable assets to prevent their spouse from getting their fair share. Extensive forensic accounting may be necessary to uncover bad faith gestures and locate hidden assets.
Most high-value cases also end in litigation and are not resolved outside of court through faster alternative dispute resolution means such as mediation. Litigation takes time and preparation. Complex financial matters, business assets, and challenges to pre- or post-nuptial agreements also extend the timeframe for resolving high-value divorce cases.
Get an Aggressive St. Louis Divorce Attorney on Your Side Now
High-net-worth divorces are complex and can get messy quickly. You need immediate legal representation to help you manage your situation and come out of the divorce process ready to start fresh. The seasoned divorce attorneys at Grant, Miller & Smith, LLC, can help you protect what you’ve built and find strategies to resolve your situation as favorably as possible. Contact our office now to request a confidential divorce consultation.