After more than four decades practicing family law in California, I’ve helped thousands of families navigate custody and support issues. For families with substantial assets, custody and support are often more complex, demanding a reasoned strategy.
Regardless of a family’s financial circumstance, custody decisions are guided by one standard: what’s in the best interest of the child. In high-income families, lifestyle and opportunity are rarely the issue, it’s usually about time, access, and stability.
Courts closely review parenting roles prior to separation, school schedules, and whether one parent travels extensively for business. Courts will, however, consider the fact that divorce is a significant transition, and a previously less involved parent may step up and take a more involved role with the children. In some cases, especially when conflict runs high, a custody evaluation by a mental health professional may be ordered. Keep in mind that California laws support substantial involvement of each parent, but they do not require the court to presume that the children’s best interest is to divide the time with each parent equally. However, if you argue that equal time with each parent is not in the children’s best interest, be prepared to specify why not.
Child support is based on a formula, but when income includes stock options, business distributions, or international assets, it takes skilled advocacy to determine what is actually includable in the formula. The formula can be rebutted in some circumstances in favor of a number that is higher or lower such as with an “extraordinarily high” income earner where the formula may produce a number in excess of the children’s needs.
Divorce is one of the most life-altering decisions a person can make, and for high-net-worth individuals the stakes are often considerably higher. With forty years of family law and high-net- worth divorce experience, I have expertise and acumen to protect your children, negotiate or litigate resolution, and secure your future after divorce. Contact my office today at (888) 846-6166 or visit DivorceDigest.com for a legal assessment of your situation, review your concerns, and help you plan your next steps with confidence.