High-Net-Worth Divorce Attorney in Denton

Navigating the Complexities of Filing for High-Net-Worth Divorce in Flower Mound, Frisco, Argyle & the Surrounding Areas

Divorce is always a difficult process to go through, but high-net-worth divorces can be particularly challenging to manage. High-net-worth divorces raise the stakes of negotiations because just one percent awarded to either side can account for tens of thousands of dollars.

Learn everything you need to know about high-net-worth divorce here!

Plus, couples with a high-net-worth generally share more assets, which makes the division of wealth, property, and other resources more complicated. These complexities make it vital to have an attorney to help ensure the division of assets is equitable.

Common issues and assets that high-net-worth divorces often include are:

• Valuation of assets and debts
• Division of stocks, investments, and 401(k)s
• Division of properties
• Valuation and division of businesses
• Challenges to premarital agreements
• Child custody and child support disagreements
• Tax complications
• Potential hidden assets

Another issue couples often face is determining the financial worth of each spouse, particularly when one spouse does not work or when a spouse married into wealth. It can be difficult to value each individual’s contributions to the marriage and determine how that should be represented financially.

Contact our trusted high-net-worth divorce lawyer in Denton at (972) 236-7798 to schedule a confidential consultation.

How to Prepare for a High-Net- Worth Divorce in Denton County

Finding a qualified and experienced attorney is the best thing you can do to protect yourself in a high net worth divorce. Your attorney will fight for you and can help you find experts who may be necessary for your case. It is crucial to value assets early so that you know how much to negotiate from the start. Burrows Law Group is well-equipped to handle the financial complexities of high-net-worth divorce cases. 

Our staff includes former financial executives, so you work with our attorneys who focus on family law and financial issues. This makes the Burrows team uniquely qualified to navigate high-net-worth divorces that involve valuable assets. Our attorneys have experience with multimillion-dollar estate divisions and can guide you every step of the way.

When we first meet with you about a high-net-worth divorce in Denton County, we usually start by helping you organize your financial picture. That often means gathering several years of tax returns, bank and brokerage statements, business records, and information about real estate or other titled property held in Texas or out of state. By assembling this documentation early, we can work with valuation professionals to give you a clearer idea of your marital estate before you make decisions that are difficult to undo.

As we prepare your case, we also discuss your goals for life after divorce, including housing, business continuity, and the level of involvement you hope to maintain in your children’s daily routines. These priorities influence how we approach negotiations and whether certain assets—such as an interest in a closely held business or a home in Denton—should be traded for other property to support your long-term plans. Taking time to clarify these goals at the outset can help you feel more in control throughout the process.

What Is the 10-Year Rule for Divorce in Texas?

The 10-year rule in Texas divorce refers to the likelihood of awarding spousal maintenance (also known as alimony or spousal support) in divorces where the marriage has lasted at least ten years. The court considers a long-term marriage a more significant economic partnership. 

The spouse who has been financially dependent on the other spouse for an extended period may need more time to become economically independent after the divorce.

However, this guideline is not hard and fast. The court will still consider other factors, such as the financial needs of each spouse, the length of the marriage, and the contributions each spouse made to the marriage, when deciding whether or not to award spousal maintenance.

In practice, judges in Texas look closely at whether the requesting spouse has made a genuine effort to earn enough income or develop skills to support themselves. In a high-asset divorce, this analysis can be complex because investment income, business interests, and deferred compensation may all affect each spouse’s ability to meet their reasonable needs. 

The duration and amount of any spousal maintenance order also depend on statutory limits and the specific facts of your marriage. Courts may weigh issues such as age, health, history of family violence, and whether one spouse left a career to raise children or support the other spouse’s professional path. By carefully presenting evidence about your day-to-day contributions and financial realities, we help the court see the full picture behind the numbers.

How High-Net-Worth Divorce Works in Texas

High-net-worth divorces in Texas follow the same basic legal framework as any other divorce, but the stakes and the level of detail required are much higher. Texas is a community property state, which means that most assets and debts acquired during the marriage are presumed to belong to both spouses. In a complex financial situation, determining which items are truly community property and which are separate property can be a major point of dispute.

Separate property may include assets one spouse owned before the marriage, inheritances, or certain gifts, while community property typically includes income, retirement contributions, and property purchased during the marriage. In a high-net-worth case, there can be significant commingling of these categories over time. We work with financial professionals to trace funds and document separate property claims so that the division ordered by the court, or agreed to in settlement, accurately reflects what the law allows.

High-net-worth divorces in Denton County and the surrounding North Texas area also tend to involve unique asset classes, such as interests in family-owned companies, stock options, restricted stock units, oil and gas interests, or multiple pieces of real estate. These assets often require formal valuations and thoughtful planning to divide fairly without disrupting ongoing business operations or creating unnecessary tax burdens. By coordinating closely with appraisers, accountants, and other advisors, we help clients understand the range of possible outcomes before they decide whether to accept a proposal or proceed to trial.

Business and Professional Practice Division

Many high-net-worth divorces involve one or both spouses owning a business, professional practice, or interest in a closely held company. These interests can be among the most valuable assets in the marital estate, but they are not always easy to divide. Questions may arise about how much the business is worth, how much of that value is tied to the personal efforts of one spouse, and whether it makes sense for both spouses to continue owning an interest after the divorce.

To address these issues, we often collaborate with business valuation professionals who understand the industries common in the Denton and Dallas–Fort Worth area. They may review financial statements, customer lists, goodwill, and cash flow to determine a reasonable value for the business interest. With that information, we can explore options such as a structured buyout over time, an offset with other assets, or, in some cases, a sale of the business if that aligns with the owner’s goals.

When a spouse owns a professional practice—such as a medical, legal, or consulting practice—there are additional considerations, including licensing rules and ethical obligations. We help clients evaluate how to protect the ongoing viability of the practice while still achieving a fair division of the overall estate. This can involve careful drafting of settlement agreements and close attention to how income and goodwill are characterized in the final orders.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does a High-Net-Worth Divorce Typically Take in Texas?

The timing of a high-net-worth divorce varies based on the complexity of the estate, the level of conflict, and the court’s schedule. Cases that involve detailed business valuations, disputes over separate property, or contested custody issues generally take longer than straightforward divorces. Many families in Denton County resolve their cases through settlement conferences or mediation, which can shorten the process if both spouses are motivated to reach an agreement.

Will My Financial Information Become Public During a High-Net-Worth Divorce?

Most court filings in Texas are part of the public record, but some steps can reduce how much sensitive detail is disclosed. In some situations, parties use agreed protective provisions, summaries rather than full account statements, or confidentiality terms in their settlement agreements. Discussing privacy concerns early in the process helps shape how financial information is presented to the court and exchanged between the parties.

Do We Have to Go to Trial in a High-Net-Worth Divorce?

Many high-net-worth divorce cases resolve through negotiation or mediation without a full trial. Mediation is commonly used in Denton County and other North Texas courts as a way to narrow issues and craft tailored solutions. A trial may still be necessary if key disputes cannot be resolved, but understanding the range of likely outcomes can encourage both sides to reach a settlement that avoids the risk, time, and expense of extended litigation.

Child Custody & Child Support

In addition to the division of assets, determining child custody and child support can be a particularly complicated task in high-net-worth divorces. Because each parent can financially support the children, it is not immediately clear who the primary caretaker should be. Also, one party may seek a 50/50 custody arrangement to lessen child support. As each spouse has the funds to hire strong legal representation, these issues can turn into an intense battle.

High-net-worth families in Denton County often face additional custody questions that do not arise in every case, such as how to manage private school tuition, extracurricular expenses, nannies, and travel. Parenting plans may need to address international trips, multiple homes, or complex work schedules, especially if one parent travels frequently for business. We help parents think through these details so that the final orders are practical and reduce the risk of future conflict.

Child support in high-income cases can also look different from standard guidelines. When a parent earns above the statutory cap, courts may consider the children’s proven lifestyle, special needs, or educational plans to determine whether guideline support is sufficient. We work with parents to document these needs and to build proposals that are fair, sustainable, and focused on the children’s best interests rather than on punishing the other parent.

Effective Legal Counsel & Representation

When it comes to high-net-worth divorce, it is vital to have strong, qualified attorneys on your side who will do everything they can to protect you and your family. Dissolving any marriage is challenging, but especially so when dealing with extra issues, assets, and financial entanglement. Our experienced attorneys will protect your interests and help you understand and weather the complexities of high-net-worth divorce.

At Burrows Law Group, we draw on both our legal training and our financial backgrounds to anticipate issues before they derail negotiations. That can include addressing how to handle concentrated stock positions, planning for the tax impact of dividing retirement accounts, or evaluating whether a buyout of a business interest is realistic given cash flow. By identifying these challenges early, we can often structure creative solutions that reduce uncertainty and avoid unnecessary litigation.

We also understand that a high-net-worth divorce is not only a legal and financial event but also a major life transition for you and your family. Our team works with you to identify trusted outside professionals, such as financial planners, business advisors, and counselors, who can help you rebuild once the case is over. By coordinating with this broader support network, we aim to make the legal process one part of a thoughtful plan for your next chapter rather than an isolated crisis.

For clients who own businesses or complex investment portfolios, we place particular emphasis on building a clear, organized record of the financial picture before mediation or trial. Having well-prepared summaries, timelines, and supporting documents not only helps the court follow the story of your marriage, it can also encourage efficient negotiations with the other side. Our goal is to put you in the strongest possible position to make informed decisions, whether your case resolves in a Denton County courtroom or through a carefully negotiated settlement.

Risks and Common Mistakes in High-Net-Worth Divorce

Even sophisticated families can make missteps during a high-net-worth divorce, especially when emotions are running high. Small choices early in the process, such as moving money between accounts or posting about the situation on social media, can later be portrayed negatively in court. We take time at the outset to talk through behaviors that may raise concerns for a judge in Denton County or complicate negotiations with the other side.

Many people also underestimate how closely the financial story of the marriage will be examined once a case is filed at the Denton County courts. Inconsistent statements about income, informal loans to relatives, or unreported cash transactions can all become focal points if they are not handled carefully. By gathering records and clarifying past decisions, we work to minimize surprises and to present a consistent narrative that supports your position on property division and support.

Another frequent mistake is signing informal proposals or side agreements with a spouse before getting legal advice. Documents written in the hope of keeping things simple can have unintended tax or legal consequences, particularly when retirement accounts, stock options, or business interests in North Texas companies are involved. We encourage clients to let us review any draft terms so we can flag hidden risks and suggest revisions that better align with Texas law and your long-term goals.

Our High-Net-Worth Divorce Process

When someone hires us for a high-net-worth divorce in Denton County, we typically move through several phases, beginning with information gathering and temporary orders, then progressing to valuation work, negotiation, and, if needed, trial preparation. Understanding this roadmap in advance can make each stage feel more manageable and less overwhelming.

During the early phase, we focus on stabilizing your immediate situation by addressing temporary financial support, use of the marital home, and parenting schedules through the Denton County courts if children are involved. At the same time, we coordinate with financial professionals to begin valuations of businesses, real estate, and investment portfolios so that negotiations are based on current, reliable data. As the case moves forward, we use mediation or settlement conferences, which are commonly ordered in North Texas, to test settlement options and narrow the issues that remain in dispute.

Contact Burrows Law Group for High-Net-Worth Divorce Services in Denton

When you contact our office, we take time during the initial conversation to understand your financial structure, family dynamics, and any urgent concerns such as access to funds or temporary parenting schedules. From there, we outline a tailored plan for the first few weeks of your case so you know what information to gather and what to expect from the Denton County filing and hearing process. Having a clear roadmap from the start can make this difficult season feel more manageable and give you confidence that your matter is being handled carefully. If you are going through a high-net-worth divorce, the attorneys at Burrows Law Group are ready to help. 

We represent clients throughout Frisco, Collin County, and the surrounding areas.

Schedule a consultation with our trusted high-net-worth divorce lawyer today in Denton, TX. Call (972) 236-7798.