High Asset Divorce and Business Valuation in Florida: What Jacksonville Families Need to Know

By Sam Jubran, Board Certified Expert in Marital & Family Law

High-asset divorces are far more complex than standard dissolution cases. When substantial wealth, business interests, real property holdings, retirement portfolios, or professional practices are involved, the financial stakes require sophisticated legal strategy and precise valuation work. As a Jacksonville high-asset divorce attorney, I help clients protect what they’ve built and ensure equitable, legally sound results.

Whether your case involves a thriving business, multi-property real estate portfolio, stocks, cryptocurrency, or complex compensation packages, understanding Florida business valuation standards and equitable distribution laws is essential.

Why High-Asset Divorces Require Specialized Legal Expertise

High-asset divorces often involve:

• Closely-held businesses

• Professional practices

• Partnerships or LLCs

• Stock options / RSUs

• Rental properties

• Trusts and inheritances

• Cryptocurrency assets

• High-value retirement plans

The primary challenge is determining what the marital estate actually includes and how much each asset is worth under Florida law.

Business Valuation in Florida Divorces

Florida courts recognize three primary valuation methods:

1. Income Approach

2. Market Approach

3. Asset Approach

Proper valuation requires forensic accountants or certified business appraisers. My work includes distinguishing marital vs. non-marital business interests, analyzing goodwill, and ensuring accurate financial reporting.

Protecting Business Owners in a High-Asset Divorce

Business owners need protection from inflated valuations, mischaracterized assets, overreaching discovery demands, and claims against non-marital interests.

Common strategies include:

• Structured buy-outs

• Offsetting assets

• Income-based settlement plans

• Establishing premarital/non-marital components

• Using forensic accountants early

Tracing, Forensics & Hidden Asset Investigations

These cases often involve commingled accounts, disguised income, deferred compensation, large cash transactions, and cryptocurrency. Forensic tracing ensures full asset disclosure.

Equitable Distribution in High-Asset Cases

Courts consider:

• Length of marriage

• Contributions to the business

• Career interruptions

• Economic circumstances

• Waste or dissipation of assets

Alimony in High-Income Cases

Income must be accurately assessed, especially for business owners, high earners, or spouses with variable income. Florida’s reformed alimony laws heighten the importance of accurate evaluations.

Why Choose a Board Certified Jacksonville Divorce Attorney?

Board Certification denotes advanced competency, extensive trial experience, and evaluation by peers and judges. Less than 1% of Florida attorneys hold this credential.