Expert Divorce & Family Law Services

Divorce becomes significantly more complex when substantial assets are involved. Business interests, investment portfolios, multiple properties, retirement accounts, and stock options all require careful analysis and strategic negotiation. At Ellis Family Law, we represent clients throughout the Kansas City metro area who need experienced counsel to protect their financial interests during divorce.

Our firm understands that high-net-worth divorces demand a different approach. The stakes are higher, the financial instruments are more sophisticated, and the potential for hidden assets or undervalued property is greater. We work closely with forensic accountants, business valuation experts, and financial analysts to ensure our clients receive a full and accurate picture of the marital estate.

Missouri and Kansas follow different approaches to property division, but both require a thorough accounting of all marital and separate assets. In high-asset cases, this process involves:

Identifying and valuing business interests, including professional practices, partnerships, and closely held corporations. Determining whether a business or portion of its value is marital property often requires expert testimony and detailed financial analysis.

Evaluating investment accounts, brokerage holdings, and stock portfolios. Market fluctuations, tax implications, and liquidity concerns all factor into how these assets should be divided.

Addressing real estate holdings, whether a primary residence, vacation properties, or investment real estate. Valuation, equity calculations, and decisions about selling versus retaining property require careful consideration.

Analyzing retirement assets including 401(k) plans, pensions, IRAs, and deferred compensation. Dividing these accounts often requires a Qualified Domestic Relations Order and attention to tax consequences.

Tracing separate property to ensure assets you owned before marriage or received as inheritance are properly classified and protected.

For business owners, executives, and professionals, divorce raises critical questions about the value of your business or practice and how much of that value is subject to division.

We work with qualified business valuation experts to assess the fair market value of companies ranging from small professional practices to larger enterprises. Valuation methods may include income-based approaches, asset-based calculations, or market comparisons depending on the nature of the business.

Our attorneys understand the nuances of valuing professional practices for physicians, attorneys, dentists, and other licensed professionals. We also address goodwill—both enterprise goodwill and personal goodwill—and how Kansas and Missouri courts treat these differently.

If you built a business during your marriage, or if your spouse claims an interest in a business you owned before marriage, we can help you develop a strategy that protects your livelihood while meeting your legal obligations.

Executives and high-earning professionals often receive compensation beyond a base salary. Stock options, restricted stock units, deferred compensation, and performance bonuses all present unique challenges in divorce.

Determining which portions of these assets are marital property depends on when they were granted, when they vest, and whether they represent compensation for past, present, or future services. We work with financial experts to trace and value these assets accurately.

High-asset divorce requires attention to details that may not arise in other cases. Concerns we regularly address include:

Hidden assets and incomplete financial disclosure. When one spouse controls the finances or owns a business, the other spouse may not have full visibility into the marital estate. We use discovery tools, forensic accounting, and subpoenas when necessary to uncover the complete financial picture.

Tax implications of asset division. How assets are divided can significantly affect both parties' tax obligations. We consider these consequences when negotiating settlements.

Confidentiality and discretion. We understand that privacy matters, particularly for business owners, executives, and public figures. We handle sensitive financial information with appropriate care.

Lifestyle and support considerations. Spousal support in high-asset cases often involves detailed analysis of the marital standard of living and each party's ability to maintain that standard post-divorce.

Our firm focuses on family law matters throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area, including Johnson County, Kansas, and Jackson County, Missouri. We bring a thorough, strategic approach to complex divorce cases and work with a network of financial professionals to support our clients' needs.

If you are facing a divorce involving significant assets, business interests, or complex compensation structures, we encourage you to schedule a consultation to discuss your situation.