5 Types of Assets to Address in a High Net Worth Divorce

 Posted on August 21, 2026 in Family Law

Dividing property during a divorce can be difficult. In a high asset divorce, the process can be even harder because a couple might own valuable or complicated assets. These can include businesses, real estate, investments, retirement accounts, and other property. Spouses will need to understand what they own, what each asset is worth, and how the property could be divided.

At Bucher, Wolff & Sonderhouse, LLP, our Waukesha, WI divorce lawyers have well over 50 years of combined experience handling family law matters. Our local attorneys understand the courts and judges in the area, and we can help clients protect their financial interests during a high asset divorce.

What Assets Should Be Addressed in a High Net Worth Divorce in 2026?

Two spouses who have been married for years may have built up a sizable marital estate together. Couples with a high net worth may need to determine how to handle assets such as:

Bank Accounts

A couple may have multiple accounts. These can include savings accounts in different states or countries. They may also have money market accounts or other types of investments. Checking accounts or lines of credit used for regular payments are common too. Depending on how a couple has handled financial issues, one spouse may not be fully aware of certain accounts.

During divorce, both spouses are required to provide information about their finances. This process can uncover accounts or other assets that one spouse did not know about. If necessary, this might include using a forensic accountant to help look for hidden accounts or other assets.

Business Assets 

A spouse may own a business or have a share in a company. That spouse may want to keep the business after the divorce so it can continue operating. A business valuation is often performed during the divorce process, and a forensic accountant can also be helpful in these cases to uncover any hidden assets related to the business.

Real Estate 

If a couple owns a significant amount of equity in their marital home, or if they own multiple homes, they will need to determine how to handle ownership of these properties. If one spouse plans to maintain ownership of a home, they will need to make sure they will be able to cover the costs associated with ownership, including mortgage payments, property taxes, utilities, and maintenance. Selling a home can also be an option. Before doing so, spouses should consider any taxes that could result from the sale.

Retirement Benefits and Executive Compensation 

Spouses may need to divide money held in pensions or retirement accounts. For some retirement plans, a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) can be used to divide the benefits without an early withdrawal.

A spouse with a high-level job might also receive other valuable benefits, such as stock options or deferred compensation. These benefits may also need to be valued and addressed during property division.

Valuables 

A couple may own multiple pieces of high-value property. These assets might consist of automobiles, boats, jewelry, artwork, sports memorabilia or other collectibles, or designer clothing or furniture. To ensure that these items are divided correctly, appraisals may need to be performed.

How Are Assets Divided in a Wisconsin Divorce?

Wisconsin generally starts with the idea that property should be divided equally between spouses. This can include property acquired before or during the marriage. Certain gifts and inheritances are usually excluded from property division, although exceptions can apply. Courts generally divide marital property equally, but a judge can adjust this split based on factors like: 

• The length of the marriage
• Each spouse's contributions to the marriage
• Each spouse's earning ability
• Property each spouse brought to the marriage
• Tax effects of a divorce

A judge in Wisconsin will not use marital misconduct, such as an affair, when deciding how to divide property. However, a judge can account for any waste or disposal of assets in certain situations.

Retirement accounts, business interests, real estate holdings, and investment portfolios often require careful review before a fair division can be reached. Debts also need to be addressed during property division. These might include mortgages, credit card balances, car loans, and other debts.

Is Forensic Accounting Needed in a High Net Worth Divorce?

High-net-worth divorces often involve complicated finances. Over the years, money from different sources may have been moved between accounts or used to buy other property. A forensic accountant can help trace where money came from, look for hidden assets, and help determine what certain assets are worth.

This type of review becomes especially important when one spouse controlled most of the finances during the marriage. Forensic accounting can also help identify irregular financial activity, such as unexplained withdrawals, transfers, or inconsistent tax filings.

A careful financial review can help make sure important assets are not overlooked during property division. A qualified expert can also help determine the value in order to present clear, credible evidence. This will help support a more accurate division of assets.

What Can I Do if My Spouse Disposed of Valuable Assets?

Wisconsin law addresses situations where one spouse intentionally wastes, hides, or disposes of property subject to division. Under Wisconsin Legislature Sec. 767.63, any asset worth at least $500 could be considered divisible if one spouse wasted it, gave it away, or left it unaccounted for. Any "disposed" asset can then be accounted for in property division.

In general, the property must have been disposed of within one year before the divorce was filed or during the length of the marriage, whichever period is shorter. If the law applies, the court can treat the property as part of the assets that need to be divided.  This rule can help prevent a spouse from giving away or wasting valuable property before a divorce.

Contact Our Oconomowoc, WI High Asset Divorce Lawyers

A high net worth divorce can involve valuable property and difficult financial decisions. At Bucher, Wolff & Sonderhouse, LLP, our attorneys have well over 50 years of combined experience helping clients protect their interests during divorce. We can help determine what property must be addressed, identify its value, and work toward a fair divorce settlement. Contact our Waukesha, WI high net worth divorce attorneys at 262-232-6699 to arrange a free consultation.