Business interests
Valuing a closely held business, professional practice or partnership interest.
The financial picture
What a complex estate involves
A substantial estate can contain assets with very different histories, values and rules. The first step is understanding what is there.
Separate property
Tracing property owned before marriage, inherited or received as a gift.
Retirement accounts
Addressing 401(k)s, pensions and IRAs, including qualified domestic relations orders where needed.
Executive compensation
Reviewing stock options, restricted stock units, deferred compensation and bonuses.
Real estate
Evaluating residences, rental portfolios and commercial property.
Hidden or undisclosed assets
Using financial discovery and, where appropriate, forensic accounting to understand the estate.
Mineral and royalty interests
Addressing oil, gas and mineral interests held within Texas estates.
Spousal maintenance
Evaluating eligibility and limits under Texas law.
Marital agreements
Reviewing the terms and enforceability of prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.
Beyond divorce
High-asset family law matters
Complex finances can shape family law matters before, during and after a divorce. We also assist families whose custody, support, agreements or existing orders require a closer look at the financial picture.
Custody and parenting
Parenting schedules and decision-making for families balancing business ownership, demanding careers and substantial financial responsibilities.
Child and spousal support
Reviewing income documentation where earnings include business distributions, bonuses, deferred compensation or equity awards.
Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
Reviewing marital agreements and financial disclosures involving business interests, separate property and long-term financial plans.
Existing orders and enforcement
Reviewing custody or support modification requests, enforcement concerns and existing property orders to discuss the options relevant to your situation.
A deliberate process
How we approach a high-asset case
01
Confidential consultation
We review your family law matter, the financial picture, your goals and any existing agreements or court orders.
02
Financial review and discovery
We identify the records your matter needs and discuss coordination with your CPA, financial advisers and, where appropriate, forensic accountants and business valuators.
03
Negotiation and resolution
We prepare the relevant financial and family records, discuss options and explore negotiation or mediation where appropriate.
04
Court preparation, when needed
If your matter requires court proceedings, we prepare the evidence relevant to the issues in dispute, including valuation and tracing evidence in a divorce.
Prepared for the courtroom
Local counsel. Detailed preparation.
Our firm represents clients in Harris and Fort Bend County family courts. In a divorce, Texas calls for a just and right property division. That makes the quality of the financial record, valuation evidence and case preparation central to the approach we discuss with you.
Your counsel
The attorneys behind your case
Founding attorney
Michael G. Busby Jr.
Board Certified, Family Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Michael’s background includes service in the U.S. Marine Corps. His practice focuses on family law and preparation for negotiation and trial.
Family law attorney
Andrew Iwata
Andrew joined the firm’s family law department in 2015 after roughly ten years in employment law and business litigation. That background is relevant to the business records and financial issues that can arise in a complex estate.
Questions about high-asset divorce and family law
Is property split 50/50 in Texas?
Texas law calls for a division that is just and right, with regard for the rights of each spouse and any children. That does not automatically mean an equal split. The facts of the estate matter.
How is a business valued in a divorce?
The analysis may involve financial statements, ownership documents and a valuation professional. We discuss the business’s assets, liabilities and financial history, along with the records and professional input your case may need.
How do I protect property I owned before marriage?
Texas requires clear and convincing evidence to establish separate property. Gathering account statements, deeds and records of gifts or inheritances can help trace the source of an asset, particularly when funds have been mixed.
What happens to stock options and RSUs?
Grant documents, vesting schedules and the timing of employment and marriage all matter. Equity awards may include both separate and community interests. We review the particular plan and award rather than assuming every grant is divided the same way.
Can my financial information stay private?
We can discuss confidentiality agreements and whether a protective order is appropriate for sensitive discovery. Court filings and proceedings may be public; privacy cannot be guaranteed.
What does a high-asset divorce cost?
Fees depend on the issues in dispute, the records involved and whether valuation or other professionals are needed. This is a paid legal service. We discuss attorney consultation fees, the retainer and the anticipated scope before you decide how to proceed.
Who is this high-asset divorce and family law service intended for?
We counsel business owners, executives, physicians and their spouses whose family law matters involve business interests, real estate, retirement accounts, equity compensation or other complex financial assets.
Which counties do you serve for high-asset divorce and family law?
Our firm provides family law representation in Harris and Fort Bend County courts. If your case is in another Texas county, include that county in your consultation request so our team can discuss availability.
Is Michael G. Busby Jr. board certified in family law?
Yes. Michael G. Busby Jr. is Board Certified, Family Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
Can I request a consultation for a family law matter beyond divorce?
Yes. We also assist with custody and parenting matters, child and spousal support, review of prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and modification or enforcement concerns involving complex finances. Select your matter type in the consultation form so our team can discuss the scope, availability and fees relevant to your request.
What information helps with a complex family law consultation?
A brief description of your goals, the county, any upcoming deadline and the kinds of assets or income involved helps our team prepare. Mention any existing court orders or marital agreements. Please avoid account numbers and sensitive documents in this form; our team can discuss how to provide relevant records when scheduling.
A private first conversation
Request a confidential consultation
Tell us whether you need help with divorce or another family law matter involving complex finances. Our team will contact you to discuss an attorney consultation, availability and fees.
We usually respond within one to two business days. If a court date or deadline is approaching, call the office directly.