Trusted Fort Lauderdale high-net-worth divorce firm combining financial analysis and trial experience to protect what you’ve built
When significant assets are involved, divorce is rarely straightforward. High-asset divorces in Florida often include complex financial structures, business interests, investment accounts, and detailed records that need to be carefully reviewed and understood.
At Shemtov Hillstrom, our Fort Lauderdale high-asset divorce attorneys have extensive experience with cases involving layered finances, business ownership, and high-value assets.
Carter Hillstrom is a former economic and white-collar crime prosecutor with experience analyzing financial records, uncovering hidden assets, and working through complex corporate and banking structures.
Tal Shemtov began her career as a Broward County prosecutor, where she built a reputation as a strong courtroom advocate—an asset when high-stakes cases require strategic litigation and decisive action.
If you’re considering divorce in Florida and have significant assets at stake, schedule a free consultation with Shemtov Hillstrom to discuss how we can help you protect your financial future.
Protect what you’ve built and plan for what’s next.
Book your free consultation with Shemtov Hillstrom today.
Trusted counsel for high-stakes divorce cases in Fort Lauderdale
Carter and Tal handled my divorce and they were always accessible and always answered my many many questions. Going through a divorce is hard, but I never would have gotten thru it without their help!!
Working with this firm was an exceptional experience. They are not only highly skilled attorneys but also genuinely caring professionals who take the time to understand their clients. Their attention to detail, responsiveness, and dedication made all the difference in our case and our experience. If you are looking for a law firm that will truly advocate for you and deliver results, this is the team.
After struggling with multiple lawyers for a low-profile divorce, I felt completely drained—emotionally, mentally, psychologically, and financially. Then I found Tal and Carter through a Facebook recommendation. I needed a lawyer who would take charge and expedite my divorce. Remarkably, they accomplished more in under two months than others did in over a year. They even suggested negotiating outside of mediation to save me money, which I had never experienced before—showing their integrity and commitment to their clients. They were always available for me; I recall one time when Carter took my call while driving to a hearing. Their patience and valuable advice made a significant difference in my case.
Why choose Shemtov Hillstrom for your Fort Lauderdale high-asset divorce?
A strategy built around your financial picture
No two high-asset divorces are the same. From business interests and investment portfolios to real estate and complex compensation structures, your case requires a strategy that reflects the full scope of what’s at stake. Whether you want to stay closely involved or prefer to rely on experienced guidance, we tailor our approach to your priorities while focusing on protecting what you’ve built and positioning you for the future.
Prepared for complex cases, inside and outside the courtroom
High-asset divorces are often driven by detailed financial analysis, which is why we work closely with experienced forensic accountants to review records, trace assets, and handle the complex financial side of these cases. Our team knows how to take that information and turn it into a clear strategy—whether the case is resolved through negotiation or requires litigation.
Discreet and strategic representation
High-asset divorces often come with added privacy concerns. We handle every case with discretion and professionalism, whether it involves business valuations, sensitive financial records, or reputational considerations. Our goal is to resolve matters efficiently while safeguarding your financial interests and maintaining as much privacy as possible throughout the process.
FAQs about high-net-worth divorces in Florida
Not all property and assets are subject to division. In general, non-marital assets are not divided in a Florida divorce. These can include:
- Assets one spouse owned before the marriage
- Inheritances or gifts given specifically to one spouse
- Certain personal injury settlements
- Assets protected by a valid prenuptial or postnuptial agreement
However, even these types of assets can become partially or fully marital if they were commingled. For example, if one spouse deposited inherited money into a joint account or used it for shared expenses, that money might be considered a marital asset.
The key issue is whether the asset was kept separate and can be clearly traced back to its original source.
An income disparity exists when there is a meaningful difference between each spouse’s earnings, financial resources, or earning capacity, and it plays a key role when courts evaluate alimony.
In some relationships, this dynamic reflects hypergamy, where one spouse marries into a higher economic position. While courts don’t use that term, they do consider the real financial imbalance it can create over time.
For example, if one spouse was already earning significantly more before the marriage or their income increased substantially during the marriage, the court may look at how that shaped the couple’s lifestyle and financial dependence.
In many cases, one spouse may have relied on that higher income, especially if they reduced their own work hours, left a career, or took on more responsibilities at home.
Courts also consider future earning potential. A spouse with a high-paying career, bonuses, or ownership interests may have a greater ability to generate income moving forward, while the other may need time or support to become financially independent.
Not necessarily. Only the portion of a 401(k) that was earned during the marriage is typically considered marital property. Contributions made before the marriage are usually separate, though any growth tied to marital contributions may be subject to division.
When dividing retirement accounts, the court looks at the overall financial picture to determine what is fair, which may or may not result in an equal split. These accounts are typically divided through a QDRO (qualified domestic relations order), which allows the funds to be transferred without early withdrawal penalties.
Putting property in an LLC does not automatically shield it from divorce. The court will look beyond the entity to determine who owns the LLC and when it was acquired. If the LLC—or the property inside it—was created or funded during the marriage, it may be considered a marital asset.
The analysis can get more complex if the LLC existed before the marriage, has multiple members, or was used for both personal and business purposes. In those cases, the court may evaluate ownership percentages, contributions, and whether marital funds were used to maintain or grow the asset.
Business valuation in a divorce typically involves a detailed financial analysis, often performed by a forensic accountant or valuation expert. They may review financial statements, tax returns, revenue trends, assets, liabilities, and market conditions.
Several methods may be used, such as:
- Income-based approaches (looking at earnings and future cash flow)
- Market comparisons (comparing similar businesses that have been sold)
- Asset-based valuations (examining the value of the business’s assets minus liabilities)
If the business was started during the marriage, it is generally considered a marital asset and subject to division.
If it was started before the marriage, the original value may be treated as separate property, but any increase in value during the marriage could still be considered marital, especially if marital funds or either spouse’s efforts contributed to its growth.
The method used to value the business and the assumptions behind it can have a significant impact on the final number and, ultimately, how assets are divided. Because the stakes are so high, working with a Fort Lauderdale asset division lawyer is often key to ensuring the valuation is handled properly and your interests are protected.
Looking for an experienced high-asset divorce attorney in Fort Lauderdale?
At Shemtov Hillstrom, our Fort Lauderdale high-net-worth divorce attorneys have the experience needed to handle these high-stakes and often high-conflict cases. We regularly encounter hidden or difficult-to-trace assets, movement of funds through multiple accounts or entities, or efforts to conceal or minimize reported assets—issues that require careful review and a strategic approach.
Carter Hillstrom’s background as a former economic and white-collar crime prosecutor provides insight into complex financial matters, while Tal Shemtov’s experience as a Broward County prosecutor adds a strong foundation in courtroom advocacy. Together, they combine financial awareness with litigation experience to protect your interests at every stage.
If you’re considering a divorce in Florida and there are significant assets involved, schedule a free consultation with Shemtov Hillstrom to discuss your situation and start protecting your future.