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Home 9 Divorce 9 The Legal Experts at BH Family Law Share Tips to Navigate a High Asset Divorce

Dallas, Texas – (October 19, 2021) — A significant concern for many divorcing couples is how their assets will be divided
amongst each partner — this is especially true for couples facing a high asset divorce. Divorcing couples with more than
$1 million in liquid assets typically consisting of properties, business shares, and overseas assets is considered a high net
worth divorce. The attorneys at Balekian Hayes, PLLC, have tapped into their many years of experience
practicing family law in North Texas to offer tips to help people navigate a high-asset divorce.

Step 1: Find a qualified attorney.

While any divorce case can be challenging, those involving high-value assets are more difficult to resolve fairly. Because
there are more assets at play, high-net-worth divorces require a unique skill set from a legal team experienced in these
cases. Without strong representation from an experienced divorce attorney, you could end up with a far smaller portion
of the property than you deserve under the law. Many couples have a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement in place, in
which they have decided ahead of time how to divide their community property. This can make things much easier
during divorce, but sometimes a prenup or postnup can be disputed.

Step 2: Start by examining current assets that may be affected by a divorce.

List your assets as soon as possible. During divorce proceedings, it’s possible you could lose access to certain documents
and records. Therefore, begin your preparation by making copies of all applicable paperwork. Additionally, you should
also start thinking about whether the property is considered separate or marital property.

Step 3: Gather records and document items.

Begin gathering records for all jointly held accounts, properties and assets. Documentation is essential to determine
your fair share of assets and can help prevent your spouse from hiding any assets. It is necessary to make copies of all
tax returns, loan applications, wills, trusts, financial statements, banking information, brokerage statements, loan
documents, credit card statements, deeds to real property, car registrations, insurance inventories and insurance
policies. Don’t forget to make copies of records that can also trace and verify your separate property, such as an
inheritance or family gifts.

Create an inventory of household goods and their value, including household electronics like TVs, computers, and big
items like your furniture. Values can be documented with receipts to show how much was paid for an item or by an
appraiser.

4: Budget accordingly and spend wisely.

High-asset divorces can be more costly. With more assets to divide equally, it may take longer than a typical divorce and
result in increased legal fees. Additionally, your attorney may need to use a forensic accountant, which adds additional
costs. During the divorce process, it’s essential to spend money wisely. Those going through a divorce may assume that
higher spending levels will garner them a larger divorce settlement. Many people may believe that if you spend more,
the higher your needs will appear in court, and the more money you will get. However, the court may view unnecessary
high spending as lavish wasting of assets and can count negatively on you. It is best to regulate your spending until the
divorce proceedings are final.

Step 5: Be patient.

Often, high-net-worth divorces may take longer than a divorce where fewer assets are involved. In many cases, people
undergoing a high-net-worth divorce will often stop negotiating in the hopes of settling sooner, but this typically will not
work out in their favor. Splitting up a high-net-worth marriage is like breaking up a large company. The process will take
time, and the best course of action is to have patience in the process. The average high asset divorce could take around
five to six months, but it can take longer if additional financial matters need to be addressed.

The best way to get guidance on your specific legal issue is to contact a lawyer. To schedule a meeting with Balekian
Hayes, PLLC visit, click here.

About Balekian Hayes:

Led by Kris Hayes, the family law attorneys of Balekian Hayes PLLC are dedicated to fighting for their clients and their
client’s children. From contested divorces to child possession disputes, to out-of-court mediation and arbitration
proceedings, the firm provides the knowledge and expertise needed to help people during what can be one of the most
stressful times in their lives. Kris Hayes is one of 47 lawyers in Texas who are board-certified in both family law and child
welfare and she also brings a Master of Business Administration to the equation to assist with high net-worth divorces
and business preservation.

Media Contact:
Katie Mudd
[email protected]
214-676-4254

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From the bottom of my heart, I cannot recommend Balekian Hayes enough. As a father fighting to protect his daughters and secure meaningful protections for our future, I needed more than legal representation — I needed a team that understood what was truly at stake. This firm didn’t just manage my case; they stood beside me while I fought for my children with passion, discipline, and faith. They recognized my effort to always put my girls first and reinforced that commitment at every turn.

Lisa at reception is the heartbeat of this firm. From the very first call, she treated me with sincerity and compassion. On days when I felt overwhelmed or discouraged, Lisa gently reminded me that my faith was evidence and that trials are temporary. She consistently reassured me that everything would work out the way it was meant to. She addressed every concern directly or made sure someone did. Her kindness grounded me more than she probably realizes. She sets the culture — patient, understanding, and steady.

Bryn is one of the hardest working professionals I have ever encountered. She was my go-to throughout the case and handled every detail with empathy, precision, and follow-through. What stood out most was how she consistently reinforced that I was a great father. When doubt crept in, Bryn reminded me that my effort to secure protections for my daughters mattered deeply. She genuinely cared about the outcome, not just legally but personally. Her calm strength made some of the hardest moments feel manageable.

And then there is Emory. Emory is exceptional. Her knowledge and strategic leadership transformed our case and ultimately led to a strong victory for my family. But what separates her is her empathy. She saw my pain. She recognized the weight I was carrying as a father trying to do everything right. On days when I questioned whether I was doing enough, Emory consistently reminded me that I was doing amazing — even when I didn’t feel like my best self. She pointed out the victories I had already achieved before she and her team ever stepped in. That perspective restored my confidence. “Relax — we’ve got this,” she would say, these struggles may feel like loses right now, but soon they will be your victories— and she meant it. She fought fiercely for the protections my daughters deserved while also protecting me emotionally through the process.

This firm was the greatest blessing of my year. To the fathers out there: I know how heavy this road can feel. But when you have Balekian Hayes in your corner, the burden truly lifts. They honor your role. They fight for your family. They believe in you when you need it most.

Personally, I know what it feels like to lie awake at night wondering if you’re doing enough… if you’re going to protect your children… if the system will truly see your heart. I lived it. As a father fighting for my daughters and the protections they deserve, I needed more than legal advice — I needed a team that understood what was truly at stake. From day one, Balekian Hayes saw my passion, my effort, and my unwavering commitment to put my girls first. They didn’t just represent me or defend me in court — they strengthened me as a father. Without hesitation, I can say this firm was the greatest blessing of my year.

To my team I am beyond thankful for your effort, thank you all so much for these blessings we get to live.

If you’re praying for help — this is your sign. Make the call.

John

“Dedicated lawyers who will work hard and fight for you. Kris and Justin went above and beyond in my case. A big thanks to both of them. I would not hesitate to recommend.”

Dustin

“Balekian Hayes is the best law firm I’ve ever had the pleasure of doing business with. Very happy with everything!”

Travis

“I had a fantastic experience with Balekian Hayes law firm and highly recommend them. I initially met with Kris in 2007 regarding a potential divorce. She immediately knew what an emotionally challenging and stressful time this was going to be for me and didn’t want me to be alone during this journey. She helped me plan effectively to protect myself, my financial future, and my time with my kids. I interviewed several attorneys prior to meeting her, but none had the compassion and law knowledge combination that she and her team did. Hiring her was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”

Elizabeth

“Ms. Hayes was not only an excellent attorney throughout the duration of my case, but counseled me through some very tough financial decisions and marital obstacles outside of litigation. We forged a friendship that will last well beyond our professional relationship and I was blessed to have her on my side.”

Previous Client

“She was and continues to be professional, caring, and honest.
Ms. Balekian Hayes is a bulldog who fights for what’s best for the child.”

– Krystal