Business Owner Divorce / Division of Business Assets
Complex property division cases, high net worth divorces, and matters that require divorce planning in Texas often involve business owners and business interests. If one or both spouses own a closely held business, the process of dividing their community estate takes special legal, accounting, and tax expertise. Frequently in these cases, one or both spouses will be the owner, director, primary shareholder, managing member, or partner in a small- or medium-sized business.
Houston Business Owner Divorce Attorney
The divorce attorneys at Wilhite & Lea, are effective at representing business owners going through simple or complex, high net worth divorce. It is imperative to individuals that own a business that they seek adequate legal representation.
Our marital property division attorneys are exceedingly experienced in Texas civil litigation and business law, which is exceptionally valuable to representing business owners in divorce cases. If you are a business owner, shareholder or partner in a firm, contact us to secure your legal representation.
Types of Business Property that must be divided in a divorce case
Back to top
Closely Held Business
Closely held business entities can be in the form of a ‘C’ corporation, ‘S’ corporation, limited liability company (LLC), limited partnership, sole proprietorship or any other recognized type of entity. An attorney with experience in business law and business litigation will need to asses whether all or part of the business is community property.
Back to top
Business Interest
If the business interest is community property, the lawyer must consult with experts in other fields to value it. After the business is valued by an expert or a value is agreed upon by the parties to the divorce, the attorney will advise the client of his or her legal rights and develop a strategy to facilitate an agreed division or, if necessary, present the case in the most favorable light to the court.
Back to top
Business Assets
A critical skill your attorney should possess is the ability to properly document the division of the business assets, ownership rights, and ownership duties when the divorce is finalized. This documentation must be included in the mediated settlement agreement, final divorce decree, and in the internal resolutions, minutes, ownership certificates, shares, and relevant agreements of the business entity. If not properly documented, the division of the business will not be completed and conflict between ex-spouses or with the other persons involved in the business is likely to occur in the future.
Back to top
Wilhite & Lea, P.C. | Houston Family and Business Law Attorneys
Contact Wilhite & Lea, P.C. today. Call (281) 537-2171 or submit information about your specific case in our online form. Our Houston divorce lawyers will be able to advise and represent you for the best interest of your business. We represent business owners in Houston or surrounding areas, including Harris County, Montgomery County, Washington County, Grimes County, Fort Bend County and Waller County.