When a married couple files for divorce, there are many important decisions that need to be made before their marriage can be legally dissolved. Many of the most important considerations will be related to the division of marital assets and debts. The process of dividing marital property can be complicated, especially when a couple has a high net worth or owns complex assets. When negotiating a divorce settlement that fully addresses all of a couple's assets and debts, as well as other financial issues, it is important to understand the different factors that will need to be taken into account.

At the law firm of Weiss-Kunz & Oliver, LLC, we have the knowledge, experience, and skills to help our clients resolve complex divorce-related issues. We have represented spouses in a wide variety of cases involving high-value assets, large incomes, and other factors that can complicate the divorce process. With our understanding of the divorce laws in Illinois and the methods that can be used to resolve disputes, as well as our dedication to advocating for our clients' interests at all times, we can help you complete the divorce process successfully and achieve an outcome that will allow you to meet your ongoing needs.

Valuing Complex Assets

Before a couple can make decisions about how to divide their marital property, they will need to make sure they both understand the full value of all of the assets they own. It is important to consider both tangible and intangible values when assessing these assets. Tangible values include the monetary value of any physical items or properties that have been acquired by either spouse throughout their marriage, while intangible values refer to non-monetary benefits like business goodwill or intellectual property rights. The value of all assets, including marital assets and separate assets, must be determined so that a fair division of marital property can be negotiated.

Justin Hartly and Chrishell Stause’s divorce came as a shock to many, as the couple had been married for just two years. The This Is Us star filed for divorce from his wife in July 2020, citing irreconcilable differences.

The couple had met while working on the set of daytime television shows.
Hartley was the lead on The Young and the Restless, while Stause was a mainstay on Days of Our Lives. They tied the knot in October 2017 after being together for four years.

The news of the divorce spread quickly, and fans of Selling Sunset were
especially perplexed because only hours before the news broke, Stause had been selling “coffee with Justin Hartley” at a charity auction.

So why did Justin Hartly file for divorce? Unfortunately, there is no clear
answer to this question. Hartley cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for the divorce, but it is unclear what those differences were. Some have speculated that Hartley’s sudden rise to fame may have been a factor in the split, as Stause had previously remarked jokingly that she would have taken her own life if she had ended up with the person she was with when she was 25.

It is also possible that the couple simply grew apart over time, as can happen in any relationship. Whatever the reason for the divorce, it is clear that it was a difficult decision for both parties. Stause has since opened up about her experience, saying that it was “hard, and it destroys your sense of self-worth to the point where all you can think is, ‘How could you do it this way?’”

At WKO Family Law, we understand how difficult it can be to go through a divorce. We are here to help you navigate the process and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process. Our experienced attorneys can provide you with the legal advice and representation you need to get through this difficult time. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.

Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee's marriage was one of the most high-profile
celebrity unions of the 1990s. The couple, who married in 1995 after a
whirlwind four-day courtship, were together for three years before their
divorce in 1998. But why did Pamela and Tommy get divorced?

The couple's split was primarily attributed to a domestic violence incident in
February 1998. Lee was arrested for spousal abuse after leaving Anderson with
bruises, a torn fingernail, and fear for the safety of her two sons. Lee
pleaded no contest to the spousal abuse charges against him and was sentenced
to six months in the Los Angeles County jail. Anderson filed for divorce
shortly after the incident and requested custody of their sons.

Despite the domestic violence incident, the couple attempted reconciliation
after Lee was released from jail. Anderson spoke about their reunion on a May
1999 appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, saying: "Tommy and I are
back together, working our family out. We're doing really well, and our
children are happy." However, the accord did not last forever, and the couple
split for the second time in 2001.

In 2008, Anderson and Lee tried for the third time at romantic bliss, but it
wasn't their last attempt at getting back together. The former spouses split
for good in 2010.

Though the sex-tape scandal undoubtedly stressed the stars' marriage, it
was not actually the straw that broke the proverbial camel's back. It was a
case of domestic violence that rang the death knell for Pam and Tommy.
Unfortunately, it was a case of domestic violence that ultimately led to the
end of their marriage.

Today, both Anderson and Lee have moved on with their lives. Anderson is now
single after splitting from husband Dan Hayhurst in 2021, while Lee is married
to former Vine star Brittany Furlan. Though their marriage ended in divorce,
the couple still share two sons, Brandon Thomas Lee and Dylan Jagger Lee.

The divorce process can be long, complicated, and expensive for any couple. However, cases can become especially complex when a couple has a high net worth, including situations where one or both spouses have a high income, where they own valuable assets, or where either spouse has significant family wealth. If you are currently going through a divorce or are considering ending your marriage, and you need to address issues related to large assets or significant income earned by either spouse, there are some things you need to keep in mind. By taking the right approach during your divorce, you can protect your financial interests, minimize complications and expenses, and come out the other side of your case prepared to meet your needs in the future.

The team at Weiss-Kunz & Oliver, LLC has extensive experience representing clients in multiple types of divorce cases, including those involving couples with a high net worth. We understand the unique considerations and challenges that affect couples in these situations, and we have the knowledge and experience needed to help you handle financial issues effectively. Our goal is to help you achieve the best possible outcome, whether that means negotiating a divorce agreement that takes your unique circumstances into account, working with forensic accountants to value assets and determine appropriate distributions, or representing you in litigation if necessary.

Preparing for a High Net Worth Divorce

In many cases, a high net worth divorce will take longer than the average divorce case. Gaining a full understanding of the assets you own and other aspects of your financial situation can take time, and making decisions on how to address issues related to property, income, and finances can often be a complex process. These divorce cases are also often more expensive than average, since you may need to work with accountants, appraisers, or other financial experts during the divorce process.

Getting through the divorce process can be difficult for everyone involved. Spouses will need to address multiple details related to their finances and property, and in addition to determining how to divide marital property fairly, they will also need to make sure they will be able to meet their needs going forward. Parents who get divorced will need to make decisions about the custody of their children, and child support orders will be put in place. Addressing all of these issues and resolving the various disputes that may arise can be stressful, time-consuming, and expensive. Because of this, those who complete the divorce process are usually ready to put these matters behind them and move forward with their lives. However, in the years following a divorce, questions may arise about whether the orders put in place in family court can be modified. 

If you have experienced changes in your life after finalizing your divorce, you will likely have many questions about what types of modifications you can request and the procedures you will need to follow in these cases. The attorneys of Weiss-Kunz & Oliver, LLC can answer any questions you may have about these issues, and we will inform you of your rights and advise you on how to proceed as you request a modification. We will provide you with representation in court hearings, and we will advocate on your behalf to ensure that your rights and your children's best interests will be protected in any modifications that the court puts in place.

How Do I Modify a Court Order?

If you would like to modify your divorce decree, your parenting plan, or other orders put in place upon the finalization of your divorce, you must file a Petition for Modification with the circuit court in the county where the original order was entered. You will also need to serve the Petition on your ex-spouse, and they may file a Response. Once the Petition and Response are filed, the court will schedule a hearing. At the hearing, both parties will have an opportunity to present evidence and argue their position. After considering all of the evidence, the judge will make a decision on whether modifications will be appropriate. If the judge decides to make modifications to previous court orders, a new order will be issued detailing the modifications that have been put in place. Both parties will be required to abide by the terms of this order going forward.