High Asset Divorce
Brown Family Law
Brown Family Law handles high asset divorce as one of the more intricate corners of its family law practice, guiding individuals whose separations involve substantial or complicated finances. Based at 8915 S 700 E Ste 203 in Sandy, Utah, the firm works with clients across Salt Lake County who need careful attention to how retirement accounts, businesses, real estate, and other holdings are valued and divided. Rather than treating a high net worth divorce like any other case, the attorneys focus on the added layers of financial detail that come with significant assets on the line.
Where High Asset Divorce Fits in Brown Family Law's Practice
High asset divorce sits alongside the firm's broader menu of divorce and family law services, which includes collaborative divorce, mediation, divorce decree modification, military divorce, paternity, child custody, and relocation matters. What distinguishes the high asset side of the practice is scope: when there are more assets to discuss, the proceedings tend to be more challenging to settle. Brown Family Law brings a team it describes as holding more than 150 years of combined legal experience to these cases, and the firm applies the same philosophy it calls Optimum Outcomes Planning — a strategic, deliberate path through divorce rather than a chaotic one.
The attorneys emphasize understanding a client's goals first, then explaining the options available within the Utah legal system. They aim to pursue favorable settlements while keeping trial lawyers ready to advocate in court when an agreement cannot be reached. For clients with complex estates, that dual readiness matters, because a single overlooked asset or misjudged valuation can shape the outcome for years.
What This Work Involves in Plain Language
In a high net worth divorce, property division, spousal support, and child support all carry more weight because there is simply more to account for. The firm helps clients think through decisions in areas that ordinary divorces may never touch. Its attorneys, who the client's materials note also speak Spanish and Italian, walk families through the practical realities of dividing a life built over many years.
| Asset or Issue | What It Involves | Typical Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Retirement accounts | 401(k) plans, IRAs, and stock options | Determining marital vs. separate portions and proper allocation |
| Business interests | One or more businesses owned by a spouse | Establishing accurate valuations before division |
| Real estate and property | Homes, land, and additional real estate holdings | Equitable allocation of property under Utah law |
| Pensions and trusts | Pension benefits and trust accounts | Long-term handling and protection of future interests |
| Support and custody | Spousal support, child support, child custody | How significant assets affect support calculations |
| Hidden assets | Property the other party may have concealed | Researching and uncovering undisclosed holdings |
A Practical Sequence Clients Can Expect
While every case differs, high asset matters at the firm tend to follow a logical progression that keeps the process clear even when the finances are not.
- An in-depth conversation about the client's goals and priorities for the outcome.
- A full inventory of assets, including retirement accounts, businesses, real estate, pensions, and trusts.
- Valuation of complex holdings such as businesses and stock options.
- Investigation into any assets the other party may have attempted to hide.
- Analysis of how property division interacts with spousal support, child support, and custody.
- Pursuit of a favorable settlement, with trial preparation kept ready in reserve.
Serving Sandy and the Greater Salt Lake County Area
Brown Family Law's office sits in Sandy, placing its high asset divorce work within easy reach of families across Salt Lake County. The firm serves surrounding communities including White City, Cottonwood Heights, Midvale, South Jordan, West Jordan, Murray, Holladay, Draper, Riverton, Taylorsville, and Millcreek, along with neighborhoods such as Prospector Place, Granite, and Lincoln Estates. Clients traveling to the Sandy office will find it near familiar local landmarks like The Shops at South Town, America First Field, and Lone Peak Park, with the wider service area stretching toward Gardner Village, Jordan Landing, Wheeler Historic Farm, and the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium.
That regional footprint matters in high asset cases, where local knowledge of Utah courts and property considerations helps the firm advise clients from Draper to Murray with equal familiarity. Families near Big Bear Park, Willow Pond Park, Murray Park, or the Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge Trailhead can access the same experienced team without leaving the county.
What Sets the Firm's Approach Apart
The through-line in Brown Family Law's high asset work is its emphasis on clarity and planning rather than combat for its own sake. The firm describes its aim as helping clients find a calmer, clearer way through divorce, looking realistically at the future and identifying shared interests where they exist. For high net worth clients, that means grappling honestly with business valuations, hidden assets, and long-term financial protection — with attorneys who understand that more assets mean more decisions, and that each one deserves careful handling from the very start of the case.
Getting here
From K1 Speed Salt Lake City
After a visit to K1 Speed Salt Lake City, Brown Family Law is only 2.2 miles and about 5 minutes away. The route follows S 700 E for a simple, direct drive.
Common questions
What is the least expensive way to get a divorce in Utah (UT 84094)?
An uncontested divorce, where both spouses agree on custody, support, and property division, is typically the least expensive path in Utah because it avoids drawn-out litigation. Mediation and collaborative divorce can also reduce costs. Brown Family Law in Sandy offers mediation and collaborative divorce services, focusing on favorable settlements through its Optimum Outcomes Planning approach while keeping trial-ready attorneys available when disagreements require the court.
What assets are untouchable in a divorce in UT 84094?
In Utah, separate property, such as assets owned before marriage, inheritances, or gifts made specifically to one spouse, is generally protected from division, provided it hasn't been commingled with marital funds. Marital property, by contrast, is subject to equitable division. Property division can grow complex, especially in high-asset or high-net-worth cases. Brown Family Law in Sandy handles high asset divorce and property division matters throughout Salt Lake County.
What is the biggest mistake during a divorce in UT 84094?
One of the biggest mistakes is letting emotion drive decisions, leading to costly, chaotic conflict rather than a strategic plan. Rushing agreements, hiding assets, or ignoring long-term financial consequences can also cause lasting harm. Brown Family Law, based in Sandy, built its Optimum Outcomes Planning approach around this problem, emphasizing a deliberate path that clarifies a family's goals and options within the Utah legal system.
What not to do before getting a divorce in UT 84094?
Before filing, it's generally unwise to hide or transfer assets, make large purchases, post about the situation on social media, or move children without discussing custody implications. These actions can damage your standing in court. Consulting a family law attorney early helps protect your interests. Brown Family Law in Sandy guides clients through custody, property division, and support planning across communities like Draper, Murray, and South Jordan.
Can my spouse take half my savings in a divorce in UT 84094?
Savings accumulated during the marriage are typically considered marital property in Utah and subject to equitable division, which often means a roughly even split but not always exactly half. Funds held separately before marriage may be protected. Because outcomes depend on the specifics, especially in high-net-worth cases, Brown Family Law in Sandy advises clients on property division throughout Salt Lake County and the greater Salt Lake City area.
What is the 20/20 rule in divorce in UT 84094?
The 20/20/20 rule applies to military divorces: if the marriage lasted at least 20 years, the service member served at least 20 years, and those overlapped by at least 20 years, the former spouse may retain certain military benefits. Brown Family Law in Sandy handles military divorce matters, including protection of military pensions and benefits, for clients across Salt Lake County.
What are the three C's of divorce in UT 84094?
The three C's are often described as communication, cooperation, and compromise, principles that help spouses reach agreements with less conflict and expense. This mindset underpins collaborative and mediated divorces. Brown Family Law in Sandy offers both collaborative divorce and mediation services, working to understand each family's goals and pursue favorable settlements while keeping trial attorneys ready when cooperation isn't possible.