Asset tracing, equitable distribution, and estate planning coordination for high-net-worth divorce in New York.
High-net-worth divorce in New York involves complex issues of asset tracing, business valuation, equitable distribution, and estate planning. Alan Vaitzman, Esq. brings a unique combination of estate law expertise and litigation experience to help clients protect their assets and achieve fair outcomes in divorce proceedings.
New York is an equitable distribution state — marital assets are divided fairly, though not necessarily equally. Separate property (assets owned before marriage or received as gifts/inheritances) is generally not subject to division. Identifying and tracing separate property is often the key issue in high-net-worth divorces.
A well-drafted pre-nuptial or post-nuptial agreement can protect your assets and simplify divorce proceedings if the marriage ends. We draft and review these agreements to ensure they are enforceable under New York law.
Divorce requires immediate updates to your estate plan. We coordinate estate planning changes alongside the divorce process to ensure your assets are protected and your estate plan reflects your new circumstances.
Inheritances are generally separate property in New York — but commingling inherited funds with marital assets can make them subject to equitable distribution. We help clients trace and protect inherited assets throughout the divorce process.
Generally, no. Inheritances received by one spouse are separate property not subject to equitable distribution. However, if inherited funds are commingled with marital assets (deposited into a joint account, used to purchase marital property), they may lose their separate character.
During divorce proceedings, you should immediately update your will, powers of attorney, and healthcare proxy to remove your spouse. After divorce, New York law automatically revokes certain provisions in favor of a former spouse, but not all — particularly beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and life insurance.
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Alan Vaitzman, Esq.
Senior Associate Attorney
Licensed in New York State. Specializing in estate planning, probate, and Surrogate's Court proceedings.
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