A divorce involving a business, investment property, retirement accounts, or complex compensation often raises questions that a bank balance alone cannot answer. This guide helps you prepare for an initial conversation with a lawyer: the issues to flag, the records to identify, and the questions to ask.
For information about the firm’s representation, visit our high-net-worth divorce lawyer in Las Vegas page.
1. Identify the decisions that matter most
Explain whether you are considering divorce, have filed, or have been served, and mention any hearing or response deadline. Identify your priorities: keeping a business operating, assessing a home buyout, understanding support, or resolving questions about property brought into the marriage. Include parenting concerns even when finances are the main reason for your inquiry.
2. Make an overview of assets, debts, and income
List the businesses, properties, accounts, retirement plans, loans, and income sources you know about. Note ownership names, approximate values if known, and where records may be available. Mark estimates as estimates; an account balance, a tax return, and a business valuation answer different questions.
For business interests, identify partners, ownership percentages, any buy-sell agreement, and whether you or your spouse works in the business. For stock compensation, identify grants, vesting schedules, and plan documents.
3. Flag ownership and funding questions
Tell the lawyer about assets owned before marriage, gifts or inheritances, and accounts where funds from different sources were combined. Identify purchase records, older statements, agreements, and contribution histories that may help explain what happened. Do not assume that an asset’s title alone resolves its treatment in a divorce.
Bring any prenuptial agreement to the lawyer’s attention. Its terms and enforceability require individual review.
4. Ask how to share records securely
Before sending tax returns, account numbers, or business documents, ask the office about its conflict check and secure document-sharing process. Identify what you can lawfully access and what is missing; do not access another person’s private accounts without authorization. The need for outside financial analysis depends on the records and disputed issues in each case.
5. Ask how settlement options will be evaluated
Ask how the proposed division would affect cash flow, debt payments, access to cash, and the ability to keep a business or property. Equal stated values may have different practical consequences because of taxes, transaction costs, or restrictions on sale or withdrawal. Ask when a tax adviser, appraiser, or retirement-plan specialist may be needed and how their costs would be handled.
Related reading: selling, buying out, or keeping the family home. For income and support concerns, see our alimony representation page.
6. Confirm the scope, fees, and next steps
Ask who would handle your matter, what the initial engagement covers, how attorney and expert fees are billed, and what information is needed next. Explain any concern about access to funds, missing records, or an imminent transaction so the attorney can assess it in context.
Review Michael C. Flaxman’s background and Danielle J. Ford’s background before requesting an attorney. Their biographies describe their experience with complex financial and family-law matters.
Discuss your financial priorities with Ford & Flaxman
Request a high-net-worth divorce consultation or call 702.919.1919. Mention the main assets or business interests involved, whether a case has been filed, and any deadlines. Ask about attorney availability and consultation fees.
For the firm’s approach to business interests, property, and support, see our Las Vegas high-net-worth divorce services. A consultation request does not establish representation; a conflict check and an agreed engagement are required.