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Gevurtz Menashe

PDX 503.227.1515
WA 360.823.0410

Since 1982.

High Asset Divorce

Filing for Divorce in Portland, OR or Vancouver, WA? We Can Help!

Protecting Your Assets & Interests

Getting divorced is never an easy situation. However, when you have a large, diverse, or complex asset portfolio, it can be even more complicated and stressful.

In cases like this, working with a talented high-net-worth divorce attorney can make all the difference. Gevurtz Menashe has a team of divorce lawyers that can help you sort out the details and reach the settlement you deserve.

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Extensive Experience with All Types of Financial Assets

We have considerable experience litigating, arbitrating, and mediating high-asset divorce cases, representing individuals who are:

  • Medical, legal, and tax professionals
  • Executives
  • Business owners
  • Real Estate Owners and Developers
  • Those who have acquired wealth through inheritance, settlements, etc.

What Is a High-Asset Divorce?

There is no set definition, but we find that individuals who earn more than $200,000 per year or have assets exceeding $1 million are generally considered to have more complexity in their case due to this higher net wealth. 

High-net-worth divorces often include a combination of assets that present more complex issues. Many times these assets are in a variety of jurisdictions, fluctuate in value, have complex tax issues, or have a complicated ownership structure.

For example, the asset pool that a divorcing couple needs to split could include:
  • Bank accounts
  • Stocks, bonds, and other investments
  • Retirement accounts and pensions
  • Businesses and corporate holdings
  • Multiple homes
  • Income properties
  • Automobiles
  • Real properties
  • Jewelry, artwork, or other valuables

When the asset pool is this complex, the fate of everyone involved — including the children — can hang in the balance. It requires great experience and skill to determine accurate values for the entire asset portfolio. With so much at stake on a personal and financial level, it’s worth hiring an attorney who’s experienced with the division of property in high-asset cases.

 

Business & Tax Considerations for High-Asset Financials Divorces

Many high-value divorce cases involve the valuation of a business. There may also be tax implications involved when litigating or settling high-asset cases. Therefore, it’s important to understand the overall impact of divorce on your business succession and estate planning — and to evaluate your options for asset protection and tax avoidance.

Gevurtz Menashe divorce and estate planning attorneys work together with a strong team of specialized professionals to ensure every aspect is handled appropriately. Among the experts we collaborate with are:

  • CPAs
  • Forensic accountants
  • Business evaluators (both local and national)
  • Commercial and residential real estate appraisers
  • Business attorneys
  • Tax attorneys and accountants

Attorneys

  • Shawn Menashe Shawn Menashe Shareholder
    Shawn Menashe

    Shawn Menashe

    Shareholder
    Shawn is no stranger to family law. He is a product of a divorced family. Thus, choosing family law as a profession has a higher meaning.

    For Shawn, the choice to become a family law attorney was a matter of "keeping it in the family." While offers loomed from other prominent local business law firms, he decided to join Gevurtz Menashe, the firm founded by his father nearly forty years ago. Family law is his calling. He will tell you that, without a doubt, joining Gevurtz Menashe is a decision he has never regretted. Dedicated to helping clients navigate through difficult times, he inherited a tough-but-sensitive approach to divorce and family law. Common sense and tenacity are hallmarks of his advocacy. He strives to connect with his clients, is committed to open communication, and gives clients his full attention every step of the way. Practicing law, to Shawn, boils down to making a positive difference in people's lives when they need it most.

    When he's not fearlessly advocating for his clients, Shawn loves good food and cooking. Traveling adds extra spice. You might find him in Napa Valley or Greece enjoying a savory and fragrant repast. Or he might be in the kitchen cooking up a storm for friends and family. He also enjoys golfing, skiing and physical fitness.

     
  • Zachary Fruchtengarten Zachary Fruchtengarten Managing Shareholder
    Zachary Fruchtengarten

    Zachary Fruchtengarten

    Managing Shareholder
    Numbers are a big part of any divorce, whether regarding property divisions, custody or support. With an MBA and a stint at one of the country's largest accounting firms, Zach is equally comfortable in matters of both law and business. He is a committed and compassionate advocate who counsels clients through the challenges of a divorce no matter what the numbers say. As he guides people through some of the most difficult times in their lives, there's one thing that drives Zach: knowing he helped make a difference.

    When not working with clients, you'll likely find Zach with his family sharing with them his love for cooking and fine food. His favorite menu? Warm Northwest evenings, some fresh local ingredients, and a backyard barbecue. When Zach is not cooking, you will find him enjoying one of his other passions, golf.

       
  • Scarlett Van Syoc Scarlett Van Syoc Associate
    Scarlett Van Syoc

    Scarlett Van Syoc

    Associate
    Scarlett is a compassionate and dedicated family law attorney with a profound understanding of the emotional turmoil that clients experience during family law litigation. With Scarlett's empathetic approach, clients can find solace in knowing that their every concern will be acknowledged and addressed throughout the legal process.  With well over a decade of family law experience, much of it spent in the courtrooms of New York City, Scarlett has honed the skill of identifying whether a case will be best served by a gentle approach or an aggressive one.
    Known for her ability to navigate the complex intersection of law and emotions, Scarlett helps clients make clear and informed decisions for their future. By providing guidance and support, Scarlett ensures that clients have a solid foundation to build a brighter future upon.

    In addition to her expertise in family law, Scarlett brings a unique perspective to each case. She describes herself as having the remarkable ability to find humor in any situation, which can help alleviate tension and foster positive communication. This, combined with her tenacity and extroverted nature, allows Scarlett to connect with clients on a personal level and build strong relationships based on trust and understanding.

    One of the most important lessons Scarlett has learned throughout her career is that being the loudest voice in the room doesn't necessarily equate to being the voice heard. Scarlett firmly believes in the power of thoughtful communication and emphasizes the impact of words before they are spoken. This wisdom guides her interactions with clients, opposing counsel, and the court, ensuring that every word spoken is purposeful and productive.

    Beyond the courtroom, Scarlett enjoys various hobbies that enrich her life and bring balance to their profession. She is an avid cook, constantly exploring new and interesting cuisines. Scarlett also devotes her time to animal rescue and volunteering.  She finds joy in swimming, hiking, indulging in reality shows on Bravo (a guilty pleasure), and cherishing moments spent with her own rescue pitbull, Quinn.

    With Scarlett's combination of empathy, legal expertise, and a genuine passion for helping clients, she is well-equipped to guide individuals through the challenges of family law and create a positive path forward for their clients' lives.
Meet our entire team!

Testimonial

We know our merits and the value we bring to clients. However, you probably think we’re biased. If you want independent assessments of our work, we encourage you to see the good things past clients have to say about us and check out our service awards.

“I personally retained Shawn Menashe as my attorney for my divorce in 2018 and currently for some post divorce tax issues. He always responded with clear and precise direction and professionalism. I felt I got the best care in a very stressful personal situation. I would highly recommend Shawn and this firm for your attorney needs.”
-Michelle Hediger

Our Locations

Portland

Vancouver

FAQ

  • Approximately how long does a high-net-value divorce case take?

    Approximately how long does a high-net-value divorce case take?

    It depends on a variety of factors but high-asset divorces can take longer due to the complexities involved with the division of assets. It’s not uncommon for a divorce to take many months — or even over a year — to be finalized.

  • What makes a high-asset divorce different from a regular divorce?

    What makes a high-asset divorce different from a regular divorce?

    The amount, variety, and value of the assets to be split. Given that more is on the line, negotiations can take longer and outcomes can have a greater impact.

  • Are there tax consequences for high-asset divorces?

    Are there tax consequences for high-asset divorces?

    Yes, there usually are. Once divorced, you’ll no longer file taxes jointly as a couple. You may also need to address tax withholdings, capital gains, child tax credits, retirement disbursements, and more.

  • Why hire a lawyer for a high-asset divorce?

    Why hire a lawyer for a high-asset divorce?

    The larger the estate or pool of assets, the more you have to gain or lose with the settlement. A qualified high-net-worth divorce attorney can help you get optimal outcomes with the least amount of stress. Your lawyer represents your best interests and can offer expert counsel.

Gevurtz Menashe, Portland & Vancouver High-Net-Worth Attorneys

At Gevurtz Menashe, we pride ourselves in treating each client with the highest degree of care and respect. When it comes to family law, however, there’s no question that cases with large assets bring unique challenges.

When dissolving a high-net-worth marriage, it’s critical to select seasoned attorneys who know the ins and outs of high-asset divorces. By engaging a Gevurtz Menashe lawyer, you’re actually gaining access to a highly skilled team of professionals, all dedicated to seeing you get the most favorable results. 

We also understand just how trying a time like this can be. That’s why we go the extra distance to make sure you feel seen, heard, and cared for during the process. We have a vested interest in your and your family's well-being.

Call us at our Portland (503-227-1515) or Vancouver (360-823-0410) office or fill out the contact form to schedule your appointment with an experienced high-asset divorce lawyer.