What You Should Know About High Net Worth Divorce in Texas

Divorce is never easy, and it can be a complicated situation for anyone. But when valuable assets, businesses, or complex investments are involved, the process becomes far more challenging. If you or your spouse has accumulated significant wealth, understanding how a high-net-worth divorce works in Texas is critical to protecting your financial future. This article is designed to help you know what a “high-net-worth divorce” means in Texas, highlight what makes it different, and explain how you and your attorney can navigate the process to protect your interests.

At Mokolo Law Firm, we’ve helped clients across Texas navigate these sensitive cases with precision and discretion. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is a High-Net-Worth Divorce?

Although Texas law does not define “high-net-worth divorce” with a precise dollar amount, practitioners commonly use this term to mean a divorce involving one or more of the following:

• Significant marital assets (for example, $1 million or more in combined marital assets)
• Complex portfolios of property: ownership of businesses or equity in closely-held companies, multiple real estate holdings, large investment portfolios, significant retirement/stock option holdings, foreign or off-shore assets.
• Significant non-liquid, or “hard to value” assets (business interests; art/collectibles; intellectual property) which raise issues of valuation, traceability and division.

So while you will often read “$1 million+” as the informal benchmark, the key indicator is complexity and value of assets, not just the total number.

Because these assets can be difficult to identify and value, high-net-worth divorces require strategic planning and expert legal representation.

How Texas Law Handles High-Net-Worth Divorces

1. Community vs. Separate Property

Texas is a community property state, which means that most assets acquired during the marriage belong to both spouses. However, property owned before marriage or received as a gift or inheritance is considered separate property.

In high-asset cases, this distinction can get blurred. For instance, if a spouse owned a business before marriage but used marital funds to expand it, a portion of that business may now be considered community property. Proving what’s truly “separate” requires extensive documentation and sometimes forensic accounting.

2. Valuing Complex Assets

In a high-net-worth divorce, accurately valuing assets is one of the most critical and contentious steps. Businesses, real estate, stock portfolios, and even intellectual property must be properly appraised.

At Mokolo Law Firm, we work with forensic accountants, appraisers, and valuation experts to ensure each asset is assessed fairly. This protects your interests and helps you negotiate from a position of strength.

3. Hidden or Hard-to-Trace Assets

Unfortunately, the higher the assets, the greater the temptation to hide or transfer them. Some spouses attempt to conceal property through trusts, offshore accounts, or business entities.

We use comprehensive discovery tools, subpoenas, depositions, and financial audits to trace hidden assets and ensure all property is disclosed. Transparency is key to reaching a fair and lawful settlement.

4. Division Isn’t Always 50/50

While many assume that community property means everything is split evenly, Texas courts are required to divide property in a manner that’s “just and right.”

That means the division could be unequal, depending on factors such as:

• Each spouse’s earning potential and financial contribution
• Who managed the household or supported the other’s career
• Misuse or concealment of assets
• Future financial needs or health conditions

With the right legal strategy, you can protect what you’ve earned and achieve a fair outcome under Texas law.

5. Spousal Support and Lifestyle Considerations

In high-net-worth divorces, lifestyle often plays a major role. Courts may consider the standard of living established during the marriage when determining spousal maintenance or contractual alimony.

For example, if one spouse left the workforce to support the other’s business or care for children, they may be entitled to financial support after divorce. Mokolo Law Firm helps clients negotiate support agreements that balance fairness with long-term financial security.

6. Tax Implications and Future Planning

Asset division isn’t just about who gets what; it’s also about how those transfers affect your taxes and long-term wealth.

Large estates often include taxable assets such as real estate, investments, or stock options. Without careful planning, you could face significant tax liabilities. We coordinate with tax advisors and estate planners to create strategies that protect both your short-term settlement and long-term legacy.

How to Protect Yourself in a High-Net-Worth Divorce

Here are some proactive steps you can take right now:

1. Gather Documentation – Collect bank statements, deeds, tax returns, business records, and account statements.
2. Identify Separate Property – Work with your attorney to trace and document what belongs to you individually.
3. Stay Financially Transparent – Avoid hiding or moving assets. This can backfire and damage your credibility in court.
4. Consider Confidential Solutions – Mediation or collaborative divorce can help preserve privacy and minimize cost.
5. Plan for the Future – Think about taxes, trusts, and your post-divorce financial goals before finalizing any settlement.

Why Choose Mokolo Law Firm

At Mokolo Law Firm, we understand that a high-net-worth divorce isn’t just a legal matter; it’s a personal, financial, and emotional turning point.

Our clients choose us because we offer:

• Extensive experience handling high-asset and complex divorces in Texas
• Strategic planning that integrates legal, financial, and tax considerations
• Access to top valuation and forensic experts
• Confidential and compassionate representation focused on results

Final Thoughts

A high-net-worth divorce in Texas demands more than ordinary representation. It requires strategic thinking, detailed financial knowledge, and a legal team that understands the nuances of wealth, business, and family law.

At Mokolo Law Firm, we are committed to protecting your assets, your reputation, and your peace of mind. Whether through negotiation or litigation, we’ll help you achieve a fair and forward-focused outcome.

If you’re facing a high-net-worth divorce in Texas, don’t navigate it alone.
Contact Mokolo Law Firm today to schedule a confidential consultation and start planning your path forward with confidence.