Austin High-Net-Worth Divorce Lawyer
When significant assets, business interests, and reputations are on the line, divorce becomes more than just a personal matter; it’s a financial and legal challenge that requires strategic guidance. Fortunately, you can hire an Austin high-net-worth divorce lawyer. The Law Office of Ben Carrasco, PLLC, provides discreet, results-driven representation for clients in Austin and Central Texas, navigating the complexities of high-net-worth divorce.
About Us
At the Law Office of Ben Carrasco, we understand that your wealth, your privacy, and your future are at stake. With over a decade of experience handling high-net-worth divorce cases, Ben provides sophisticated advocacy, ensuring every asset is protected, every claim is verified, and every decision is intentional. For individuals with substantial holdings, even a slight misstep can lead to lasting financial loss. Hiring an experienced lawyer protects your financial future.
Board-Certified in Family Law, founding attorney Ben Carrasco is Stanford-educated and passionate about family law. After watching his own parents go through a divorce, he dedicated his career to helping local families avoid the heartache that can often accompany bitter divorces. After seeing how all-consuming the process was for his own family, Ben became a zealous advocate for Austin locals in need of family law assistance.
From Pemberton Heights to Westlake and Riverplace, we assist Austin’s elite. Working with an experienced high-asset divorce lawyer early in the process safeguards your interests from day one. We live by our commitment to zealous advocacy and are passionate about your case. Whether you need assistance with a high-conflict divorce or a custody modification, our smart, responsive approach is designed to deliver a positive outcome for you. Don’t hesitate to reach out.
Contact The Law Office Of Ben Carrasco, PLLC
We live by our commitment to zealous advocacy and are passionate about your case. Whether you need assistance with a high-conflict divorce or a custody modification, our smart and responsive approach is designed to yield a positive outcome for you. Don’t hesitate to reach out.
Strategic Representation in High Net Worth Divorce Cases
Austin is the home of just under a million residents, and around 42.1 percent of our population is married. In our city, safeguarding wealth is critically important since Austin boasts approximately 32,700 millionaires. For help creating a divorce plan as a high-net-worth Texan, connect with an attorney with a track record of success with high-asset divorces.
High-net-worth divorce cases involve complex property structures, intricate financial documents, and the potential for public exposure. Ben Carrasco’s approach to resolution prioritizes discretion and protection.
Unique Challenges in High-Net-Worth Divorces
- Valuing and dividing multimillion-dollar estates and business interests
- Tracing separate and community property across multiple accounts
- Managing confidential business records and investment portfolios
- Preventing the concealment or dissipation of assets
- Protecting children’s privacy and maintaining lifestyle stability
As an experienced high-net-worth divorce lawyer, Ben works to mitigate financial and reputational risks through proactive discovery, forensic accounting, and strategic negotiation. His goal is to minimize the emotional toll while preserving what matters most.
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The Help of Professionals
Because high-net-worth cases often involve privately held businesses, complex compensation packages, and real estate portfolios, our firm routinely collaborates with valuation experts, CPAs, and forensic analysts to ensure accuracy and fairness. Each step is guided by a singular mission: achieving an equitable outcome while minimizing exposure.
When your financial life is under the microscope, trust an Austin high-asset divorce attorney who understands how to navigate high-stakes litigation and confidential settlements with discretion and control.
What Qualifies as a High-Asset Divorce in Texas?
Texas courts are charged with making a “just and right” division of a community estate, which means a fair, but not necessarily equal division of assets during a divorce. In Texas, a divorce is generally considered “high-net-worth” when the couple’s combined marital estate exceeds $1 million in value or involves complex properties that require professional valuation.
These cases often include one or more of the following:
- Ownership of businesses or professional practices
- Investment portfolios with diversified holdings
- Multiple real estate properties (including out-of-state or international assets)
- Retirement accounts, pensions, or stock options
- Trusts, inheritances, or family wealth
- Luxury assets such as vehicles, jewelry, artwork, and collectibles
High-asset divorces require experience interpreting financial statements, identifying hidden or undervalued assets, and understanding the tax implications of property division.
Unique Assets
Unique assets, such as art, collectibles, or closely held businesses, may require an analysis of intrinsic value or expert testimony. Real estate appraisers and business valuation professionals act as impartial authorities, providing objective analysis of asset value for divorces and reports detailing market value and fair compensation.
These reports typically serve as crucial evidence, add credibility, clarify complex financial issues, and ensure fair outcomes grounded in data rather than opinion.
Asset Division
If you’re at the point of having the court divide assets during a divorce, the court may reach a “just and right” division of your assets. This is achieved by considering factors such as the length of the marriage, whether any fault is in play, the couple’s earnings disparity, their health and age, the needs of their children, and the size of any separate property. The court has broad judicial discretion, and its goal is to reach an equitable outcome rather than a precise mathematical split.
An inaccurate valuation can shift hundreds of thousands of dollars. As a result, it’s critical to hire an attorney with experience both with Texas divorce law and high-value divorces. Rest assured, our firm has extensive experience with high-net-value divorces. We routinely collaborate with forensic accountants, property appraisers, and financial analysts to ensure your assets are thoroughly identified, valued, and protected throughout the divorce process.
If you’re unsure whether your case qualifies as a high-net-worth divorce, Ben Carrasco can assess your situation confidentially and outline your legal options. With a deep understanding of Texas divorce property laws and wealth-preservation strategies, Ben provides clarity and confidence at every step of the process.
Out‑of‑State Assets and International Property
- Uncover, value, and divide hidden or complicated foreign assets
- Use forensic experts and their in-depth knowledge of international laws and treaties to ensure full financial disclosure and fair division
- Deal with currency and legal system differences
- Coordinate with foreign legal contacts for either asset seizure or enforcement
While a Texas court can’t retitle foreign property directly, it can potentially order spouses to sell, transfer, or refinance property as part of a divorce. This can become a challenge with vacation property, second homes, foreign banks, rental portfolios, and brokerage accounts. Ben Carrasco can coordinate with local counsel or foreign professionals as necessary to comply with Texas law. Ultimately, he can protect your financial interests across domestic and foreign borders.
Common Assets Involved in High Net Worth Divorce
Every high-asset divorce is unique, but most involve multiple categories of property that require precise valuation and legal care. Understanding how these assets are identified and divided is key to protecting your financial position.
| Asset Type | Key Considerations During Divorce |
|---|---|
| Real Estate Holdings | Market valuation, mortgage equity, ownership tracing, and income potential from rental or commercial properties. |
| Business Interests | Determining business value, ownership percentages, and goodwill; protecting operational continuity during proceedings. |
| Retirement Accounts | Division through Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) and managing the tax implications of distribution. |
| Investments & Trusts | Tracking capital gains, risk exposure, and inheritance structures; ensuring full disclosure. |
| Luxury Assets | Appraising high-value items such as art, vehicles, and jewelry; preventing asset concealment or liquidation. |
| Intellectual Property | Valuing patents, trademarks, royalties, and other intangible assets. |
| Deferred Compensation | Evaluating unvested stock, bonuses, or performance-based incentives. |
| International Assets | Navigating cross-border property laws, taxation, and jurisdictional disputes. |
The classification and documentation of each asset directly affect how it will be divided. Our Austin divorce law firm collaborates with appraisers, forensic accountants, and tax professionals to ensure no asset is overlooked or undervalued.
Property Classification Under Texas Law
Texas is a community property state, meaning most assets acquired during the marriage are presumed to be owned equally by both spouses. However, equal does not necessarily mean 50/50 — the court divides property in a manner it deems just and right, taking into account numerous financial and personal factors.
Community Property: Assets acquired by either spouse during the marriage, including income, investments, and real estate.
Separate Property: Assets owned before marriage, as well as inheritances or gifts received individually.
Commingled Assets: Funds or property where separate and community assets have been mixed, requiring tracing and documentation.
To prove that property is separate, the burden of proof lies with the spouse who is claiming that classification. Tracing requires meticulous recordkeeping and, in many cases, expert testimony.
Ben Carrasco’s legal strategy focuses on early documentation and prefessional financial analysis. When high-net-worth divorce settlements involve complex holdings, such as businesses or trusts, we also coordinate with valuation specialists and forensic accountants to ensure the evidence withstands court scrutiny.
How Ben Carrasco Protects High-Value Assets During Divorce
Protecting wealth in a high-asset divorce requires financial acumen and a proactive strategy. Ben Carrasco combines his litigation background with a thorough understanding of asset protection to secure favorable results while maintaining client privacy.
Hidden Assets and Financial Misconduct
High-net-worth cases sometimes involve hidden accounts, undervalued business interests, or unreported income. Through forensic accounting, subpoena power, and financial discovery, Ben identifies concealed assets and ensures accurate valuation.
When dividing retirement funds or investment portfolios, we utilize QDROs to ensure compliant, tax-efficient distribution.
Managing Business Ownership and Continuity
If one or both spouses own a business, divorce can threaten its operations and valuation. Ben works closely with valuation prefessionals to determine fair market value, assess buyout options, and protect both ownership rights and long-term viability.
In cases involving executive compensation or deferred income, we ensure transparency and accurate inclusion of all benefits within settlement negotiations.
Protecting Privacy and Reputation
Ben mitigates public exposure through private mediation, confidentiality agreements, and careful court filings that minimize public access. We also prepare contingency plans for reputation management to ensure the process remains as discreet and controlled as possible.
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Support & Custody Considerations in High Net Worth Divorce
Beyond asset division, high-net-worth divorces often involve unique parenting dynamics that require careful planning. Texas law allows flexibility in determining child support and spousal maintenance, but those outcomes must reflect both the family’s lifestyle and the children’s best interests.
Child Support Above Statuatory Limits
Texas has a statutory cap on child support obligations, but courts can exceed that limit when justified by the child’s needs and the parents’ financial circumstances. In high-income cases, this may include:
- Private school tuition and tutoring
- Extracurricular activities, travel, and enrichment programs
- Healthcare, insurance, and childcare costs
- Trust contributions or long-term educational funds
As an Austin high-net-worth divorce lawyer focusing on child support, Ben Carrasco consults with financial professionals to calculate support that aligns with both statutory requirements and realistic lifestyle expectations.
Spousal Maintenance and Lifestyle Preservation
High-income divorces often involve spousal maintenance claims. Courts may grant maintenance to preserve a spouse’s standard of living or bridge the gap between separation and financial independence.
Factors include:
- Length of marriage
- Earning capacity and financial disparity
- Contributions to career or business success
- Evidence of misconduct or waste of community assets
Our firm carefully documents income streams, living expenses, and prior lifestyle patterns to build a compelling case.
Custody and Parenting Agreements
When high-net-worth parents have demanding schedules or multiple residences, child custody planning becomes even more complex. Ben crafts parenting plans that respect the child’s needs while protecting parental rights. We also address special considerations such as international travel, private schooling, and confidentiality in media-sensitive cases.
Why Choose Ben Carrasco as Your High-Asset Divorce
When your financial future and privacy are at stake, you need an Austin high-net-worth divorce lawyer with proven skill, discretion, and integrity. Ben Carrasco brings each of these qualities to every case he handles. His practice is built on the belief that high-net-worth individuals deserve representation from someone who works as hard as they do.
Why clients trust Ben:
- Board-Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization — a distinction held by less than 1% of Texas divorce attorneys.
- Over a decade of experience representing business owners, executives, and professionals in complex property division and custody disputes.
- Strategic, data-driven advocacy informed by financial analysis and real-world outcomes.
- Discreet representation focused on protecting the client’s reputation and minimizing public exposure.
- Client-centered approach that prioritizes efficiency, communication, and practical resolutions.
In their words:
“Divorce is never easy, and mine was particularly nasty. I can unequivocally say that hiring Ben was the best decision I made throughout the process. Ben is an extremely intelligent, honest, and efficient attorney. He takes the time to explain everything, and his response time to emails and phone calls is absolutely stellar. I don’t want to set expectations high- but in my case it seemed like he never took a weekend off.”
– Nachi S.
If your financial future depends on how your divorce is handled, trust an attorney with the credentials and tenacity to secure it. Trust the Law Office of Ben Carrasco.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is considered a high-net-worth divorce in Texas?
A: In Texas, a high-net-worth divorce typically involves $1 million or more in marital assets, including businesses, real estate, investments, or luxury property. The key factor is not only the value but the complexity of the holdings involved. If you need assistance with responding to divorce papers or are contemplating a divorce, reach out to the Law Office of Ben Carrasco, PLLC to discuss your available options.
Q: What does a high-asset divorce lawyer do?
A: A high-asset divorce lawyer provides a wide variety of legal and emotional support services for their clients. High-net-worth divorce lawyers offer legal guidance to safeguard the financial interests of individuals navigating divorce proceedings involving $1 million or more in marital assets. This includes identifying hidden assets, coordinating with professionals, enforcing marital agreements, and ensuring fair division under Texas community property laws.
Q: What makes a high-asset divorce so complex?
A: Every high-net-worth divorce case is different, but complexity with high-asset divorces typically arises from multiple asset types, tax implications, and valuation issues — especially when businesses, trusts, or international holdings are part of the marital estate.
The role of your attorney is to provide comprehensive assistance with your high-asset divorce, whether you’re responding to divorce proceedings or initiating the end of your marriage yourself. Contact a knowledgeable attorney to discuss your situation.
Q: What Professionals Are Needed in a High-Asset Divorce?
A: The professionals that may be needed in a high-asset divorce depend on the specific couple’s divorce goals and needs, as each divorce is unique. High-net-worth divorce lawyers work with forensic accountants, valuation professionals, appraisers, and tax professionals. These professionals help ensure accuracy and prevent costly mistakes during asset division. Reach out to a knowledgeable attorney to discuss professional collaboration further.
Q: How Long Do High-Asset Divorces Take in Texas?
A: In Texas, the amount of time that a high-asset divorce may take depends on the circumstances of each specific divorce. These cases often take longer than average because they require detailed financial analysis and expert testimony. During an initial consultation, your attorney will review your case and provide you with an estimated timeline.
Hire a High-Asset Divorce Lawyer at the Law Office of Ben Carrasco, PLLC
If you need to hire a high-asset divorce lawyer or just want to explore your divorce options, reach out to the Law Office of Ben Carrasco, PLLC. We can schedule a confidential consultation with a trusted divorce lawyer.
Your wealth, your privacy, and your peace of mind deserve protection. Don’t navigate a complex, high-stakes divorce alone — work with an attorney who understands the financial and emotional weight of your case.
Take the first step toward protecting what you’ve built. Contact the Law Office of Ben Carrasco today to schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced high-asset divorce lawyer who puts your future first.