How is Spousal Support Determined in High-Net-Worth Divorces?

If you're considering divorce and are accustomed to a high-income/high-expense lifestyle, there’s a lot on the line and you might be wondering: Will I be paying spousal support? Will I receive it? How much? For how long? What about in the future? 

High-income and net-worth divorces don’t just involve more money—they involve more complexity. Spousal support is often one one of the most complex, and most contested issues in a high-income/high-expense case. At Wagner & Bloch, our Cincinnati family law team helps clients navigate these complicated matters with clarity and strategy. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is Spousal Support in High-Income Cases?

In Ohio, spousal support is generally meant to help a lower-earning spouse maintain a lifestyle similar to what the parties established during their marriage. See our website HERE for more information on spousal support and the factors considered when it is requested. 

Every case is different and requires its own review. However, when one or both spouses have substantial earnings or assets, we need to dig deeper to figure out what’s equitable. A court is not often equipped with personnel capable of being diligent enough to handle high net-worth divorce cases. Nevertheless, while the Court must follow the law, generally so too must parties seeking a dissolution of their marriage. 

Looking at Both Spouses’ Finances

The attorneys Wagner & Bloch first analyze the financial situation of each spouse, including current and historical earning potential, current and historical salaries, as well as any and all income (reported or unreported, taxable or nontaxable) from all sources, such as:

• Real estate holdings
• Business ownership or partnerships
• Retirement accounts
• Stocks, bonuses, and other investments
• Stock options, Restricted Stock Units, and other compensation packages
• Gambling Winnings, Lottery Winning, etc.

The Length of Your Marriage Matters

Next, we consider and weigh the other factors, such as the duration of your marriage, your health, tax consequences, etc. Generally, the longer the marriage, the more likely it is that spousal support would be awarded under the circumstances—and for a longer period. As such, spousal support is more likely in a 30-year marriage with an income disparity than in a 10-year marriage with similar earning abilities.

Maintaining the Lifestyle You Established

Another factor is the lifestyle you and your spouse established during the marriage. Did you take international vacations, live in a luxury home, or belong to private clubs? One purpose of spousal support is to prevent a drastic drop in one spouse’s quality of life—at least for a certain period of time.

Future Earning Potential Plays a Role

It’s not just about what each person earns today. A spouse who gave up a career to raise children, for instance, may need financial support while rebuilding their professional life. Other considerations include:

• Education level
• Job experience and skills
• Health and age
• Ability to return to work or earn more income

Don’t Forget Non-Financial Contributions

Not all contributions are measured in dollars. If one spouse supported the other through medical school or managed the household while the other built a business, those efforts count. These behind-the-scenes roles, while impossible to quantify, should be considered when determining spousal support.

Why You Need a Skilled Cincinnati Family Attorney

Spousal support in high-income divorces often involves complicated taxation calculations and extensive negotiations. At Wagner & Bloch, we’re experienced in handling complex financial matters and advocating for fair outcomes.

Whether you’re concerned about paying too much or receiving too little, we aim to protect your long-term financial well-being with legal strategy and honed communication skills.

Talk to a Cincinnati, OH Family Lawyer Today

If you are considering a high-net-worth divorce and are unsure how spousal support might affect you, we’re here to help. We’ll explain your options, break down the financials, and advocate for a support arrangement that works for your future. Contact Wagner & Bloch to schedule a confidential consultation to get started.