Divorce Involving Substantial Assets in New Jersey
Why Financial Strategy Determines the Outcome
Divorce is never easy—but when a marriage involves substantial assets, the process becomes far more than a legal separation. It is a financial restructuring that can permanently affect income, property, retirement, and long-term security.
Executives, business owners, and professionals often face complex issues involving businesses, executive compensation, deferred income, real estate, and future earning capacity. In these financially sophisticated divorces, outcomes depend not on emotion, but on planning, disclosure, and financial insight.
A Strategic Approach to Financially Complex Divorce
Tanya N. Helfand, Esq. is a Certified Matrimonial Attorney and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®) with more than 30 years of experience representing clients in divorces involving substantial marital estates in New Jersey. She serves as Partner of the Morristown office of Sarno da Costa D’Aniello Maceri Webb LLC.
With decades of family law experience and a background as a business owner, Ms. Helfand approaches divorce with a business-minded, financially fluent perspective—particularly valuable for matters involving complex asset structures.
The Financial Reality of Asset-Intensive Divorce
Divorces involving significant assets often include:
- Closely held businesses and professional practices
- Executive compensation, bonuses, stock options, and RSUs
- Deferred compensation and retirement assets
- Multiple real estate holdings
- Alimony structuring and tax consequences
- College planning and future support obligations
New Jersey applies the principle of equitable distribution, meaning assets are divided fairly—not necessarily equally. Courts do not correct a lack of financial awareness or poor planning. Results are driven by the quality of financial analysis and negotiation.
Why Thoughtful Settlement Matters
Although Ms. Helfand is fully prepared to litigate, when necessary, her objective is to achieve intelligent, well-structured settlement whenever possible. In fact, 98–99% of her cases resolve before trial.
Proper settlement allows parties to:
- Retain control over financial outcomes
- Reduce legal expenses and emotional stress
- Avoid the unpredictability of judicial decisions
- Preserve business continuity and privacy
Settlement, however, must be informed by complete financial transparency and careful cost-benefit analysis.
Financial Disclosure and Discovery
In many marriages, one spouse manages the finances while the other may not have full visibility. Divorce law requires full financial disclosure, regardless of who handled assets during the marriage.
Ms. Helfand tailors discovery to the complexity of the case. When business interests, variable income, or non-transparent assets are involved, she works with forensic accountants and valuation professionals to develop a clear and defensible financial picture. If cooperation is lacking, she pursues appropriate court intervention.
Protecting Wealth Through Informed Decisions
Once income, assets, expenses, and future projections are understood, Ms. Helfand guides clients through important decisions such as:
- Whether to sell, refinance, or retain real estate
- Structuring alimony versus a lump-sum buyout near retirement
- Protecting interest in stock options and deferred compensation
- Planning realistically for college and future financial obligations
This process often includes collaboration with financial advisors and accountants to assess tax implications and long-term impact.
A Discreet, Sophisticated Divorce Strategy
Divorces involving substantial assets require discretion, preparation, and financial fluency. Ms. Helfand’s combined legal and financial expertise helps clients navigate divorce with clarity—reducing risk while protecting long-term financial stability.
About Tanya N. Helfand, Esq.
Tanya N. Helfand, Esq. is a Certified Matrimonial Attorney, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, and Managing Partner in Morristown, New Jersey. She represents executives, business owners, professionals, and spouses in financially complex divorce matters throughout New Jersey.
Prior results are no guarantee of future performance. Each representation has unique facts and circumstances that will impact results.
