What Is Considered a High‑Asset Divorce in South Carolina?

Divorce is rarely simple, but when a couple owns significant wealth or complex assets, the legal process becomes even more challenging. In South Carolina, a divorce is generally considered “high-asset” when the marital estate includes substantial financial holdings, often totaling $1 million or more. These cases require careful planning, detailed financial investigation, and experienced legal representation to ensure a fair outcome.

At Sarji Law Firm, we work with professionals, business owners, investors, and their spouses to resolve high-stakes family law matters with discretion and strategy. If you're wondering whether your divorce qualifies as high-asset or how that might affect your case, here's what you need to know.

What Counts as a High-Value Marital Estate?

In a high-asset divorce, the couple’s marital property typically goes far beyond just a home and bank account. These cases often involve complex portfolios, multiple income streams, and valuable personal and business assets. Some common components of a high-asset estate include:

• Multiple real estate properties, including vacation homes and rental properties
• Privately held businesses or professional practices
• Investment portfolios, including stocks, bonds, and cryptocurrency
• Retirement accounts, pensions, and executive compensation plans
• Luxury vehicles, boats, art collections, and valuable jewelry
• Trusts, inheritances, or offshore accounts

Each of these assets must be properly identified, valued, and classified as either marital or separate property before any division can occur. In high-asset divorces, the stakes are higher and so are the legal and financial complexities.

Equitable Distribution in South Carolina

South Carolina follows an “equitable distribution” model for dividing marital property. That means the court divides assets in a way that is fair, but not necessarily equal. In high-asset cases, equitable distribution becomes particularly complex because of the variety and value of property involved.

For example, one spouse may own a business started before the marriage, but the other spouse may be entitled to a share of the increased value if the business grew during the marriage. Or, a retirement account in one spouse’s name may still be subject to division if contributions were made while married.

The court will consider multiple factors when dividing high-value estates, including:

• Each spouse’s contribution to acquiring or preserving assets
• The length of the marriage
• Each spouse’s income and earning potential
• Marital misconduct or dissipation of assets
• Future financial needs and obligations

In many high-asset cases, both parties rely on financial experts, such as forensic accountants, business valuators, or appraisers, to ensure an accurate and fair division of wealth.

Hidden Assets and Full Financial Disclosure

Full financial disclosure is essential in every divorce, but it becomes even more important when large sums of money or closely held assets are involved. Unfortunately, high-asset divorces are more likely to include attempts to conceal or undervalue property.

One spouse might try to:

• Transfer money to a third party or shell company
• Delay bonuses or commissions until after the divorce
• Undervalue a business or exaggerate liabilities
• “Forget” to disclose cryptocurrency holdings or offshore accounts

At Sarji Law Firm, we work with experts who can trace assets, examine tax returns, review business records, and uncover discrepancies. Our goal is to make sure the full picture is revealed before any agreement or court ruling is finalized.

Other Issues Common in High‑Asset Divorce

While property division is often the focus, high-asset divorces also involve other sensitive legal issues. These may include:

• Spousal Support: With significant income disparities, one spouse may be entitled to long-term or even permanent alimony. Determining the appropriate amount and duration is often contested.
• Pre- and Postnuptial Agreements: Many high-net-worth couples have agreements that define how assets will be handled in a divorce. The enforceability of those documents may be challenged, depending on how they were drafted and signed.
• Child Support and Custody: If children are involved, the court will still apply the best interests standard, but high incomes can lead to unique child support calculations and parenting arrangements.
• Privacy Concerns: The more assets and income involved, the greater the concern for keeping financial and personal details out of the public eye. Confidentiality and discretion are essential.

These issues are best addressed by an attorney who has experience not only in family law but also in complex financial matters.

Should You Settle or Go to Court?

In many high-asset divorces, settling out of court is the preferred approach. Litigation is public, time-consuming, and expensive. However, if one spouse is unwilling to cooperate or refuses to be transparent, going to court may be the only way to protect your interests.

Whether you’re negotiating a settlement or preparing for trial, you need an attorney who understands how to manage high-value assets, negotiate effectively, and advocate for a just outcome. The decisions you make now can impact your financial future for years to come.

If you believe your divorce involves complex or high-value assets, Sarji Law Firm can help. We bring experience, precision, and discretion to high-stakes family law matters throughout South Carolina. To learn how we can protect your assets, your rights, and your future, contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation.