When significant assets are involved, property settlements can become complex. These may include:
- Businesses or company interests
- Investment portfolios
- Trust structures
- Multiple properties (including overseas)
It’s not just about dividing assets—it’s about properly valuing and structuring them.
How are high-value assets divided?
In Australian family law, there’s no automatic 50/50 split.
The Court considers:
- Financial contributions (income, assets, inheritances)
- Non-financial contributions (homemaking, parenting)
- Future needs (age, health, earning capacity)
Every settlement is tailored to the individual circumstances.
Business owners & divorce
If you own a business, it may be treated as part of the asset pool in a separation.
Key issues include:
- Accurate business valuation
- Cash flow vs. asset value
- Whether the business can continue operating post-settlement
Business structures can also be significant in these situations.
Early financial and legal advice is critical.
International assets in family law
High net worth matters often involve overseas property, bank accounts, or investments.
This can raise challenges like:
- Jurisdiction issues
- Currency fluctuations
- Enforcing orders across borders
Specialist advice helps navigate these complexities.
Hidden or complex assets
In high net worth separations, asset structures can be layered or difficult to trace.
This may involve:
- Family trusts
- Corporate entities
- Offshore holdings
Full financial disclosure is required and sometimes forensic accounting is needed to uncover the complete picture.
Spousal maintenance in high net worth cases
Where there’s a significant disparity in income or earning capacity, spousal maintenance may apply.
This can be:
- Short-term (to support transition)
- Long-term (in some circumstances)
It depends on need and capacity to pay.
Our team are experts in high net worth property settlements. Schedule a once off initial meeting to discuss your rights and entitlements. No obligation—once-off fee.
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