Florida couples who have amassed a substantial amount of wealth may find that they are in dispute regarding the ownership and distribution of their wealth and assets. In one such case, two Washington, D.C. lobbyists are fighting over the ownership of various assets and the distribution of these assets in their divorce.
One such dispute is regarding one of the couple’s homes. The wife states that she oversaw a substantial renovation on the home that cost the couple millions of dollars and took three years to complete. When the couple first purchased the property, they had planned to live in it together and to use it as an art gallery and venue for their various fundraisers. However, she is asking the court to award her the home as part of the couple’s equitable division.
Another asset of significant value that the couple is disputing is a large art collection. This collection contains more than 1,300 pieces. The husband says that he has always collected expensive artwork, sold it and donated it. However, the wife is asking a court to make an order that would prevent any sale of the art without requiring both parties to provide their permission in writing. She is also asking a trustee to oversee the collection and to ensure its equitable distribution. The wife is supposedly taking these actions because she believes that her husband is currently attempting to consign or sell artwork without first consulting with her.
Individuals who are in the middle of a high-asset divorce may seek the legal counsel of a family law attorney. By taking this step, they may be able to protect certain assets, such as those that were owned prior to the marriage or were included in a prenuptial or post-nuptial agreement.
Source: Politico , “Heather and Tony Podesta divorce documents released“, Tal Kopan and Lucy McCalmont, April 11, 2014
