Protect What’s Important With An Attorney Who Knows How To Work With High Assets

Last updated on February 6, 2026

Under Michigan family law, a couple’s marital assets are divided in a way the court believes is fair. Michigan uses a “fair division” approach (often called equitable distribution). If you have questions about how the law may treat your money, property or investments in a divorce, it may be time to speak with a high-asset divorce attorney.

At Cannon Law PLC, we handle complex divorce matters. When clients come to us, they receive experienced guidance and compassionate support with their divorce. Divorce can affect your finances for years to come, including what you keep and what you may have to share. We stay focused on helping you pursue the best possible financial outcome.

Navigating Complex Asset Divisions In High Net Worth Divorces

A key step in any high-asset divorce is getting a clear, complete picture of what you and your spouse own. This includes:

• Financial accounts: Checking and savings accounts, retirement accounts, IRAs, money market accounts, stocks and bonds, cryptocurrency accounts, pensions
• Real estate: The marital home, vacation homes, rental properties
• Business interests: Ownership shares, business income, investments
• Personal property: Collections, jewelry, luxury items

Having a complete list helps make sure nothing is missed. It also gives you a stronger foundation for settlement talks and, if needed, for presenting your position in court.

Discover What You Do Not Know

Sometimes one spouse does not have full access to the financial information. If there is missing, hidden or unclear information, Michigan law provides a process called “discovery.” In plain terms, discovery is the formal way to require the other party to share financial records and answer questions about assets and debts. This can be accomplished through:

• Interrogatories (written questions)
• Requests/demands for admissions (asking the other side to confirm or deny specific facts)
• Depositions (sworn, out-of-court testimony)
• Other investigative tools (as appropriate)

Discovery is often especially important in high-asset cases, where income may come from multiple sources and where business records or nontraditional assets may not be obvious at first.

Separate Property, Inheritances And Commingling Issues

High-asset divorces often involve questions about what should be shared and what may be kept by one spouse. In general, it matters whether property was owned before the marriage or acquired during the marriage. It also matters whether one spouse received an inheritance, and whether that inheritance was kept separate or mixed in with marital finances. Mixing assets together is often called “commingling,” and it can change how the court views ownership.

• What was owned before the marriage (separate/premarital property)
• What was acquired during the marriage (potential marital property)
• Whether an inheritance was kept separate or shared
• Whether assets were commingled (mixed) and how
• Whether either spouse contributed to upkeep or improvements (time, labor, money)

For example, if one spouse owned a home before the marriage, but during the marriage the other spouse helped pay for renovations or major repairs, the home (or a portion of its increased value) may become an issue in the divorce. Every situation is different, and the details matter. Cannon Law PLC is experienced with these fact-specific disputes, and we are ready to protect your position when separate property or inheritances are being challenged.

Valuations, Appraisals And Forensic Financial Review

In many high-asset divorces, the parties do not agree on what property is worth. That is why independent professionals are often brought in to determine value. Your attorney may work with third parties such as real estate appraisers and business valuation professionals to help establish accurate numbers. In some cases, a forensic accountant may also be needed to review records, track money, and identify concerns such as underreported income or assets that are not being fully disclosed. Sometimes spouses can use a joint expert to control costs, but in other situations a separate expert opinion is the better choice.

Cannon Law PLC Cares About Your Financial Future

We also pay close attention to how property decisions connect with support issues. What you keep, what you receive, and what you pay can affect your day-to-day budget and long-term stability. Because every family’s finances look different, your case deserves a plan built around your specific goals and concerns.

• How property division may affect spousal support (alimony)
• How property division may affect child support
• A strategy tailored to your income, assets and long-term goals

We take a practical approach. If settlement options protect your interests and help you move forward, we will help you pursue them. If going to court is necessary to protect what is rightfully yours, we will be ready. We also understand that financial privacy matters, especially when significant assets are involved. When appropriate, we use settlement agreements to help limit how much sensitive financial information becomes part of the public court record.

Prepare For Your Divorce With A High-Asset Divorce Attorney

If you are dealing with substantial assets or a complicated financial picture, working with a high-asset divorce attorney can help you protect what you have built. Our attorneys at Cannon Law PLC handle a wide range of divorce matters, including gray divorces involving significant assets. You can count on us for focused, personalized representation designed to protect your financial interests.

We represent individuals in Oakland County and throughout Michigan. Contact our Birmingham office today at 248-929-9750 or via this online form to schedule your consultation.