International Assets and Complex Financial Cases
Divorce and separation can involve particularly complex financial issues where substantial assets are involved or where property, businesses, pensions or investments are located in more than one country.
A spouse may own property abroad, have an interest in an overseas business, hold investments in another jurisdiction, or have pension or financial arrangements established outside Ireland. In other cases, one or both spouses may have lived and worked in several countries during the marriage.
O’Connor & Bergin Solicitors advises on complex financial matters arising from divorce and separation, including cases involving significant assets and an international dimension.
Property and Assets Outside Ireland
Where either spouse owns assets outside Ireland, additional legal and practical issues can arise.
International assets may include residential or investment property, bank accounts, investments, shares, business interests and other forms of property.
It may be necessary to establish the nature, ownership and value of assets in another jurisdiction and to consider how they interact with divorce or separation proceedings in Ireland.
Where appropriate, we work with lawyers, accountants, valuers and other professional advisers in Ireland and abroad.
Businesses and Company Interests
A privately owned business or professional practice can be one of the most significant assets involved in a divorce or separation.
Questions may arise concerning the ownership and value of a business, the income it generates, the respective involvement of the spouses and its relationship with the family’s wider financial circumstances.
Cases involving businesses may require specialist valuation, accounting or taxation advice alongside family law advice.
We advise business owners, professionals and their spouses on financial issues arising from relationship breakdown.
Pensions and International Employment
Pensions can form an important part of the financial arrangements following divorce or separation, particularly where one or both spouses have accumulated substantial pension benefits during a long career.
The position can become more complicated where a person has worked in different countries or has pension arrangements established outside Ireland.
We can advise on the Irish family law aspects of pensions and, where an overseas pension or employment arrangement is involved, work with appropriate advisers in the relevant jurisdiction.
Investments, Trusts and Other Financial Interests
Complex financial cases may involve investment portfolios, trusts, inherited wealth or other financial interests which require careful consideration.
The legal issues arising will depend upon the nature of the asset, how and when it was acquired, its ownership and the wider circumstances of the family.
Where specialist financial, taxation or foreign legal advice is required, this can form part of the wider professional team advising on the case.
Disclosure and Valuation of Assets
A clear understanding of the financial circumstances of both parties is important when dealing with the financial consequences of separation or divorce.
In more complex cases, identifying and valuing the relevant assets can itself be a substantial exercise, particularly where businesses, corporate structures or assets in several countries are involved.
We advise clients throughout the process of financial disclosure and can work with accountants, business valuers and other experts where necessary.
Divorce Involving More Than One Country
Where spouses or their assets have connections with several countries, financial questions may arise alongside issues concerning where divorce proceedings should be brought.
Obtaining advice at an early stage can be important where proceedings are contemplated in Ireland or another jurisdiction.
Read more about Cross-Border Divorce and Jurisdiction.
International Assets and Divorce Solicitors in Ireland
If your separation or divorce involves significant assets, a business, pensions, investments, property abroad or other international financial interests, contact O’Connor & Bergin Solicitors to discuss your circumstances.
We can advise on the Irish family law aspects of your case and work with financial advisers, experts and lawyers in other jurisdictions where appropriate.