Not all divorces are equal. When significant wealth is involved, the legal issues are more complex, the financial consequences are greater, and the stakes of getting it wrong are much higher.
High net worth divorces involve closely held businesses, pension plans, multi-property holdings, investment portfolios, executive compensation structures, and sometimes assets in multiple countries. You need a legal team with the experience and sophistication to handle it all.
At Unified LLP, we represent high net worth clients in Toronto with the strategic depth and discretion their situations demand.
Our Approach for High Net Worth Clients
We start with a thorough financial inventory, mapping every asset, liability, and income source. We work alongside forensic accountants, business valuators, and actuaries as needed. And we build a legal strategy that accounts not just for the legal outcome but also for the tax, business, and personal consequences of every possible path.
Privacy matters in high net worth cases. Mediation and arbitration keep your financial affairs entirely out of public court records, a significant advantage over contested litigation.
What Makes a High Net Worth Divorce Different?
🏢 Business Valuation: Determining the true value of private corporations, professional practices, and business partnerships.
💼 Executive Compensation Options, deferred compensation, profit-sharing, and bonuses are properly characterized for equalization.
📊 Investment Portfolios
RRSPs, TFSAs, non-registered accounts, and hedge fund interests valued at the correct dates.
🏠 Multiple Properties
Primary homes, cottages, rental properties, and international real estate, each with distinct legal treatment.
💰 Pension Division
OMERS, OTPP, military pensions, and government plans require actuarial analysis and court
orders.
🌍 International Assets
Assets in other countries raise complex issues of currency, tax, disclosure, and enforceability.
🔍 Forensic Accounting
When hidden assets or underreported income is suspected, we work with forensic accountants.
🔒 Privacy and Discretion Mediation and arbitration keep financial details out of public court records.
🛡 Trusts and Estate Interests Trust assets, family foundations, and estate planning considerations in property division.
Business Interests in a Toronto Divorce
A closely held business is often the most valuable and most contested asset in a high net worth divorce. Key questions include: How is the business valued? Is goodwill matrimonial property? Can the business continue to operate during the proceedings? How is a buyout structured tax-efficiently?
Our lawyers have extensive experience managing business valuation disputes. We know how to engage valuators effectively and challenge valuations that understate or overstate the business’s value.
Pension Division in Ontario Divorce
Defined benefit pensions, particularly OMERS, OTPP, public service pensions, and military plans, require specialised legal treatment. Division typically requires a court order under the Pension Benefits Act or specific federal legislation. Our lawyers work with actuaries to obtain accurate valuations and ensure pension orders are prepared and filed correctly.
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Your High Net Worth Divorce Questions
Can a business be valued for less than it is actually worth?
Yes and this happens more than it should. Business owners sometimes understate income or manipulate financial statements. We work with qualified business valuators and forensic accountants to identify and challenge these tactics.
How do we handle assets that are outside Canada?
Assets held internationally are still subject to disclosure and equalization in Ontario proceedings. Enforcing orders or agreements across borders involves complex legal considerations. We advise on the best strategies to protect your position.
Is mediation appropriate for a high net worth divorce?
Often, yes — and it can be very effective. Mediation is confidential, flexible, and allows for creative financial solutions that court orders cannot provide. It is often faster and significantly less expensive than full litigation, even at the high net worth level.
High net worth divorces require a legal team with the right experience and sophistication. Call Unified LLP at 416.787.7678 for a confidential consultation.
