Facing High-Asset Divorce In Columbus? Put An Experienced Family Law Attorney On Your Side.

Last updated on July 22, 2025

Going through the process of divorce is an emotional time, with adjustments to new living arrangements and co-parenting with an ex-partner. With all of the modifications, no one wants to face a drastic change in their lifestyle due to their financial state post-divorce. How can you protect yourself and your right to assets?

At Gregg R. Lewis, ESQ., we have been helping Columbus families navigate divorce for more than 40 years. Our lawyer, Gregg R. Lewis, ESQ., has dedicated his legal career to helping families with the complex issues that arise in a divorce, including complicated high-asset divorces.

Understanding Ohio Property Division Laws

Unless you signed a prenuptial agreement before your marriage, Ohio law states that assets not considered separate property should be divided in an equitable manner. In high-asset divorces, it’s important to ensure your spouse is completely transparent about all finances such as bank accounts, retirement funds and income. We work with financial experts to make sure you are protected.

Many times, ensuring you have an accurate count of the marital assets will come down to the experience and knowledge of your divorce attorney. Especially if a family-owned business is involved, it can be common for one spouse to claim the company is not as profitable as it actually is.

What Factors Determine Spousal Support?

In divorce, sometimes one party seeks spousal support from the other. The amount of spousal support (alimony) you pay or receive will depend on a number of factors, as outlined by the court such as:

• Duration of the marriage
• Income
• Prior employment and earning ability
• In addition, courts consider other relevant factors in an effort to determine what is just and equitable.

When Is A Divorce A High-Asset Divorce?

Not every divorce qualifies as a high-asset divorce, even if there are a lot of assets involved. When a divorce includes more than one million dollars in assets or has high-value assets such as a business, extensive retirement investments, valuable real estate property or collections, it will often be considered a high-asset divorce.

Dividing Real Estate In A Divorce

It is no secret that dividing assets in a divorce can be complicated, but there may be more to split in your divorce than you expected. Anything you acquired during the length of your marriage may be on the table for division negotiations, including vacation homes, rental real estate properties you own, commercial real estate, investment real estate, primary living residences, commute vehicles and recreational vehicles are all common assets for division in a high-asset divorce.

When Is A Business Considered Marital Property? 

Under Ohio law, a business can be considered marital property if the business was formed or increased in value during the marriage. How much business earnings a spouse is entitled to can depend on several factors, such as their: 

• Role in the business’s success
• Financial contributions to the business
• Relationship to the business, such as whether they were a co-owner, shareholder or employee 

Each situation can be unique and complicated. We are here to address any questions or concerns about dividing business assets in a divorce. Call us at 614-721-6175 to learn more about how we can help. 

How Is Business Value Determined In An Ohio Divorce?

There are a few different approaches to business valuation, such as an/a: 

• Asset-based approach: This method determines business valuation by subtracting liabilities from assets. For example, an appraiser may evaluate a business’s worth based on its positive or negative net worth. 
• Income-based approach: Determines the value of a business by examining its earnings or cash flow. For example, a retail store might be valued at $500,000 based on its revenue stream. 
• Market-based approach: Determines business value by comparing the value of other recently sold businesses. For example, an appraiser may look at what companies similar to yours in your area may be selling for. 

Having a professional appraiser is crucial for getting an idea of how much your enterprise is worth. Thorough and accurate information is also crucial when negotiating the terms and conditions of dividing your business assets in a divorce. We can help coordinate to get you the appraiser professionals you need. 

Dividing Business Interests Amid A Divorce

Owners have a few different options for dividing business interests in a divorce. Those options can include: 

• Buyouts: This is where one spouse buys out the share of the other spouse. While buyouts can help owners maintain control of their enterprise, they can require some liquidation. 
• Co-ownership is when both spouses decide to remain business partners after the divorce. However, this is often rare. While it can allow both spouses to run the operation they may have started together, it could be difficult for some ex-spouses to navigate. 
• Sale: This is when spouses decide to sell the business and split the proceeds. While a sale can allow both spouses to get half of the business value, market conditions, loss of legacy and other matters can complicate things. 

When it comes to dividing business interests during a divorce, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Once we better understand your situation, we can help you determine what options best suit your needs, interests and goals. 

Tax Considerations For Dividing Business Assets Amid Divorce

Dividing a business during divorce can be complicated enough. The tax implications that come with those divisions can make things even more complicated. For instance, you will likely have to think about: 

• Capital gains taxes
• Business sales taxes
• Gift taxes for business transfer
• Spousal support

When determining what to do about business taxes, you must collaborate with a dedicated tax professional. We have strong working relationships with skilled and experienced tax professionals in Ohio who can help you evaluate your situation and make decisions that align with your best interests.

A Pioneer In This Part Of Divorce Law

Our firm, Gregg R. Lewis, ESQ., was founded more than 40 years ago. Harry Lewis took divorce representation in Columbus to another level by hiring forensic accountants to ensure his client’s rights to property. Today, his son, attorney Gregg R. Lewis has evolved the practice and continues his father’s legacy of offering people legal advice they can trust in family law and domestic issues.

Consult A Columbus High-Asset Divorce Lawyer For Free

Contact our firm, Gregg R. Lewis, ESQ., at 614-721-6175 or through email to schedule an initial consultation about your case with our experienced divorce lawyer. Initial consultations are free and confidential.