Financial Experts and High-Asset Divorce in Illinois

 Posted on December 25, 2025 in High Asset Divorce

Divorce can be more challenging when you're dealing with valuable or complicated property. Businesses, investments, and retirement accounts make the property division process more complex. These assets aren't always straightforward to understand or divide. As of 2025, Illinois courts often rely on financial experts when divorces involve complex or high-value assets. The Villa Park, IL divorce lawyer at The Law Offices of Robert F. Kramer, Ltd. can help you determine when these experts are needed and how they can support your case.

What Do Financial Experts Do in High-Asset Illinois Divorce Cases?

Financial experts help explain money matters that can be difficult to understand. Judges need to base their decisions on clear information, not rough estimates or assumptions. These experts review your financial records and explain what your assets are worth and how they work. Their job is to provide facts without taking sides. Financial experts are especially helpful when assets involve future income or long-term value.

When Are Financial Experts Commonly Used in Illinois Divorces?

Illinois law does not set a dollar amount for what counts as a high-asset divorce. However, financial experts are often pulled onto a case when assets are hard to value. Under 750 ILCS 5/503 of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (IMDMA), courts must identify marital property and divide it fairly. When there are complicated assets involved, expert input helps courts apply this law correctly.

What Types of Financial Experts Are Used in High-Asset Divorce Cases?

Different assets require different kinds of financial help. Some common experts used in these cases include:

• Business valuation experts who value privately owned businesses and professional practices

• Forensic accountants who review financial records to explain income and spending

• Real estate appraisers who determine the market value of homes and investment properties

• Retirement and pension specialists who evaluate retirement accounts and future benefits

• Tax professionals who explain possible tax implications

How Do Financial Experts Help Illinois Courts Divide Property in a Divorce?

Illinois uses a system called equitable distribution. It calls for property to be divided in a way that is fair, whether that is equal or not. Under 750 ILCS 5/503(d), courts look at factors like how long your marriage lasted and each spouse's financial situation. Financial experts provide the numbers that help judges apply these factors to your specific circumstances. Their work helps the court understand both current value and future impact on your life.

How Are Businesses and Professional Practices Evaluated?

Businesses aren't valued based on income alone. That wouldn't give you a complete picture. Financial experts often look at assets, debts, and cash flow. They also consider current market conditions. This helps reach a fair value, especially when one spouse will keep the business after the divorce.

How Are Investments and Retirement Accounts Evaluated?

Some investments and retirement accounts come with rules or penalties. Others may not be accessible right away, which can affect their true value to you. Financial experts explain how these accounts work and what they may be worth over time. This helps courts avoid dividing assets in a way that creates problems for you down the road.

How Do Financial Experts Affect Spousal Support Decisions?

Spousal support is called maintenance in Illinois. Courts must decide whether support applies and for how long. Under 750 ILCS 5/504.5, courts look at income and earning capability. Financial experts may help explain income sources or business earnings. This helps courts base their decisions about your support on accurate information rather than assumptions.

Are Financial Experts Needed in Every High-Asset Divorce?

Some divorces are characterized by clear valuations and agreement between spouses. In those cases, expert involvement is often unnecessary. However, when assets are disputed or difficult to understand, experts can help reduce conflict and provide clarity. Your lawyer can help you decide whether expert involvement makes sense in your particular case.

Call for a Free 30-Minute Consult With Our Lombard, IL High-Asset Divorce Attorney

At The Law Offices of Robert F. Kramer, Ltd., clients receive experienced and supportive guidance throughout the divorce process. Attorney Robert F. Kramer has over 40 years of experience and is an accomplished trial and appellate lawyer. He is known for guiding clients step by step and helping them understand each stage of the case. If you are facing a divorce involving complex finances, call 630-785-2400 to schedule a free 30-minute consultation with an experienced Villa Park, IL divorce lawyer.