Indianapolis Divorce Attorneys For Business Owners And Entrepreneurs
Your business represents years of work, risk and sacrifice. A divorce could put all of it on the line. At Ruppert & Schaefer, P.C., we understand what you are protecting. All four of our attorneys hold the designation of Certified Family Law Specialist by the Family Law Certification Board. That means you have a specialized team in your corner who knows exactly what is at stake for you.
How Indiana Handles Divorce For Business Owners
Indiana follows equitable distribution laws. Courts presume a 50-50 division is fair but may adjust based on specific factors like each spouse’s contribution to asset acquisition. Under the “one-pot” rule, courts treat nearly all assets as marital property, including your business. That applies even if you built or owned it before your marriage.
Courts apply three recognized methods to value a business:
- Market approach: Compares your business to similar recently sold businesses to establish fair market value
- Asset approach: Values the business based on total assets minus total liabilities
- Income approach: Projects earning potential to establish the present value of your business
Valuation is especially complex for medical practices, professional firms and tech startups. These businesses carry intangible assets, like goodwill and client relationships, that require specialized valuation methods to capture accurately. Our attorneys partner with a trusted network of forensic accountants and business valuators to make sure your business receives an accurate and complete valuation.
Business Asset Protection Strategies In Indianapolis Divorce Cases
A strong protection strategy can determine what you keep after your divorce. We work to identify the right protections for your situation, including the following:
- Buy-sell agreements: Protect ownership interests when a co-owner divorces and prevent disruption to your business
- Buyouts: Allow one spouse to purchase the other’s interest, keeping business ownership intact
- Protecting nonowner partners: Shields your business partners from the financial exposure your divorce proceedings can create
Our attorneys are also trained in collaborative law and mediation. These alternative resolution options can help you resolve your divorce without going to court, protecting your business from prolonged litigation and giving you more control over the outcome.
Do Not Let Your Divorce Cost You Your Business. Call Our Team Today.
You built your business through years of hard work, and we are here to keep it yours. Our team includes Paula Schaefer, named among the top 25 women in the Indiana Super Lawyers list. Call our office at 317-660-8150 or reach out to us online to schedule your consultation today.