Specific issues for executives throughout a divorce

Executives are leaders in their company. As leaders, they are expected to solve business issues and develop solutions that work for the company and its employees. However, there are times where executives face more problems than they can solve.

Throughout the divorce process, executives face additional concerns when identifying all the elements of income and dividing property, such as professional perks and non-cash compensation. It’s essential the professionals know what complications may pop up in the proceedings.

When executive perks turn into complications

Dealing with some of the most beneficial aspects of an executive position can present challenges during a divorce, including:

• Multi-faceted compensation plans, such as incentive plans, deferred payments, bonuses, stock-based awards and severance agreements
• Company perks, including travel allowances, car allowances and working vacations
• Deferred income, like stock-based awards available only in the future
• Intellectual property, trade secrets and other sensitive company information that may be exposed in court

All these factors have potential value and may be treated as assets or classified as part of the income of the executive during the divorce proceedings. Such elements may have a significant effect on property division.

The additional benefits can also affect child support or or alimony calculations, so it’s crucial to know if your professional interests will affect your specific circumstances. It may change how to best approach your case.