Can High-Net-Worth People Use Collaborative Divorce in Illinois?

 Posted on June 26, 2025 in Collaborative Law

While traditional litigation might seem like the more reasonable avenue to divorce for complex financial cases, collaborative divorce offers a great alternative for high-asset couples in Illinois. The core principles of collaborative law, including open communication, mutual respect, and a commitment to out-of-court settlement, are well-suited for couples who can cooperate and reason through the divorce process.

If you have questions about how collaborative divorce can work in your situation, an experienced Wheaton, IL collaborative divorce lawyer can explain the process. The approach allows for a more nuanced and creative division of assets, often leading to solutions that a judge may not order.

How Does Collaborative Divorce Handle Complex Assets in Illinois?

Illinois follows the principle of equitable distribution under 750 ILCS 5/503, which requires marital property to be divided fairly. This becomes particularly important when dealing with assets, such as business interests, intellectual property, private equity investments, and real estate portfolios. In a collaborative setting, parties can share a neutral business valuation expert to assess complex assets. The team may also include a forensic accountant to trace commingled funds or hidden assets in a high-net-worth estate.

Rather than relying on a judge to make decisions with limited information, the collaborative team takes the time to analyze each asset’s value, liquidity, and tax implications. Ultimately, this can lead to a fairer and more sustainable outcome for both parties.

What Are the Privacy Benefits of Collaborative Divorce for Wealthy Couples in Illinois?

High-income individuals and public figures often prioritize discretion in divorce. In Illinois, traditional litigation is conducted in public courtrooms, where financial affidavits, motions, and trial transcripts may become part of the public record.

With collaborative divorce, all negotiations occur in confidential meetings outside the courtroom. Both spouses sign a participation agreement, committing to transparency and good faith without resorting to litigation. Some information that remains private in collaborative divorce includes:

• Detailed business financials or tax returns

• Asset protection trusts and offshore accounts

• Ownership interests in private companies or partnerships

• Family trust structures or estate planning documents

This private structure is especially beneficial for families with children, business owners, and professionals in industries where reputation and confidentiality are important. Collaborative divorce empowers you to protect your legacy without exposing it to unnecessary scrutiny.

Can Collaborative Divorce Save Money in High-Asset Illinois Cases?

While collaborative divorce may involve upfront investment in neutral experts, it often proves more cost-effective in the long term, especially in high-asset cases. Litigation is unpredictable, time-consuming, and expensive. Legal fees multiply quickly with court motions and drawn-out hearings.

Collaborative divorce emphasizes cooperation and efficiency. The experts on your team serve both parties, and this helps prevent the dueling scenarios that can escalate costs in contested divorce. The team works on scheduling and communication together, avoiding delays that often plague litigated cases.

The process also gives both parties more control. Under 750 ILCS 5/502, you and your spouse may enter into a binding marital settlement agreement on terms you define for yourself. You can customize how retirement accounts are split, business shares are retained or liquidated, and trusts are managed, rather than risking an arbitrary division by a judge.

Schedule Your Free Consultation With a Wheaton, IL Collaborative Divorce Attorney Today

Protect your assets and privacy with a solution-focused approach. At Andrew Cores Family Law Group, our DuPage County, IL collaborative divorce lawyer offers personalized guidance for high-net-worth clients. Call 630-871-1002 today to schedule your confidential strategy session and take the first step toward a more efficient process.