Businesses & Professional Practices
When a marital estate includes a company or professional practice, ownership, characterization, value, cash flow, and continuity all require careful analysis.
Business Valuation
Protect Value Without Losing Perspective
A divorce valuation must distinguish enterprise assets and transferable goodwill from compensation, personal earning capacity, debt, taxes, and value that depends on a particular owner.
AT A GLANCE
The business is more than a number
Control, marketability, tax treatment, cash flow, goodwill, agreements, and the valuation date can materially affect both value and settlement structure.
At The Webb Family Law Firm, PLLC, we understand the work, dedication, and sacrifice required to build a business or professional practice. We help clients protect their interests during complex property division.
Businesses and Professional Practices in Divorce
When divorcing spouses own a business or professional practice, their attorneys must understand business valuation and Texas property law. Without complete financial information and knowledgeable analysis, the estate may be divided using a value that overlooks income, debt, ownership restrictions, or nonoperating assets.
You can rely on our experience with Texas divorce law and high-net-worth estates. We use financial and industry professionals when the issues require specialized valuation, tracing, tax, or operational knowledge.
Business and Compensation Interests
We assist with:
- Privately and publicly held companies
- Professional practices
- Family partnerships and closely held entities
- Stock options, portfolios, and equity compensation
- Deferred compensation plans
- Retirement plans, IRAs, and 401(k)s
Protecting Professional and Business Interests
We work with financial experts such as accountants, valuation professionals, and tax advisers to address fair market value, appreciation, real estate, equipment, debt, tax consequences, and whether claimed goodwill is transferable business value or depends on a particular professional’s personal reputation and future services.
A degree or professional license is not itself divisible property. Depending on the facts, however, reimbursement claims, statutory maintenance, or negotiated contractual support may need separate evaluation. Those issues should not be substituted for a defensible valuation of the business actually owned.
From Valuation to Property Settlement
Once the business interest is identified and valued, we pursue a settlement structure that serves the client’s interests. Options may include an offset with other assets, a buyout, sale, secured installment payments, or carefully defined continuing ownership. Each option should be evaluated for liquidity, taxes, control, risk, and enforceability.
Helpful Documents for a Review
- Formation documents, ownership agreements, and cap tables
- Five years of business and personal tax returns when available
- Financial statements, general ledgers, and bank records
- Compensation, benefit, equity, and buy-sell agreements
- Appraisals, debt documents, leases, and major customer or vendor contracts
Confidential Intake
Start With the Right Conversation
Share a few details through our secure intake form so our team can better understand your family law matter and help determine the appropriate next step.
Confidential consultations available by appointment.