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Business Valuation in Divorce: Methods, Applications, Challenges, Key Strategies

A live 90-minute CLE video webinar with interactive Q&A

This program is included with the Strafford CLE Pass. Click for more information.
This program is included with the Strafford All-Access Pass. Click for more information.

Tuesday, March 18, 2025 (in 8 days)

1:00pm-2:30pm EDT, 10:00am-11:30am PDT

or call 1-800-926-7926

This CLE program will enhance family law attorneys' expertise in handling business valuations during divorce proceedings. The panel will discuss the valuation of ownership interests in small and closely held companies.

Description

Business interests introduce a layer of complexity when dividing property in divorce cases. Counsel must thoroughly understand the nuanced issues surrounding the valuation of business interests and the equitable distribution of these assets.

When one spouse owns a business, several factors must be considered. A business that predates the marriage might not be classified as marital property, but there could be a marital interest if the business grew significantly due to marital efforts. On the other hand, if the business is deemed marital property, the next step is to establish its value and decide how to compensate the non-owning spouse. Awarding offsetting assets, immediate cash payments, and structured property settlements must be explored.

Personal and business expenses can blur the lines in financial statements, complicating the valuation process. Counsel must work with the expert to differentiate between these expenses to ensure an accurate valuation.

Listen as our panel discusses the general principles involving business valuation and divorce and identifies differences in the laws of various states. We will provide the tools and knowledge to help you analyze and navigate the challenges raised by business valuation.

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Outline

  1. Introduction to business valuation in divorce
  2. Working with financial experts
  3. Valuation methods and their applications
    1. Income approach
    2. Market approach
    3. Asset-based approach
  4. Identifying and addressing common challenges and discrepancies in valuation
  5. Analyzing financial statements and distinguishing between personal and business expenses
  6. Strategies for effective advocacy

Benefits

The panel will review these and other relevant matters:

  • Business valuation concepts and methods
  • Determining whether a business is a marital asset
  • Strategies for transferring value between spouses
  • Addressing personal vs. business expenses in valuations

Faculty

Gitlin, Gunnar
Gunnar J. Gitlin, J.D.

Attorney
The Gitlin Law Firm

Mr. Gitlin exclusively practices divorce and family law. He is a published author and frequent lecturer to...  |  Read More

Potter, Brian
Brian Potter

Managing Director
Stout Risius Ross

Mr. Potter is the Chicago regional leader and has provided valuation, litigation advisory, and forensic accounting...  |  Read More

Attend on March 18

Cannot Attend March 18?

You may pre-order a recording to listen at your convenience. Recordings are available 48 hours after the webinar. Strafford will process CLE credit for one person on each recording. All formats include course handouts.

To find out which recorded format will provide the best CLE option, select your state:

CLE On-Demand Video