Ending a marriage can be tough enough as it is, let alone when significant business interests are involved in your separation. The process often comes with logistical, financial, and emotional challenges, and when you’re not the owner of the business in question, you may be left wondering how to move forward. In this case, a lawyer can be A guide for the spouse who doesn’t run the business and can protect your interests throughout the process.
Here When You’re Ready to Talk
Aquí cuando estés listo para hablar
Choose Cruz Arevalo
Cruz Arevalo is a Texas-based firm that’s proud to focus exclusively on family law. We recognize that every divorce is different and every client deserves personalized attention to address the unique obstacles they face. Our business divorce lawyers can provide Texas residents with clarity on how to navigate the complexities of property division when a business is involved in their case and advocate for their rights and interests along the way.
Understanding Community Property Laws in Texas
According to data from the Texas Office of Court Administration, in Fiscal Year 2024, there were 62,802 new divorce case filings that didn’t involve children, and 48,400 cases that did involve children. With such a large number of divorce filings across the state, it’s no surprise that many of these cases involve business owners.
Whether you’re divorcing a CEO or someone you shared a business with, understanding your rights and the laws that dictate property division in a Texas divorce is essential. Texas is a community property state. This means that when a married couple files for divorce, all of their marital assets must be split evenly. This is because marital assets are considered communal, meaning both spouses share equal ownership rights to them.
Community property laws can often be beneficial for spouses who did not own a business or married someone with valuable business interests, as they make sure both spouses can still receive an equal share of assets. However, not all assets are classified as communal. In some cases, certain assets are considered separate property, meaning only one spouse legally owns them, and they cannot be divided in a divorce.
Knowing how to identify, value, and divide communal property like complex business interests is crucial in making sure you receive what you deserve in a business divorce.
The Challenge of Business Valuation in North Texas
As of 2025, approximately 3.5 million small businesses operate throughout Texas. Because determining the true worth of a business or business interests is rarely straightforward, a lawyer’s help becomes especially necessary to make certain that the divorce is fair. A business or investment cannot simply be split in half, and ownership of certain assets can make valuation and division challenging.
For example, a CEO may try to argue that their business has little value beyond its tangible assets, or they may attempt to argue that commingling never occurred, even if you’ve shared assets for years.
To achieve a just and right division under Texas statutes, the court must look beyond simple tax returns and the value of assets. Forensic accounting professionals can audit financial records to uncover the following:
- Executive bonuses
- Deferred compensation
- Hidden assets or investments
- Undervalued assets
- Commingled assets
Identifying the true value of your spouse and their business is vital when protecting your right to an equal share of marital assets.
Hire a Business Divorce Lawyer in Texas
Choosing to hire a business divorce lawyer is a strategic decision that can impact your financial security for decades, as the presence of corporate assets often demands aggressive advocacy. At Cruz Arevalo, our attorneys bring years of experience and extensive legal knowledge to every divorce case they take on. We pride ourselves on being active community members who understand the local nuances that come with the divorce process in Texas.
When you need tailored legal support, powerful representation, and assistance navigating the challenges of a business divorce, you can count on the team at Cruz Arevalo.
FAQs
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Business Divorce Lawyer in Texas?
If you’re looking to hire a business divorce lawyer in Texas, the total price you pay will vary based on multiple factors. Divorces involving businesses are often considered high-net-worth and come with more challenges than the average divorce. The length of time it takes to settle your case, whether litigation is necessary, and the value and complexity of assets can all impact the total you pay.
Can You File for Divorce Against a Business Owner in Texas and Still Receive a Fair Share of Assets?
Yes, you can file for divorce against a business owner, CEO, or other important individual, and their standing should have no impact on your case. Texas law gives any eligible resident the right to file for divorce, regardless of how valuable their partner may be. Additionally, the law does not favor the filing spouse versus the served spouse. Because Texas is a community property state, all property division matters should still result in an equal share of assets.
How Do You Protect Your Interests in a High-Asset Divorce in Texas?
When going through a high-asset divorce in Texas, it’s critical that you hire a skilled divorce attorney who has experience dealing with cases similar to yours. High-asset divorces involving businesses can become complex quickly, and a lawyer can make sure that all assets are identified and valued properly. They can also advocate for your interests, making certain you receive a fair share of the property you deserve.
Can You Get Spousal Support After a Divorce in Texas?
Yes, you can request spousal support as a part of your divorce proceedings in Texas. Because many CEOs and business owners are the sole income earners in their family, stay-at-home spouses and lower-earning spouses often request spousal support as they transition to a different part of their lives. Spousal support is not a given, and you must prove to a judge why you need it.
Protect Your Financial Future With Cruz Arevalo
Getting divorced with a business at stake is never easy, but you don’t have to go through the process alone. When you seek the assistance of a dedicated attorney at Cruz Arevalo, P.C., you can provide yourself with the tools necessary to reach a favorable outcome and protect your interests. Contact our office to schedule a consultation today.
