All Things Divorce: Divorce for Business Owners

When a marriage ends and a business sits at the center, every decision carries weight. We pull back the curtain on how high-net-worth divorces actually work for business owners, from the first request for documents to the last line in a valuation report. With host Jonathan Merel and guests David Zwaska and Ashley Margason, we dig into the real mechanics: what clean books look like, how dissipation and commingling show up in records, and why credibility can be the most valuable asset in the courtroom.

We break down the practical checkpoints that shape outcomes. You’ll hear how judges evaluate marital versus non-marital interests, when reimbursement claims matter, and why retained earnings are a constant battleground. We talk strategy around prenuptial agreements—how to define business income, protect reinvested profits, and draft language that stands up under cross-examination. And because valuation is part art and part science, we compare neutral experts versus dueling experts, explore common methodologies, and explain how reputation and rigor sway the decision-maker.

The conversation also covers what not to do once a filing lands: changing accounting methods, altering control, or reassigning ownership midstream can erode trust and spike costs. For spouses who co-own a company, we map paths to preserve operations, shield employees, and keep value intact. Finally, we look at structuring buyouts that align with cash flow so the business survives the settlement.

If you’re a founder, partner, or owner staring down a split, this is a roadmap to protect your company and your future. Subscribe, share with a colleague who needs it, and leave a review with your top question about business valuations or prenups—we’ll tackle it in a future episode.