Cryptocurrency and digital assets are quickly becoming a viable investment strategy, which often leads them to factor heavily in some high net worth divorce cases. Digital currency, like crypto, has exploded onto the scene for investors and average people alike, opening brand new avenues for diversification. Many individuals have found immense success in these areas, generating large amounts of wealth. Unfortunately, relational instability can impact this in a high net worth divorce. What happens to digital investments in a divorce in Colorado?
Colorado law specifies how property is divided in a divorce, and this does include cryptocurrency and digital assets. However, to accurately divide these assets, one must understand both Colorado law and the nuances of digital investments. During the process of a high net worth divorce, this may require the input and expertise of both legal professionals and financial advisors with experience in cryptocurrency. Understanding how to find effective legal support could help facilitate an accurate and equitable division of digital assets.
Speak to a skilled Colorado divorce lawyer from Colorado Divorce Law Group can help their client through this process, starting with an initial consultation. Schedule your consultation today by calling (720) 593-6442 for details.
Cryptocurrency and digital assets are generally divided in a Colorado divorce, but the nuance of how these assets are divided depends on numerous factors. This process can be complex and may often involve the assessment of financial professionals to accurately value the cryptocurrency investments. Preparing for a divorce may entail familiarizing oneself with the Colorado divorce code to understand equitable distribution.
Assets in divorce are divided according to equitable distribution, which is explained in Colorado Revised Statutes § 14-10-113. While other states divide marital property equally in a fifty-fifty split, Colorado takes a more nuanced approach. The Colorado courts evaluate factors such as contribution to marital assets, the financial needs of both parties, the earning capacity of each spouse, the presence of marital misconduct, and more to determine how assets are divided. In this way, marital assets, including cryptocurrency and digital assets, are divided fairly between spouses. Understanding this process can help divorcing spouses prepare for the division process in a high net worth divorce.
Digital assets are a relatively modern invention and are often misunderstood and volatile investments. However, it is important to understand what qualifies as a digital asset and how they are valued. According to the Internal Revenue Service, a digital asset is considered property, not currency, and is any digitally stored asset that can be owned, bought, sold, and transferred. This generally includes cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens (NFTs), but may extend to other digital assets such as videos, photos, and more. Understanding the value of these assets and how they can be divided may inform the discussion around a high net worth divorce.
For more detailed information on how to distribute cryptocurrency and digital assets in divorce, speak with an experienced divorce lawyer from Colorado Divorce Law Group.
Cryptocurrency has quickly become a popular investment strategy for some, and can often factor into property division in divorce. Generally, crypto is treated similarly to a retirement account, in that it is valued by a professional and distributed according to the decision of the courts. However, non-fungible tokens (NFTs) may also play a role in this process. The legal challenges in dividing these assets often come from the difficulty of tracking transactions. While physical property can be stored and identified, cryptocurrency and digital assets can be stored in a digital wallet and may be easy to overlook.
While some may not classify a social media account as a digital asset, many individuals invest money and time into social media accounts that can generate revenue. In fact, some high net worth divorces may involve highly profitable social media accounts that must also be divided in a divorce. These accounts may be treated as business assets and may be divided as such in a high net worth divorce. Understanding how and why these accounts may factor into a divorce can help spouses prepare for the divorce process effectively.
While equitable distribution of assets means that all marital property is split according to the contributions and needs of the divorcing spouses, this does not mean dividing digital assets is simple. While some assets, such as real estate and investment accounts, can be divided according to proven financial strategies and the assessment of market value, digital assets are generally more complex than that. The market for digital assets is more volatile and less deeply understood, which means the insight of an expert is often beneficial when valuing the marital estate.
Appraisal is often a key aspect of the division of marital assets in Colorado, particularly when cryptocurrency and digital assets are involved. Financial experts know how to identify crypto transactions and how to accurately value these assets based on current market trends. Skilled financial appraisers are often key to effectively and fairly dividing digital assets in divorce. Additionally, skilled legal counsel can connect their client with trusted professionals and provide legal advice and counsel throughout the process.
A high net worth divorce with cryptocurrency and digital assets can be incredibly difficult to navigate. These types of divorces can be contentious due to the amount of assets being divided, as well as the unusual nature of digital assets. Understanding how to accurately value assets and how to respond to the decisions of the Colorado courts can help divorcing couples account for the nuances of high net worth divorce. Generally, high net worth divorces benefit from the assistance of skilled legal counsel and the input of financial advisors and appraisers.
Seeking legal representation is often a wise step to take when pursuing a divorce with a significant amount of cryptocurrency and digital assets. High net worth divorces are often contentious, and navigating both interpersonal conflict as well as financial disagreements can be overwhelming. Fortunately, a seasoned divorce attorney from Colorado Divorce Law Group can help. Consider scheduling an initial consultation with a divorce attorney by calling the office at (720) 593-6442 to learn more about your legal rights concerning cryptocurrency and digital assets in divorce.