Executive Compensation and Divorce

Executive compensation poses unique challenges during divorce. Does your spouse have stock options? If so , what was the issuing price? Can those options be assigned to you? Are you sure? Common stock and restricted stock can be tied to performance and therefore many times is not fully vested at the time of divorce. What about a pension? Do you know the current value and understand the restrictions placed by the benefits administrator? If you are not well versed in executive compensation, you can walk away from the divorce leaving quite a bit of money on the table and think that you received a fair settlement. You could also spend tens of thousands of dollars in professional fees chasing a rainbow that does not exist. Do your homework regarding executive compensation. Remember, your attorney is responsible for the legal issues. You are responsible for the financial issues of your settlement.