For executives and finance professionals in Fairfield County, a salary is rarely the whole picture. Compensation packages often include stock options, RSUs, deferred compensation, performance bonuses, and partnership interests, and all of it can become a point of dispute in divorce.
Are Stock Options and RSUs Marital Property?
In many cases, yes even if they haven’t vested yet. Connecticut courts may consider unvested compensation as partially marital property, depending on when the award was granted, under what circumstances will the award vest and/or be lost, and what portion of the vesting period falls within the marriage. The analysis is fact-specific and can get complicated quickly.
Why Valuation Is So Important
Determining the fair value of equity compensation requires careful analysis. Vesting schedules, tax treatment, market volatility, employment agreement terms, and future performance conditions all affect the numbers. Getting this wrong or accepting a quick estimate without scrutiny can cost you significantly.
What This Means for Your Case
High-asset divorce cases involving executive compensation almost always benefit from forensic accountants and financial experts. At Schoonmaker George, we know how to work with these professionals and how to present complex compensation evidence clearly to a court.
If your divorce involves equity compensation of any kind, this is not an area to navigate without experienced legal counsel.
Every family deserves an advocate who understands what’s at stake. Schoonmaker George works with clients across Connecticut, including Greenwich, Stamford, Westport, New Canaan, Darien, Ridgefield, Wilton, Southport, and Weston, through some of the most complex and high-stakes family law matters in the state. Reach out today to get started.
