Pennsylvania high-profile couples might take an interest in a recent report about oil firm billionaire Harold Hamm and wife Sue Ann. According to court documents, the couple met in an Oklahoma City court the week of August 4, and a New York lawyer said they might have the most expensive divorce in history.
Hamm reportedly accumulated most of his wealth during his 26-year marriage, and the WealthX research team tabulated his net worth at about $20.2 billion. An attorney said that Mrs. Hamm might receive between $4-8 billion of this money, and a report said she would win the highest settlement ever if she received more than $4.5 billion.
The Oklahoma Bar Association chair stated that the Hamms’ access division depends on how much Mrs. Hamm contributed to the oil company’s growth. The attorney also said what she will receive is contingent upon asset separation date, and the latest date used would award her the highest estate share. The Bar Association chairperson also stated that most couples do settle, but in this case, settling would mean millions more or less for either party. The couple also reportedly does not have any prenuptial agreement. A New York legal firm stated if they had a prenup that the document might not necessarily prevent a large judgment ruling.
When a high-profile couple divorces, there are many aspects to consider, such as property division, retirement plans, offshore accounts and bank balances. Some cases also might involve child custody and spousal support. When a prenuptial agreement is not in place, a legal professional could help an individual to alter postnuptial plans based on individual assets and marital property accumulated.
Source: CNN Money, “Oil tycoon could face record divorce judgment“, Steve Hargreaves, August 12, 2014