For decades, one spouse worked on Wall Street or in corporate Manhattan. The bonuses. The 401(k). The deferred compensation. The stock options.
Now you're expected to negotiate a settlement involving complex finance compensation — in 6 months, while you're still reeling from the end of your marriage.
Short Hills homes sell for $1M-$3M+ with property taxes of $15K-$35K annually. Your spouse's Wall Street career could be worth $1M-$3M+ in retirement accounts and unvested equity. The spouse who understands these assets has every advantage in divorce.
You don't need to become a Wall Street compensation expert overnight. You need someone in your corner who already is one — someone whose only job is making sure you capture all marital wealth.
In a divorce, dividing assets is only step one. This helps you understand how those assets will actually support your life.
Calculate your real post-divorce income — including spousal support, assets, and earning potential — so you negotiate from facts, not fear.
Document gathering checklists tell you exactly what to bring to your attorney — so you walk in prepared, not panicked.
Short Hills property taxes run $15K-$35K+/year. Map out your real expenses as a single person — before you fight for something you can't actually maintain.
Bonuses, 401(k), deferred comp, stock options — the asset identification system helps you find compensation you might not even know exists.
22-page guide + video tutorials + checklists + templates
$97
Instant access. 100% money-back guarantee.
Slow This Down Before It's Final — $97Q: Can anyone afford Short Hills after divorce at 60+?
Short Hills is ultra-expensive: homes $1M-$3M+, property taxes $15K-$35K+ annually. Under NJ equitable distribution, dividing a $2M Short Hills estate means each spouse receives ~$1M equity. However, replacing Short Hills luxury solo requires $300K+ annual income or $3M-$5M+ total assets. At 60+ on retirement income, Short Hills is financially impossible for 95%+ of divorcees. Most sell and relocate to more affordable NJ towns or leave state entirely.
Q: What about Montclair property taxes at $12K-$18K annually?
Montclair is more affordable than Short Hills but still expensive: homes $650K-$800K, property taxes $12K-$18K annually. On retirement income ($60K-$80K), paying $15K annual property tax consumes 20-25% of gross income. Annual Montclair costs: property taxes ($12K-$18K), utilities ($5K), insurance ($2K), maintenance ($6K-$8K) = $50K-$60K/year total. At 60+, solo Montclair living requires $100K+ annual retirement income—achievable only for high-net-worth individuals with substantial pensions/investments.
Q: How are NYC Wall Street careers divided in Essex County divorces?
Essex County concentrates NYC commuters with Wall Street, corporate law, and media careers. Under NJ equitable distribution, 30-year NYC careers create substantial marital wealth: 401(k)s $1M-$3M+, unvested stock $500K-$2M+, deferred compensation packages, bonuses. Wall Street bonuses earned during marriage are marital property divided fairly. At 60+, decades of NYC employment require forensic accounting to capture all deferred compensation, unvested equity, and hidden bonuses—don't settle without full discovery.
Q: Should I stay in Montclair for the community or relocate after divorce?
Montclair offers unique value: arts community, diversity, NYC access, walkable downtown. At 60+, community matters emotionally. However, Montclair property taxes ($12K-$18K) plus NJ income tax (up to 10.75%) create crushing burden. Relocating to North Carolina (flat 4.5%, $4K-$6K property tax) or Delaware (no sales tax, $3K-$5K property tax) saves $15K-$20K+ annually. Over 25-year retirement, Montclair costs $400K-$500K+ more than comparable communities elsewhere. Can you afford Montclair's tax burden on retirement income?
If you're over 50 and facing divorce in Essex County, custody battles aren't your concern—your children are grown. Instead, you're dividing Essex County luxury real estate (Montclair, Short Hills), NYC executive wealth, and retirement accounts under New Jersey's equitable distribution with permanent alimony for 20+ year marriages.
Essex County combines ultra-wealthy suburbs (Short Hills, Millburn) with diverse urban centers (Newark) and trendy Montclair.
Short Hills/Millburn among NJ's wealthiest communities:
Montclair attracts high-income professionals and creatives:
Essex County offers 30-45 minute NYC access:
Can you afford Essex County solo? Short Hills property taxes $15K-$35K+/year impossible on one income. Even Montclair at $12K-$18K/year is challenging. Many must downsize or relocate.
Permanent alimony: Marriages 20+ years may qualify for permanent alimony.
Whether you've commuted to NYC from Montclair for decades, we provide the guidance you need.
Get the Fearless Divorce GuideSlow This Down →