Tech & University Specialist
Tech equity, university retirement, real estate — North Carolina's equitable distribution requires expertise. This guide shows you exactly what you're entitled to.
Leanne Ozaine, CDFA® & CFP® | Specializing in high-asset divorces
Turn Panic Into Power — $97Q: How are IBM, Cisco, and Lenovo tech stock options divided in NC divorce?
Research Triangle Park hosts major tech employers. Under NC equitable distribution, IBM/Cisco/Lenovo stock options, RSUs, and deferred compensation earned during marriage are marital property divided fairly. For 30-year tech careers with $400K-$1.2M+ unvested equity, proper valuation prevents losing wealth. At 60+, tech employees face complex vesting schedules—forensic accounting captures all unvested options including those maturing post-divorce. Don't settle without full stock compensation discovery.
Q: What about GlaxoSmithKline pharmaceutical wealth and UNC/Duke academic pensions?
Research Triangle combines pharma (GSK) and three major universities (UNC, Duke, NC State). Under NC equitable distribution, GSK stock options/RSUs and university TIAA-CREF pensions are marital property. For 30-year GSK pharma careers with $500K-$1.5M+ equity, or UNC/Duke professorships with $800K-$1.5M+ TIAA-CREF balances, proper division preserves both spouses' retirement security. At 60+, dividing these accounts requires expert QDROs to maximize tax advantages.
Q: Should I stay in Research Triangle for the university culture after divorce?
Research Triangle offers unique value: UNC/Duke/NC State provide intellectual community, world-class lectures, cultural events, lifelong learning. At 60+ retired from academic/tech careers, this lifestyle matters—library access, audit classes, vibrant arts scene. Research Triangle costs are moderate: Raleigh/Durham homes $350K-$500K, property taxes $3K-$4K, plus NC flat 4.5% income tax. Compare to NJ university towns (Princeton: $900K+ homes, $15K-$25K property tax) or Boston academic areas—Research Triangle offers similar intellectual community at 50-60% lower cost.
Q: How does Research Triangle's job market help 50+ divorcees restart careers?
Research Triangle has robust job market: tech (IBM, Cisco, Lenovo), pharma (GSK, Biogen), healthcare (Duke Health), universities, biotech startups. At 60+ facing divorce, many need to extend working years to rebuild retirement. Research Triangle offers age-friendly employers, lower cost of living (your salary goes further), and growing economy. Unlike high-cost metros where $80K salary barely covers housing, Research Triangle's $80K salary enables homeownership, savings, and retirement contributions—critical for rebuilding post-divorce financial security.
If you're over 50 and facing divorce in Research Triangle, custody battles aren't your concern—your children are grown. Instead, you're dividing IBM/Cisco stock options, GlaxoSmithKline pharma wealth, UNC/Duke TIAA-CREF pensions, and real estate under North Carolina's equitable distribution.
Research Triangle Park combines tech, pharmaceutical, and three major research universities (UNC, Duke, NC State).
RSUs. Stock options. Deferred compensation. You've heard these terms for years. You know they're valuable.
But do you actually understand what they are? Which ones have vested? Which ones vest after separation? What portion is legally marital property under NC equitable distribution? How are they taxed when exercised vs. when divided?
Your spouse has lived with these compensation statements for 15 years at IBM, Cisco, or Red Hat. They understand vesting schedules, exercise windows, and tax implications.
You're seeing these documents for the first time — while negotiating a settlement that could be worth $500K-$1.5 million.
Research Triangle tech compensation isn't magic. It's complicated — but complicated has solutions. You need someone who can decode the offer letters, translate the vesting schedules, and show you exactly what's yours under North Carolina law.
The difference between understanding tech equity and not? It can easily be $200,000-$400,000 in your final settlement.
Research Triangle Park concentrates tech companies:
Pharma/biotech industry thrives:
Three major research universities:
Can you afford Triangle solo? Triangle median $400K-$500K is manageable. Many professionals can afford on one income.
The 5-step system that shows you what you'll actually live on, so you stop guessing and start knowing.
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.
Map out your real expenses as a single person — before you fight for something you can't actually maintain.
The asset identification system helps you find accounts and property you might not even know exist.
22-page guide + video tutorials + checklists + templates
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