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Crystal Collins Spencer, the founder of Crystal Collins Spencer Attorney at Law, has over 38 years of courtroom experience in Florida and throughout the United States. She is very dedicated to her clients and has proven to be an aggressive and respected attorney.
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Pensacola, FL 32502
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Protecting Your Venture Capital Interests in High Asset Divorces
/by Crystal Collins Spencer, Attorney at LawVenture capital investments can complicate the division of assets in a divorce. These investments are often high in value and come with their own set of complexities. It’s important to understand that venture capital is treated differently in divorce proceedings compared to other types of assets. The division can become a focal point, especially when […]
Is My Spouse Entitled to Half My Business During a Florida Divorce?
/by Crystal Collins Spencer, Attorney at LawWhen going through a divorce in Florida, the division of marital assets can be a complex and emotionally charged process. If you own a business, you may be particularly concerned about how it will be treated during the divorce. One of the most common questions is whether your spouse is entitled to half of your […]
Is My Spouse Entitled to Half My Business During a Florida Divorce?
/by Crystal Collins Spencer, Attorney at LawWhen going through a divorce in Florida, the division of assets can be a complex and emotionally charged process. If you own a business, you may be particularly concerned about how it will be treated during the divorce and the division of assets. One of the most common questions is whether your spouse is entitled […]
Navigating the Challenges of a Gray Divorce
/by Crystal Collins Spencer, Attorney at LawAs the golden years approach, some couples find themselves facing an unexpected challenge: divorce. The phenomenon known as “gray divorce” – the dissolution of marriages among couples aged 50 and older – has been on the rise in recent decades. This trend of late-life separations presents unique hurdles for those who’ve spent decades building a […]
The Role of a Forensic Accountant in a High Net-Worth Divorce
/by Crystal Collins Spencer, Attorney at LawWhen considerable assets are involved in a Florida divorce, unraveling them can become a significant challenge. If one or both spouses have a high net worth, there may be structures that protect these assets. In these cases, it may be wise to hire someone who can investigate finances, whether for tax purposes, the ease of […]
The Impact of Divorce on Executive Compensation Packages and Stock Options
/by Crystal Collins Spencer, Attorney at LawMarriage to a high earner in Florida may sound like life will be smooth sailing in the years ahead. That is not the case if the marriage ends in divorce. The higher a divorcing couple’s net worth in Florida, the more complicated their divorce. The divisions may not cover just assets such as a home, […]
Minimizing Reputational Damage During High-Net-Worth Divorces
/by Crystal Collins Spencer, Attorney at LawA Florida high-net-worth divorce can become incredibly complicated. The couple’s many assets must be identified and valued. These may include property, businesses, homes, cars, art, and antiques. This assumes all the assets are disclosed, which is not necessarily the case every time. A couple can work together to negotiate their dissolution, or the proceeding can […]
High Net Worth Divorces: Understanding the Intricacies of Valuing Private Equity Holdings
/by Crystal Collins Spencer, Attorney at LawOver recent years, some high-net-worth individuals have emerged from the middle class by playing the market and investing in real estate. However, a typical eight percent return may not suffice for some with loftier financial aspirations. Private equity increases the risk but may also result in higher yields on your invested money. Also increasing is […]
Navigating the Complexities of Divorce and Pensions
/by Crystal Collins Spencer, Attorney at LawYou may believe that in a Florida divorce, what is yours, with your name on it, is not subject to division. But this is not necessarily the case. Under Florida law, a pension, 401k, IRA, or profit-sharing plan you contributed during your marriage is subject to division. Simply put, it is a marital asset. Florida […]
Unpacking the Complexities of Trust Funds in High-Net-Worth Divorces
/by Crystal Collins Spencer, Attorney at LawHigh-asset divorces are more complicated than divorces for couples of modest means, especially if trust funds are involved. A trust fund defines the formal relationship between the grantor, trustee (a third party), and beneficiary. An individual with assets transfers them into a trust, which defines who will manage the property if they cannot do so. […]
Protecting Intellectual Property Rights During a High Asset Divorce
/by Crystal Collins Spencer, Attorney at LawA high-asset divorce can bring particular complications to the settlement table. Both parties will understandably want to retain what they consider their individual property, but a marital settlement in Florida will divide assets equitably. While intellectual property (IP) often cannot be divided, its future profits are a consideration for a divorcing couple. To retain your […]
Divorce and the Impact on Luxury Assets: Yachts, Jets, and Beyond
/by Crystal Collins Spencer, Attorney at LawLike 40 other states, Florida views divorce through the lens of “equitable distribution.” Equitable distribution requires both spouses in a divorce to be transparent about their assets before they are divided in a divorce. The process can become particularly complicated for high-net-worth individuals who have amassed a great deal in their lifetime, whether it be […]
Navigating the Transfer of Real Estate During a High Asset Divorce
/by Crystal Collins Spencer, Attorney at LawA Florida divorce is one of the most stressful events you can endure. Many individuals would like to stay put in the family home, especially if children are involved, and one of the most frequent questions from divorcing couples is whether they can keep the home. The answer is it depends. Florida is an “equitable […]
Divorce and Philanthropy: How to Handle Shared Charitable Endeavors
/by Crystal Collins Spencer, Attorney at LawYou and your spouse have decided to go your separate ways. For most couples, that means dividing assets and making decisions about the children and custody issues. Some couples grow their wealth while married and are committed to charitable endeavors. The Family Wealth Report estimates in 2020, charitable giving amounted to $471 billion. The majority […]
Maintaining Privacy and Confidentiality During a High-Net-Worth Divorce
/by Crystal Collins Spencer, Attorney at LawAvoiding a lengthy court battle is the best way to keep personal matters private and confidential when a marriage ends. Preplanning can circumvent the potential for unwanted disclosure and stress on both parties. This can be accomplished by the spouses agreeing (before marriage) to a prenuptial agreement (prenup) that outlines how property and finances will […]