Technology executives, physicians, dentists, attorneys, and other senior professionals face a particular kind of divorce. Compensation arrives in many forms and on many schedules. Careers are demanding, reputations matter, and time is scarce.
Mediation lets you resolve the divorce efficiently and privately, on a schedule that works around your professional obligations — including evenings and weekends.
Compensation that needs careful handling
- Base salary plus annual or quarterly bonuses
- RSUs, stock options, and restricted stock, often vesting over several years — see equity compensation in divorce
- Long-term incentive plans and performance shares
- Deferred compensation and non-qualified retirement plans
- 401(k), pension, and cash-balance plans
- Partnership draws, practice distributions, and profit sharing
- Multiple income streams — consulting, board seats, investments, rentals
Each of these affects both the property division and the income used for support. The timing matters as much as the amount: a bonus earned during the marriage but paid after separation, or a grant made before separation that vests long after it, raises real questions about what belongs to whom.
Income for support purposes
When income fluctuates, there is no single "right" number. Couples can agree to average income over several years, treat bonuses separately, or set support as a percentage of variable pay. Mediation lets you choose the approach that best fits your situation, within the bounds of Washington's guidelines for child support.
Discretion and time
For professionals, a public divorce file and months of court dates are costly in themselves. Mediation is confidential, sessions are scheduled around your work, and online sessions mean no time lost to travel.
This page is general information, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Crossroads Neutral, LLC is not a law firm. Laws change and every situation is different — please consult a licensed attorney about your rights and obligations.
