When you are going through a complex divorce, it can be difficult to determine the allocation of major assets. There definitely needs to be both a strategy and an end game in place.
However, there are also laws and regulations that must be followed in a complex Florida divorce. With higher-income couples, often there is a club membership that must be factored into the property division.
Can one spouse fight for the membership?
Especially when children are involved, a family’s entire social calendar might be arranged around club events and athletic competitions. But a divorce creates a major rift in these situations, and here’s why.
Most country clubs have membership regulations stating that one person is the member, and their spouse and dependent children are included under their membership. Traditionally, the member has been the husband. The country club may also disallow former spouses to have their own memberships. Even clubs that do allow these memberships require the approval of the ex-spouse and other board members.
Is it worth negotiating?
If you belong to a club that allows spouses to become members, it might be in your best interest to angle for the membership. It provides you with social opportunities, and if you golf, swim or play tennis, you also have your athletic interests covered. It can keep your dependent kids entertained up to age 23, too, which is always appreciated.
The membership has value
You may be less than thrilled if you learn that you cannot keep the club membership due to their regulations. But you can use the value of your share of the membership as leverage to get something else of value, e.g., a higher share of the retirement assets or your ex’s share of the beach cottage.
Learning more about the state’s property division rules can help you approach your divorce strategically.