When people think about divorce, they usually picture the “big” assets: the house, retirement accounts, and maybe a business. In high net worth divorces, those are often just the starting point. Many cases also include personal property with significant financial value and serious emotional value, or both.

Heirloom jewelry passed down through generations such, fine art, antiques, rare coins, precious metals, luxury collectibles. Sometimes the items are objectively valuable. Other times, they matter because of what they represent. Either way, unique assets can become a major focus during the divorce process, and the outcome often depends on strong documentation and credible valuation.

What counts as a “unique” marital asset?

Unique assets tend to fall into a few buckets:

• Culturally or emotionally significant items (wedding jewelry, family heirlooms)
• High-value personal property (fine art, antiques, luxury watches, classic cars)
• Collections (coins, memorabilia, rare books, wine, sports cards)
• Alternative stores of wealth (gold, silver, investment-grade jewelry)

These assets can be easy to overlook because they may be stored in multiple homes, kept in a safe deposit box, held in storage, or simply never formally tracked.

Step one: identify what exists

Before anyone can divide an asset, everyone needs clarity on what exists, where it is, and how it was acquired. A strong early step is creating a detailed inventory, including:

• A description of each item
• Where it is located
• When it was acquired and how (purchase, gift, inheritance)
• Any documentation (receipts, appraisals, authenticity certificates, insurance schedules)
• Photos and identifying details (serial numbers, signatures, hallmarks)

In many cases, even a simple photo inventory prevents disputes later.

Step two: value it credibly

With unique assets, valuation is rarely straightforward. “Fair market value” is typically what a willing buyer would pay a willing seller, but niche markets can vary significantly depending on condition, provenance, demand, and the method of sale (private sale vs. auction, for example).

It is also common for two valuations to come back far apart, especially when different methods are used. The goal is not a number that helps one side. The goal is a valuation that is well supported and credible.

That is why the right expert matters. A reputable appraiser should be able to clearly explain their methodology, support the conclusion with comparable data, and provide a written report that holds up under scrutiny if the case becomes contested. In cases with these types of items we will often try to get both parties to use the same appraiser so that the parties have an equal say in the outcome, which often curtail disagreements in the future. 

Step three: divide or resolve the asset

Unique marital assets are typically handled in one of these ways:

• One spouse keeps the asset, and the other spouse is offset with other assets to equalize the division
• The asset is sold and the proceeds are divided
• A structured buyout is agreed to when liquidity is limited
• A specific allocation of personal property is negotiated, sometimes through a set process (like alternating selections or through the use of a special master who oversees the process)

Because these assets can carry emotional meaning, resolution often requires more than math. It helps to decide early what truly matters to you, what you would trade, and what is better sold.

Practical tips if you have unique assets in your divorce

If you expect unique assets to be part of your case, a few early steps can make a major difference:

• Document and photograph items and where they are located
• Gather paperwork (appraisals, insurance records, receipts, authenticity documents)
• Avoid selling or transferring items during the divorce without legal guidance
• Work with counsel who can coordinate reputable experts and valuations

The bottom line

High net worth divorce often involves more than bank accounts. Unique assets can carry significant market value and significant emotional value, and both matter in the process. Clear documentation, credible appraisals, and a thoughtful strategy can reduce conflict and help ensure a fair result.

If you would like guidance specific to your situation, call Mansur Law Group at 978-503-0438 or contact us here today.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different. If you need advice about your situation, consult with an attorney.