Couples in high-asset marriages who then divorce often battle one another for the marital assets. That can even become more intense in community property states like California.
Below is some important information about choosing your battles over the division of assets in your divorce.
Why fighting over the country club membership is futile
Traditional country clubs typically provide members and their families with a plethora of recreational and social activities. But when marriages dissolve, this asset doesn’t divide as simply as other property may.
The problem is that country club memberships remain with the member spouse, who is typically the male. The member’s spouse and any minor children are merely considered associate members under the member spouse. Due to the nature of private clubs and their tenets, it would be a waste of money and resources to fight for something you cannot get.
Your share of the membership still has value
Regardless of the name on the membership, never forget that you may be entitled to something of equal value in exchange for the benefits you lose from the country club membership.
The fight then switches from the membership itself to its value to you. Given the high cost of initiation fees, annual dues and monthly expenses, this can be considerable.
What to ask for in exchange?
Only you can determine your needs in a divorce settlement, but where you are on the ladder of your life can help you sort this out. If you are under 40 and still have kids at home, you might want to swap your share of the membership for more time at the beach house or in exchange for the boat.
Older divorcing couples often focus more on the retirement assets. Receiving a larger slice of the retirement pie could offset the losses from losing the club membership.
Strategize your divorce for best results
The worst thing you can do is to squander resources mounting a fight you cannot win. By strategizing now, you can walk away with what you need to rebuild your life post-divorce.