January 26, 2026 Hurst, Robin & Kay
business valuation attorney Evanston, IL

Evanston Business Valuation Attorney

In a divorce, the couple needs to address a variety of concerns regarding property division. Illinois is an equitable distribution state for division of marital property in a divorce, not a 50/50 community property state, so determining what a fair allotment of marital assets is can often get contentious. If one spouse owns a business, or if the couple owns a business together, decisions about marital asset division often include the business. Let our Evanston, IL business valuation attorney help you protect your business interests and ensure you receive your fair share of marital assets. Contact Hurst, Robin, Kay & Allen, LLC today for a confidential consultation.

Business Valuation Attorney Evanston, IL

Before decisions can be made about marital property division, it’s important to determine a full, accurate value of any business owned by one or both spouses. Even if one spouse operates the business (such as a CPA practice or massage therapist service), the other spouse may have a financial interest in the entity. Our Evanston business valuation attorneys collaborates with forensic accountants, industry experts, and other experts as necessary to properly value the business assets and determine its liabilities.

We may take one of several approaches, including an asset-based method, which determines business value based on the total assets minus total liabilities. Or, a better approach may be comparing its value to similar businesses that have recently been sold or acquired. The future income and viability of the business is another consideration; if the operation is poised for substantial growth, the projected value of future revenue may weigh heavily in a judge’s consideration of marital asset division.

Then, we present options open to you, such as a buy-out, or continuing in co-ownership with a very detailed operating agreement between the two spouses. Selling the business may be an option, but there may be some negotiation required between the two of you regarding the sales process and how to handle offers. Or, the spouse who owns the business may offer compensation with other marital assets, such as the family home, a vacation house, or a larger share of cash.

It’s our duty to represent your best interests in the valuation and division of a business. We’re here to protect your business and everything you’ve worked hard to achieve and to find a fair, acceptable solution that meets your needs.

Why Our Legal Experience Matters In Property Division Cases

Valuing a family-owned business in an Illinois divorce requires financial acumen and legal savvy. Our Evanston business valuation attorney cuts through the contention to ensure that you’re treated fairly and receive your fair due, whether you’re the business owner or the spouse seeking a share of the business interest.

  • Senior partner Neil Robin is committed to giving back through pro bono work in the Illinois Domestic Relations and Paternity courts
  • We offer Polish- and Russian-speaking attorneys to better serve our clients
  • Our firm practices family law exclusively, giving us a clear understanding of how the law can help our clients
  • Firm lead attorney Brian J. Hurst earned both his Juris Doctor and Master of Social Work degrees from Loyola University Chicago, providing comprehensive insight into contested family law matters

For more help with business valuation and advocacy in your divorce, call Hurst, Robin, Kay & Allen, LLC.