When Stocks and Bonuses Matter: Navigating Complex Asset Division in Divorces | Episode 235

What's in this episode

Complex Assets in Divorce: RSUs, Stock Options, and Valuation Strategies In this episode of Divorce at Altitude, Ryan Kalamaya and Amy Goscha break down one of the most complicated areas in modern divorce cases: how to identify, value, and divide complex assets like restricted stock units (RSUs), stock options, and deferred compensation. As compensation structures evolve—especially in tech and finance—these assets are showing up more frequently and creating significant challenges for both attorneys and clients. Episode Highlights Why complex assets matter more than ever With the rise of equity-based compensation like RSUs and stock options, more divorces involve assets that are not straightforward cash or property. These assets can be highly valuable but also difficult to understand, classify, and divide. Understanding RSUs and stock options Ryan explains that RSUs and stock options are common forms of compensation, particularly in tech companies. While stock options give an employee the right to buy shares at a set price, RSUs are shares granted subject to restrictions, often tied to time or performance. The importance of vesting A key issue is vesting—when the employee actually g