Questions arise quickly when a separation involves unique belongings, like a boat or private plane. Who holds the title? Who...
Questions arise quickly when a separation involves unique belongings, like a boat or private plane. Who holds the title? Who uses it? Who pays for it during the divorce proceedings? When divorce affects yacht and aircraft ownership, outcomes often depend on how the asset is held, what the loan or lease permits, and whether there is charter income or shared usage to account for.
At The Riley Divorce & Family Law Firm, you could work with a dedicated lawyer to guide you through the process. We could help you organize records, set interim ground rules, and prepare proposals that reflect real operating costs and realistic schedules.
Ownership structures vary, and many yachts and planes are registered to a company for liability or tax reasons, with loans, liens, or personal guarantees attached. Usage may be personal, business, or a combination of both. Storage arrangements—such as moorage or a hangar—may have assignment limits or priority lists. Insurance, licensing, and regulatory compliance (such as maintenance intervals, airworthiness, or seaworthiness requirements) have timing and cost considerations. Clear protocols for custody, keys, and scheduling reduce conflict between partners during divorce proceedings and protect the asset’s condition while future ownership and usage are determined.
An accurate valuation of your boat or plane is crucial when determining the division and ownership of assets in a divorce, and reliable numbers start with complete paperwork. You should gather all your materials ahead of valuation, including:
A recent marine survey or aviation appraisal will help anchor value and separate equipment from personal effects. Where upgrades are recent, include invoices and warranties so that the record accurately reflects the asset’s current state and value.
As your divorce moves forward, an interim agreement could set the terms of usage for your marine vessel or aircraft. Such arrangements may cover storage, fueling, crew or instructor requirements, insurance endorsements, and responsibility for ordinary operating costs. A simple usage calendar and a single point of contact for you and your partner could minimize friction. It is also important to define who approves bookings, where revenue is deposited, and how maintenance is scheduled around those commitments if the asset is chartered.
Yachts and planes often cross borders, so confirming the jurisdiction of registration, any export or customs restrictions, and who holds the regulatory certificates during your divorce is therefore essential. Where a corporate structure is involved, note where the company is formed and who has the authority to approve sales, loans, or transfers. Aligning proposals with these limits could help prevent deals for usage after your divorce from stalling on paperwork.
The Riley Divorce & Family Law Firm could help you plan for when divorce affects yacht and aircraft ownership. Our team of experienced lawyers understands how to organize your records, set interim ground rules, and align proposals for future usage with operating costs and schedules.
Contact us today to speak with a divorce lawyer. We could review your goals, outline next steps tailored to your vessel or plane, and coordinate details such as storage, insurance, and booking procedures.
Paul Riley Law Office
