A major asset in many wealthy couples’ divorces is the country club membership. These memberships have high values but can’t be divided as easily as other high-dollar assets.
We’ll explore why below and also detail other assets that might offset any disparity over the club membership.
Country club memberships remain with the member spouse
Unlike other marital assets, country clubs typically admit a single individual as a member. In the United States, that has traditionally been the male half of a couple. The member’s spouse and any dependent children are then considered to be “associate members” under the primary member’s account. When divorce splits apart a family, the member is the only one who can keep the club membership.
That doesn’t seem fair
Even though it might not appear to be fair, it is legal because country clubs are private clubs that are subject to their own rules and regulations. So, while it would be pointless to fight for an asset you cannot own, you can definitely leverage the value of your share of the membership for another marital asset.
What might be an equivalent asset?
The answer to that is best determined by your family’s unique circumstances. Would ownership of the seaside cottage on the Cape offset your loss of the club membership? What about a larger share of the retirement accounts or the wine collection? Only you can decide what would be fair compensation for the loss of the social and recreational opportunities you previously enjoyed with the club membership.
Let your fight be guided by strategy
Divorce is a lot like a chess game where you try to see three moves ahead of your soon-to-be ex-spouse. With the right strategy, you will leave the marriage poised for the next chapter in your life.
