Chapter 17 - Ryan tries to save Cobalt Ridge
Cobalt Ridge still existed.
Ryan wanted it valued high in divorce when discussing his contribution?
Actually parties often argue opposite: Ryan would want low value if keeping it, I might want high. But he also needed investor credibility. Conflicting incentives.
He claimed:
Cobalt Ridge value only $90,000 after failed acquisition.
My expert:
$410,000–$620,000 based on remaining cash, contracts, and another project pipeline.
Why difference?
Contingent opportunities.
Debts.
Manager removal.
Melissa interest.
No simple number.
Court appointed neutral valuation expert:
Karen Liu.
She concluded Ryan’s 24% interest fair value for divorce purposes:
Approximately $168,000 after discounts/liabilities under agreed methodology.
Not millions.
I did not want it.
Ryan kept interest.
I received offset elsewhere.
Then Carter Strategic Consulting:
Value:
$92,000.
Ryan kept.
Offset.
Then marital brokerage.
Divided.
Rental townhouse:
We agreed to sell.
Why not keep for baby?
It was an investment property.
No emotional attachment.
Sale:
$702,000.
Mortgage payoff/closing.
Net:
Around $287,000.
Held for distribution.
Then mansion.
Trust counsel established Ryan had no ownership.
But marital estate claimed reimbursement for certain capital improvements funded jointly:
About $84,000.
Were they gifts to trust/property?
Agreements showed occupancy improvements approved without repayment right.
Could marital estate claim unjust enrichment?
Ryan raised.
Trust offered settlement:
$22,000 reimbursement to marital estate for one HVAC/structural improvement that clearly increased trust property and had ambiguous documentation.
Both sides accepted.
May you like
Half of marital credit ultimately reflected in division.
No family magic.
