Not automatically, and a forced sale is generally something to actively avoid through proper strategy, not an inevitable outcome. The goal in most property settlements involving a business is to reach a fair overall outcome without requiring you to liquidate what you’ve built.
This usually means looking at the full asset pool together, the business alongside the family home, super, and other assets, so that one party can potentially retain the business while the other receives a fair share through different assets or a structured payment arrangement. Forced sales tend to happen when settlements are rushed, poorly negotiated, or when one side pushes for liquidity without considering the practical and tax consequences of selling.
If you’re a business owner facing separation, the earlier you get advice, the more options remain on the table for keeping the business intact while still reaching a fair settlement. Waiting until a forced sale is already being discussed significantly narrows what’s possible.
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