Country club memberships often represent much more than access to a golf course or dining room. For some couples, membership is tied to friendships, professional networking, family traditions and a substantial financial investment.
As a result of this complex association with a country club, a divorcing couple may understandably wonder whether one, both or neither of them will remain empowered to stay members after their marital union has officially been dissolved.
Each couple’s circumstances are unique
Each divorce is unique, and each country club’s membership rules are unique. Therefore, one couple’s circumstances may not play out exactly like another’s. Some memberships are issued in one spouse’s name, with the other spouse receiving privileges as a result of their marriage. Once the couple’s divorce becomes final, those spousal privileges may end. Other clubs may permit a membership to be transferred, divided or converted into separate memberships under certain circumstances.
Money can complicate matters further. Initiation fees at exclusive clubs can be substantial, and a membership may involve equity, refundable deposits or other financial interests. If marital funds were used to acquire or maintain the membership, the financial realities may need to be considered during property division. Even when only one spouse can retain membership privileges, the other spouse may argue that the membership’s monetary value should be addressed as part of their overall divorce settlement.
Couples should investigate these issues rather than assuming the spouse who plays more golf automatically keeps the membership. Reviewing membership agreements, bylaws and club policies with a skilled legal team can help clarify whether a membership is transferable, whether it carries a measurable financial value and what needs to happen in the wake of a decision to divorce.