Why Hiding Assets Is Taken So Seriously
Asset disclosure is a crucial aspect of divorce cases, demanding honesty and transparency when it comes to revealing one's financial resources and holdings to the court. In these legal disputes, concealing or misrepresenting assets can have severe consequences.
Courts take a strong stance against hidden assets, cracking down on individuals who attempt to conceal wealth or manipulate financial information. Concealing assets in a divorce case can lead to substantial penalties, including fines and loss of credibility in court. In some cases, individuals may even face jail time for contempt of court.
How to Find Hidden Assets in a Divorce
Divorce can be a challenging and emotionally taxing experience. Not only are couples faced with the difficult task of untangling their lives, but they often have to navigate the complex world of asset division.
In many cases, one spouse may attempt to conceal assets in order to gain an unfair advantage in the divorce settlement. As a result, conducting a thorough asset search becomes essential to ensure fairness and equity in the process. In this article, we will explore practical and actionable methods for tracking down hidden assets during a divorce.
Here are common locations to look for hidden assets:
- With friends and family. One common tactic used to hide assets is transferring them to friends or family members temporarily. These individuals may hold the assets until after the divorce is finalized, at which point they are returned to the spouse who concealed them. It is important to scrutinize transactions involving close associates during the asset search.
- Tax returns. Tax returns can provide valuable insights into a spouse's financial situation. However, some individuals may underreport income or overstate deductions to hide assets. Reviewing tax returns, especially those from previous years, can help identify discrepancies and uncover hidden assets.
- Bank accounts. Concealing assets in offshore or undisclosed bank accounts is another strategy employed by some individuals during divorce proceedings. It is advisable to thoroughly examine all bank statements, including joint and personal accounts, to detect any irregularities or transfers to unfamiliar accounts.
- Business records. If one or both spouses own a business, it is essential to scrutinize the company's financial records. Business owners may manipulate records, inflate expenses, or underreport profits to conceal assets. Analyzing cash flow, accounts receivable, and inventory can help uncover any hidden assets.
- Tax assessor's office. Property ownership is a common avenue for hiding assets. Conducting a search at the tax assessor's office can reveal any additional properties owned by either spouse. Uncovering undisclosed real estate can significantly impact the division of assets.
- New accounts or property. Divorcing individuals may open new accounts or purchase property under a different name to hide assets. It is crucial to investigate recent financial activity and property acquisitions to ensure nothing has been concealed.
- Their family business. In cases where a family business is involved, it is important to analyze its financial records thoroughly. Owners can manipulate business income and expenses, overpay themselves, or defer revenue to hide assets. Engaging a forensic accountant can be invaluable in assessing the true value of the business and identifying any hidden assets.
- Crypto accounts. With the rise of cryptocurrencies, some spouses may attempt to hide assets within these digital currencies. Tracking transactions and investments in cryptocurrencies can be complex, but it is essential to ensure a thorough asset search.
Worried Your Spouse Hid Assets? Talk with Our Divorce Attorney
At the Law Office of Jody L. Fisher, we are committed to offering our clients personalized counsel. If you are involved in a divorce and believe your spouse has concealed assets or wealth, our attorney can talk you through your options—from retaining a forensic accountant to obtaining financial documents in the discovery process and more.
Schedule an initial consultation with our team by calling (352) 503-4111.