Signs Your Spouse Is Hiding Assets During a Divorce
Signs Your Spouse Is Hiding Assets
Hiding assets during a divorce is a serious matter, and judges can impose strict penalties on people who are found guilty of trying to deceive the court. When with the possibility of being found in contempt of court, people will do everything they can to cling to their marital property rather than allowing the courts to divide properties and assets.
These common signs could be an indicator that you should tell your attorney that your spouse may be attempting to deceive the courts.
- Changing mailing address: If you notice new bank accounts or financial statements from businesses and institutions that you had never heard of begin arriving at your home, take note. It could be a sign that your spouse is moving around money in an attempt not to have to split marital assets fairly.Another sign could involve mailed statements that used to arrive at your home disappearing. This could be because your spouse is changing the mailing addresses of certain accounts to hide them from you.
- Spending habit changes: Changes in spending habits could be another sign that your spouse is hiding something from you. You may notice your spouse spending much more than they normally would or much less. Any drastic change should be mentioned to your attorney.
- Refusal to discuss expenses: If your spouse deflects attempts to talk about finances, that could be a serious red flag, especially if they were willing to talk about it before the divorce. They may not want to talk about money because they worry that they may slip up and give away information that they are trying to conceal.
- History of controlling finances: If your spouse has held control over the family’s finances and kept access to those accounts away from you, that could position your spouse to hide certain things from you. While those details may not have been a concern while you were married, they may matter greatly during a divorce.
- Changing passwords: Having access to financial matters is important to both spouses. If you lose access to online accounts or notice that certain online accounts have been transferred or disappeared, let your family law attorney know.
There are several ways to address attempts to conceal assets during a divorce. A forensic auditor or someone who similarly knows how to investigate financial matters can trace where certain funds went and gather evidence that your spouse is concealing assets or properties.
Depositions can also be used to compel your spouse to admit or give away information that can confirm if they are hiding assets. Any attempt to lie during a deposition could place your spouse in the position of committing perjury, another serious offense. Many people who are comfortable concealing information from attorneys may be less willing to lie while under oath.
FAQs
Q: What Can I Do if My Spouse Is Hiding Assets During a Divorce?
A: If you believe your spouse is hiding assets during a divorce, notify your attorney. They can investigate the allegations. Having your spouse testify under oath or hiring a forensic auditor are common options that can prove that your spouse is hiding assets. The gathered evidence can then be presented in court.
Q: What Is the Most Common Sign That Someone Is Hiding Assets During a Divorce?
A: Common signs that your spouse is hiding assets include refusal to discuss financial matters, disappearing mailed financial statements (suggesting an address change), and sudden changes in spending habits. If you notice any of these signs that your spouse is hiding assets, let your attorney know right away.
Q: Who Is Most Likely to Try to Hide Assets During a Divorce?
A: People who have high incomes or who have accumulated high assets are more likely to hide assets during a divorce. The reason is that they have more to lose and they are more likely to have the resources to try and hide assets. Lawyers also have resources that can uncover attempts to hide property and assets during a divorce.
Q: What Happens When Someone Is Found to Be in Contempt of Court in California?
A: When someone is found to be in contempt of court, that means they willfully disobeyed a court order. The aggrieved party may file a motion for contempt, leading to a hearing where evidence and arguments are presented. If a judge finds that the accused party willfully disobeyed a court order, a judge can impose penalties such as fines, attorney’s fees, community service, or even jail time.
Q: Can Hiding Assets During a Divorce Get Me in Trouble?
A: Yes. Hiding assets during a divorce is a form of deception that can place the dishonest spouse in contempt of court. The penalties for being in contempt can include fines and even jail time. The courts take these matters very seriously during divorce or child custody cases, and anyone who thinks they can get away with hiding assets should think twice.
Schedule Your High-Asset Divorce Consultation Today
If you have concerns that your spouse is hiding assets, let your attorney know. No one knows their spouse better than you. Small signs that you noticed in the weeks and months leading to the divorce may become useful evidence against your spouse. Any attempt to deceive the courts could result in significant penalties.
The attorneys at Bickford Blado & Botros can look into the matter to see if your spouse is trying to deceive the court. Their misconduct could ultimately strengthen your case. To learn more about the signs that your spouse may be hiding assets, contact our office today to set up a consultation.
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