How to Uncover Hidden Assets in Complex Divorce Litigation

 Posted on December 05, 2014 in Complex Divorce

It is all too common, especially in a high-asset divorce, for one spouse to attempt to hide assets and property from the other spouse in an effort to deprive that spouse of his or her fair share of the marital estate. According to one survey, in two out of three marriages, at least one spouse is hiding assets from the other.

Typically, a spouse who is hiding the assets implemented a plan to do so long before the decision to divorce was "official" between the two. This deception can be done in a number of ways, including transferring assets in other family members or friends names, secret accounts, and safe deposit boxes. It was not so long ago that trying to uncover hidden assets was almost impossible; however, with the technology available today, as well as required legal documentation because of federal laws such as the Patriot Act, it is almost impossible to not leave some kind of electronic footprint of asset transfers.

If you suspect your spouse of hiding assets, there are steps you can take to find out what he or she has been up to. Checking your spouse's computer browser history or installing software that will reveal the websites your spouse is visiting may give clues as to where he or she is hiding funds.

Another way spouses are caught hiding assets is through their smartphones. A suspicious husband or wife can enable a phone's tracking software to find out if their spouse is making regular trips to ATM machines, jewelry stores, or other places that may indicate a spouse is hiding something.

Additionally, you should also let you attorney know immediately of your suspicions. Retaining the services of a high-asset divorce attorney who is experienced in uncovering hidden assets in complex divorces is critical to ensure that you receive the settlement to which you are entitled. A dedicated Cedar Park high-asset divorce attorney will know exactly where to look and how to uncover hidden assets, as well as ensure that the information found will be admissible evidence for the divorce trial. Call 512-610-6199 to schedule your consultation.