High-asset divorces often involve complex financial holdings, business interests and investment portfolios that can make it challenging to obtain a complete picture of marital wealth. When substantial assets are at stake, the temptation for one spouse to conceal property or funds from the other increases significantly, potentially depriving you of your fair share in the divorce settlement.
Uncovering hidden assets requires methodical investigation and attention to detail, particularly when dealing with sophisticated financial arrangements. Here are some steps to take:
1. Review financial disclosures thoroughly
Carefully examine all financial disclosures provided by your spouse during the divorce process, looking for inconsistencies, omissions or vague descriptions. Pay special attention to unexplained decreases in income, missing accounts from previous disclosures or assets that suddenly appear undervalued. Compare current statements with tax returns from previous years to identify any accounts or investments that may have disappeared.
2. Utilize formal discovery tools
Formal legal discovery provides powerful tools for uncovering hidden assets when voluntary disclosures seem incomplete. Request the production of documents like tax returns, loan applications, business records and credit card statements, which often contain valuable information about undisclosed assets. Written interrogatories, which require sworn responses about specific financial matters, can reveal disclosure inconsistencies. Subpoenas to financial institutions, employers or business partners can uncover records your spouse might be unwilling to provide voluntarily.
3. Investigate digital and physical evidence
Examine shared computers, tax documents, mail and other household records for clues about unknown accounts or investments. Look for unfamiliar financial statements, correspondence from unknown financial institutions or receipts for expensive purchases. Review joint tax returns closely, as schedules and attachments often reveal income sources, business interests or investment properties not otherwise disclosed. Social media, too, can provide valuable evidence through posts showing luxurious purchases, vacations or lifestyles inconsistent with your spouse’s claimed financial status.
4. Consider professional assistance
For complex financial situations, professional assistance from forensic accountants can prove invaluable. These specialists can trace fund movements through multiple accounts, identify suspicious transfers and valuate business interests accurately. They understand common concealment techniques – like delaying business income, overpaying creditors to receive later refunds or transferring assets to friends or family members temporarily.
Seeking legal guidance early in the process helps you protect your rights to an equitable division of marital assets.
