Property division is one of the most commonly contested issues in a divorce, and in an effort to better control what happens to marital property, one spouse may be tempted to hide certain assets. If you suspect that your soon-to-be ex-spouse is attempting to conceal assets in order to rob you of your fair share of assets and money, you can take certain steps to protect your financial interests.
When it comes to finding and properly valuing assets, you would benefit greatly from the help of a California attorney who can protect your interests and advocate for you throughout the entire divorce process. Misappropriating, hiding or retitling assets is unacceptable, but you can fight back.
What can I do if my spouse is hiding assets?
While it is incredibly frustrating to learn that your spouse may be attempting to hide certain assets, there are practical things that you can do to ensure that you get your fair share of marital property, such as:
- Carefully review voluntary disclosures: In most divorces, even contentious ones, both parties will make some voluntary disclosure of marital property and assets. A careful review of what your spouse disclosed may help you determine if there are some valuable and important assets undisclosed.
- Request involuntary disclosures: You have the right to demand further disclosures from your spouse if you do not believe that the involuntary ones were correct. Your spouse will be required to comply with formal requests of additional asset information.
- Make inquiries during a deposition: It is also possible to depose your spouse in court before a hearing. This provides you an opportunity to get your ex on record regarding assets for later use in court.
Unless you are a forensic accountant, it can be complex to locate assets and secure your rightful share of marital property. Fortunately, this is not a process you have to undertake on your own.
Your post-divorce future
When it comes to an appropriate and fair distribution of marital assets, you know how important it is to fight for what is yours. Your post-divorce financial security and stability is on the line, and you will find it beneficial to secure the help of a lawyer who can provide comprehensive legal services for you throughout the duration of your divorce.
Your legal ally can help you understand your legal options, helping you pursue an equitable settlement that allows you to have a strong future long after your divorce is final.
