High-asset divorces often involve complex financial portfolios, multiple income streams and valuable property. Unfortunately, that also creates more opportunities for one spouse to try to hide assets to reduce what the other receives during the property division process.
If you’re going through a divorce and believe your spouse is not being honest about finances, it’s important to act quickly. Hidden assets can affect the outcome of property division, support payments and long-term financial stability.
Strategies for uncovering concealed assets during divorce
When a spouse is not fully transparent, certain tools and methods can help uncover assets that may be hidden or undervalued. These steps can help clarify what should be included in the division process.
- Start with all financial disclosures: Review any financial statements or disclosures provided during the divorce. Check for signs of missing accounts, unusual transfers or items that are undervalued. Pay close attention to business income, investment statements and ownership in properties or ventures that may not have been disclosed.
- Use formal requests for information: There are ways to request specific documents, such as bank records, retirement account summaries and asset lists. Requests for tax returns, titles and credit card records can reveal sources of income and assets that may not appear elsewhere.
- Ask detailed questions under oath: If a formal interview or sworn statement is part of the process, use it to ask direct questions about assets, income sources and transfers. Inconsistent or vague answers can be a sign of hidden information and may lead to further review of certain accounts or properties.
- Watch for lifestyle discrepancies: A person who claims limited income but continues to make expensive purchases, take luxury trips or pay down large debts may be hiding resources. Social media posts, unexplained gifts or sudden business changes can all be warning signs worth investigating.
In high-asset divorce cases, hidden assets are more common than many realize. Taking the right steps early and seeking legal guidance can help prevent unfair outcomes and protect your financial future.