Divorce can be a difficult and emotional process, especially when it comes to dividing assets. Unfortunately, some spouses may try to hide assets in an attempt to keep them out of the divorce settlement. This can make it difficult for the other spouse to receive a fair share of the assets. In this article, we will discuss how to discover hidden assets in a divorce.
Understand the Types of Hidden Assets
Before you begin your search for hidden assets, it is important to understand the different types of assets that can be hidden. These may include:
Cash: Cash is the most common asset that is hidden during a divorce. It is easy to conceal and difficult to trace.
Property: Real estate, including vacation homes, rental properties, and undeclared businesses, can be hidden during a divorce.
Investments: Stocks, bonds, and other investments can also be hidden during a divorce.
Valuables: Artwork, jewelry, and other valuables may be hidden to prevent their inclusion in the divorce settlement.
Hire a Private Investigator / Financial Intelligence
If you suspect that your spouse is hiding assets, you may want to consider hiring a private investigator. A private investigator can help you gather evidence of hidden assets and present it in court. They can also provide expert testimony to support your case.
Review Financial Documents
Another way to discover hidden assets is to review your financial documents. This includes bank statements, tax returns, and credit card statements. Look for discrepancies, such as unexplained withdrawals or deposits, or payments to unknown individuals or companies.
Conduct a Lifestyle Analysis
If you suspect that your spouse is hiding assets, you may want to conduct a lifestyle analysis. This involves examining your spouse's lifestyle, including their income, expenses, and spending habits. Look for discrepancies between their income and their expenses, and try to determine the source of any unexplained income.
Look for Offshore Accounts
Offshore accounts are a common way to hide assets during a divorce. Look for any references to offshore accounts in your financial documents or correspondence with your spouse. You may also want to consider hiring an international investigator to help you locate offshore assets.
Look for Domestic Bank Accounts
It is easier than ever to create bank accounts in any state or with any bank and none would be the wiser. We routinely locate domestic bank accounts and brokerage accounts before going offshore. Why? Because it is easier and cheaper to set up domestic brokerage accounts and bank accounts in family names, business names, and in their own name, thinking that no one can find these accounts. We can!
Search Public Records
Public records can be a valuable source of information when it comes to discovering hidden assets. Look for records of property ownership, business ownership, and other assets that may have been hidden. You can also search for records of bankruptcies, liens, and judgments, which may indicate hidden assets.
Consider Digital Forensics
Digital forensics can be a valuable tool when it comes to uncovering hidden assets. This involves examining electronic devices, such as computers and smartphones, for evidence of hidden assets. Look for hidden files, encrypted data, and deleted emails or text messages.
Conclusion
Discovering hidden assets in a divorce can be a difficult and time-consuming process. However, with the help of a private investigator and a thorough review of your financial documents and lifestyle analysis, you can increase your chances of receiving a fair share of the assets. Remember to remain calm and patient throughout the process, and seek the advice of an experienced divorce attorney.
FAQs
What is a lifestyle analysis? A lifestyle analysis involves examining a person's income, expenses, and spending habits to determine if they have hidden assets.
How can I locate offshore assets? You may want to consider hiring an international investigator to help you locate offshore assets.
What are some common types of hidden assets? Cash, property, investments, and valuables are common types of assets that may be hidden during a divorce.
Should I hire a private investigator to help me find hidden assets? If you suspect that your spouse is hiding assets, you may want to consider hiring a private investigator to help find what may be obscured.
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