Please note that these answers are not legal advice. If you’re in need of legal advice or a lawyer please visit our Expert Guide

If you suspect your ex is hiding assets or money during your divorce, there are steps you can take to uncover those hidden finances and protect your fair share. Here’s how to handle it effectively:

Recognize the Warning Signs

Unexplained Drops in Income: Sudden pay cuts or claims of business losses.
Unusual Withdrawals or Transfers: Large amounts of money disappearing from joint accounts.
Hiding Financial Statements: If your ex stops showing you bank or investment account statements.
Suspicious Purchases: Buying expensive items but not keeping them at home.
Debt Claims: Claiming to owe large debts to friends or family that you weren’t aware of.
Business Manipulation: If they own a business, watch for inflated expenses or hidden cash.

Gather Financial Documents

Start collecting as much information as you can:

Bank Statements: For all accounts, both joint and individual.
Credit Card Statements: Look for unusual charges or cash advances.
Pay Stubs and Tax Returns: Compare income reported to the IRS with what was brought home.
Property Records: Check for ownership of homes, cars, or investments.
Retirement and Investment Accounts: Look for withdrawals or changes in account status.
Business Financials: If your ex owns a business, gather information on revenue, expenses, and inventory.

💡 Tip: Save digital copies in a secure place. If you don’t have access, you may be able to subpoena the records later.

Hire a Forensic Accountant

If the situation seems complicated or the assets are significant, consider hiring a forensic accountant:

They specialize in uncovering hidden assets, suspicious transactions, and financial discrepancies.
They can trace money through accounts, spot hidden income, and identify fraudulent transfers.
This is especially helpful if your ex runs a business or works with cash.

Subpoena Financial Records (If Necessary)

If your ex refuses to provide financial documents, your attorney can subpoena banks, employers, and credit card companies.
This legally forces them to disclose information about accounts and transactions.

Depositions and Interrogatories

During the discovery phase, your lawyer can:
- Depose your ex under oath, requiring them to answer financial questions.
- Send interrogatories (written questions) that they must answer truthfully.
Lying during these stages is considered perjury and is punishable by law.

Look for Common Hiding Spots

Here are common places people hide money during a divorce:

Offshore accounts
Family or friends holding money temporarily
New bank accounts opened without your knowledge
Cryptocurrency or digital assets
Prepaid debit cards or gift cards
Overpaying the IRS or utility companies (to collect refunds later)

Inform the Court If You Find Evidence

If you discover hidden assets, document everything and share it with your lawyer.
You can file a Motion for Discovery to get more information.
The court can impose sanctions or fines if your ex is found hiding assets deliberately.
In some cases, the judge may award you a larger share of the assets as a penalty.

Example Scenario:

You suspect your ex is hiding money because he suddenly claims he’s broke but is still dining out and buying new gadgets. You hire a forensic accountant who discovers large transfers to a previously unknown account. Your lawyer subpoenas bank records and finds hidden assets. The court orders him to pay your legal fees and awards you a greater share of marital property.

Get more info with The Divorce Guide →

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