How to unearth hidden assets during a contentious divorce

On Behalf of | Aug 20, 2014 | Divorce, Firm News |

In some cases, both spouses have come to the conclusion that the marriage is no longer viable, but they have not yet openly discussed it with each other. Instead, one or the other may be working hard to ensure that he or she will survive the impending divorce with a financial parachute. There are ways that hidden assets can be uncovered, and residents in New York may benefit from learning some of the methods to do so.

One method of discerning whether a partner may be unfaithful in financial affairs is to log onto the various social media sites. Surprisingly, many people will post status updates and photos that boast of financial gains or other assets of which the other partner may not have knowledge. Additionally, professional sites may turn up evidence of a side job that was not shared with the soon-to-be former spouse.

There are phone applications that can capture keystrokes that may in turn lead to computer sites or searches that reveal secret bank accounts or retirement investments that were hidden from the other spouse. Additionally, bank statements and tax return copies may also turn up investments or other types of resources that one spouse may have attempted to conceal. There are also professionals who can dig into the financial lives of spouses and ferret out any morsels of hidden wealth.

Using the services of a financial investigator may allow a spouse to probe deeper than some of the other methods; however, the cost may be prohibitive for many New York couples in the midst of a divorce. Conversely, when a couple enters into marital union, it seems only natural that each partner would receive an equitable split when the relationship is terminated. There are resources that can assist these couples that are seeking only to have the ability to embark on a newly single life with enough assets to maintain a lifestyle comparable to the one they lived while married.

Source: The Huffington Post, “Uncovering Hidden Assets in Divorce Litigation“, David Centeno, Aug. 15, 2014

Source: The Huffington Post, “Uncovering Hidden Assets in Divorce Litigation“, David Centeno, Aug. 15, 2014

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