Your property division agreement should be a fair and equitable split of the assets you’ve acquired throughout your marriage. However, sometimes people don’t play by the rules.
Occasionally, one spouse may attempt to hide assets from the other. If you believe this is the situation in your case, here are some steps you can take to help uncover hidden assets.
Check your tax documents
One of the first places an amateur sleuth should look when attempting to uncover hidden assets are tax documents. Take a close look to see if anything strikes you as unfamiliar. You may wish to focus on Schedule A, which itemizes deductions, and Schedule B, which refers to interests and dividends. However, other portions of your tax return may also prove useful.
Don’t overlook the obvious
Your ex probably isn’t stashing currency in the couch cushions or burying bars of gold in the backyard, although it’s certainly possible. But you don’t want to overlook some obvious hiding places. For example, you may wish to schedule a visit to look at any safety deposit boxes you may have at the bank. You might want to see if the contents of a home safe have gotten larger or smaller. If you have multiple properties, a place other than your primary residence may also be worth investigating.
A team of professionals can help confirm or deny your suspicions
If you’re convinced your ex is hiding assets, it’s essential to get professionals involved. Forensic accountants can help uncover hidden finances, and a skilled family legal professional can help you get the equitable share of property you deserve.