Money is one of, if not the, most contentious elements in a California divorce. Spouses argue over who gets the house, whether an account is marital or separate, and how much should be paid in spousal support. Sometimes the battles seem frivolous, and motivated only by one person’s desire to punish their ex.
Other times, these arguments stem from a more serious place. After all, there are strict laws in place that dictate how property is divided in a California divorce, and violating those laws is illegal and deserving of punishment. If your ex is hiding assets in an attempt to shield them from the distribution process, it is critical that they be uncovered.
Uncovering hidden assets can be a very complicated task, particularly when assets are substantial or complex to begin with. Oftentimes, it is best to leave the job up to someone like a forensic analyst, as it can be very complicated to figure out if and where assets are being hidden.
For instance, without a financial and forensic background, you may not be able to find on your own assets hidden in:
- Secret, offshore accounts
- Business transactions and withholdings
- Bitcoin, a digital, pseudo anonymous currency
- “Gifts” to family members
- Tax overpayments
Hiding assets in these places is not unusual, but that doesn’t mean it is easy for a regular person to investigate them, especially when that person is also going through a difficult divorce.
Considering how much could be at stake when it comes to dividing assets in a California divorce, it is often wise to work with your attorney and a financial professional to ensure you have a comprehensive and accurate picture of the assets that may be eligible for distribution.
