Hidden Assets Lawyer, Vero Beach

Not all spouses come to the divorce table with complete transparency. All too often, people discover that their spouse is hiding assets in order to guard them from the divorce proceedings. And when this happens, it leads to an unfair settlement, often leaving one spouse in a worse situation.

I am attorney George L. Metcalfe, and I have dedicated experience in these issues. I have spent my career helping people figure out the intricacies and challenges of divorce. I have the skill and experience to help people uncover hidden assets and find successful, fair divorce settlements. At my family law firm George Lambeth Metcalfe, P.A., in Vero Beach, Florida, I can help you sort through your divorce efficiently and effectively.

How To Uncover Hidden Assets

As marital assets are divided equally in divorce, people may think that by hiding their assets, they can shield them from the property division process. There are several common ways people try to conceal their assets in a divorce case:

• Transferring assets to friends or family
• Offshore accounts
• Creating fake debt or fake expenses
• Not disclosing income or investments
• Physically hiding cash, jewelry and other property

But how can you tell if your spouse is hiding something before your divorce? There are a few signs to look for that may indicate your spouse is hiding assets, such as:

• Reluctance to discuss finances
• Unexplained withdrawals or deposits from or into accounts
• Missing financial statements (tax returns, pay stubs, etc.)
• Being overly secretive around devices like computers and cellphones or with the mail

A skilled professional, like a forensic accountant, can help people uncover hidden assets during the divorce process. An experienced divorce attorney like myself can provide guidance for connecting with the right professionals. To find these assets, these experts know how to scrutinize tax returns, income statements, credit card bills and other accounts. Tracing all money that has gone in and out of your accounts can help uncover hidden assets.

What Happens If We Find Hidden Assets?

There are several consequences to hiding assets. In some cases, the court could see this action as defying a court order or even perjury, which could lead to fines and even jail time. There may also be monetary sanctions as a result of hiding assets. The court may order the spouse responsible for hiding assets to pay the other spouse’s attorney fees or other forms of restitution.

Get The Knowledgeable Help With Divorce Issues

Divorce is complex enough without the added complication of hidden assets. Contact me today to learn more about how I can assist in this process.

To get in touch with me, call 772-292-0930 or use the online contact form. Set up a consultation today.