When a couple decides to get a divorce, each spouse must provide the court
with binding documents declaring all properties, funds, investments, and
other assets. However, people sometimes try to lie on these documents
in hopes that they will be able to retain more of what they view as “theirs.”
Lying on a court document is never a good decision, especially where finances
are concerned. However, even if you are completely honest in each of your
court documents, your spouse might not be.
If you suspect your spouse is lying on their documents in an attempt to
hide certain assets from you and from the court, it’s important
that you take immediate action to protect your interests.
Methods for Hiding Assets
At the beginning of the divorce process, each spouse is required to disclose
all financial details, including their income, debts, investments, properties,
and so on. When someone attempts to hide anything on these documents,
there will likely be signs indicating their wrongdoing. In an attempt
to retain certain assets for themselves, the lying spouse might transfer
money or properties to a family member temporarily. Or, they may withdraw
large sums and attempt to hide the cash or store it in a safe deposit
box. Some people simply lie about amounts, property values, or could attempt
to omit an account or asset altogether.
Warning Signs
When someone attempts to lie about their finances, there are bound to be
signs indicating their wrongdoing. In some cases, you might be able to
identify these signs, but you will usually need the help of a professional
to truly prove your spouse’s wrongdoing before the court.
First, you will need to gather your financial records in order to report
everything accurately to the court. If your spouse refuses to provide
you with the documents you need, it could be easier for them to lie about
certain assets without you knowing. In some cases, especially when the
divorce is a contentious one, your spouse might tell you that he or she
intends to keep certain assets for themselves, or your spouse may use
financial leverage to threaten you. Sometimes the lying spouse may act
aloof or dismissive whenever you talk about money, which could be enough
to trigger your suspicions. Even if you only have a hunch that your spouse
is lying, you should always take action and investigate the issue further
before dismissing it.
How To Protect Yourself
If you suspect your spouse is lying about any assets during your divorce,
your best option is to work with a legal team who knows how to handle
cases like yours. There are several professionals who are well-equipped
to deal with lying spouses and financial inaccuracies, including private
investigators and forensic accountants. Forensic accountants, in particular,
are well-versed in the art of finding hidden assets. Once you present
your case, the accountant can set to work finding any hidden assets under
your spouse’s name or finding any discrepancies in the documents
he or she presented to the court.
In short, a professional can unearth the financial wrongdoing, providing
you with the proof you need to present your case before the court.
Potential Penalties
Once you’ve gathered proof of your spouse’s lies, you can present
your evidence before the judge. The penalties for lying in court are steep
and can lead to serious repercussions. In the worst-case scenario, the
judge may hold the lying spouse in contempt of court, which could result
in jail time. In most cases, however, the judge will choose to penalize
the lying spouse by awarding the hidden assets to the other spouse, or
by awarding the honest spouse with more assets overall.
If you suspect your spouse is lying about his or her finances, you should
take action immediately. Contact The Law Firm of Wayne F. Crowe, Jr., P.C.
today to discuss your family law case with our Bronx divorce attorneys.