Preserving Your Financial Security By Uncovering Hidden Assets Through Forensic Accounting
During a divorce, especially between high net worth spouses, you may be concerned that your spouse will try to conceal assets. Some spouses resort to any tactic to reduce the value of the marital estate and deny you a fair share.
I’m Lorri Fishman, a Fort Lauderdale divorce attorney with over 25 years of experience protecting clients against these dubious actions. Being divorced myself, I understand how stressful it can be to worry about your financial well-being after your marriage ends. I’m here to help ease your mind.
I diligently work to ensure that your spouse complies with Florida’s equitable distribution requirements for disclosing property. That can involve collaborating with skilled financial forensic accountants to reveal hidden assets, so you can receive a fair distribution.
Uncovering The Methods Spouses Use To Hide Or Dissipate Marital Assets
Florida family law mandates the full disclosure of all property by both spouses during a divorce. However, some spouses go to great lengths to hide or dissipate assets. Here are some common methods used:
- Overpaying their taxes to receive a refund after the divorce
- Transferring money to friends or relatives to hold until after the divorce
- Purchasing expensive items that could be overlooked or undervalued
- Creating false debt to reduce the overall value of the marital estate
- Underreporting income or delaying contracts or bonuses
- Stashing cash in a safe deposit box or secret accounts
- Investing in cryptocurrency or other less traceable assets
- Transferring assets to dummy corporations or offshore accounts
I will leave no stone unturned to protect your interests and hold your spouse accountable to secure what is rightfully yours. That may include arguing your case in front of a judge.
Legal Options After Hidden Assets Are Found
Once hidden assets surface in a Florida divorce, several paths open up to address the unfairness. You might seek to reopen or amend the settlement agreement through a motion, allowing the court to reconsider the division based on the full picture. Judges can issue orders compelling the return or proper valuation of those assets, ensuring they factor into the equitable split. Penalties for failing to disclose can include fines or even adjustments that favor the innocent spouse in the final award.
The spouse who concealed property faces real repercussions under Florida law. Courts may find them in contempt or impose sanctions, which could lead to jail time in extreme cases. The judge may also forfeit a larger share of the marital estate as a direct result.
This discovery also reshapes support obligations. In alimony determinations, hidden income or assets can justify higher payments, as Florida considers the true financial capacity of each party. For child support, recalculations under state guidelines often increase amounts when undisclosed resources emerge, prioritizing the children’s needs above all.
Steps To Safeguard Your Finances Before Divorce Proceedings Begin
Laying groundwork before divorce proceedings begin strengthens your case. Attempting to investigate on your own often leaves gaps or creates issues with admissibility. Instead, careful preparation under legal guidance is far more effective. Practical steps include:
- Collect recent bank statements and credit card records
- Secure copies of tax returns, property deeds and vehicle titles
- Keep documentation of business ownership or partnership interests
- Track household income and routine expenses
- Watch for unusual withdrawals, loans or transfers to new accounts
These actions provide a framework for identifying irregularities. With me as your attorney directing the process, these records can gain credibility and serve as valuable evidence.
Collaboration Between Lawyers And Forensic Accountants
Exposing hidden wealth often requires the combined strength of legal and financial analysis. Forensic accountants trace funds through layered accounts, overseas transfers or corporate structures, while attorneys apply discovery tools to compel disclosure.
As a lawyer, I can issue subpoenas, depose witnesses and present evidence before the judge. Forensic accountants support these efforts with reports that break down complex transactions into understandable findings. Together, we build a narrative that reveals intentional concealment and supports claims for fair distribution.
By combining my courtroom strategy with investigative accounting, your case can be better positioned for a just outcome under Florida law.
Work With A Lawyer Who Will Fight For Your Financial Security
Matrimonial asset tracing and forensic accounting are essential tools in uncovering hidden assets. I will use my comprehensive legal knowledge to defend your financial interests. Call Lorri K. Fishman, P.A., at 954-928-9832 or send me an email to schedule a free consultation.