There are many factors involved in whether or not you get an appropriate settlement of assets in a divorce.
One of the most crucial is ensuring that all of the assets you and/or your spouse own are declared to the court (and to each other). If either of your lists is incomplete, then the asset division could turn out very differently from how it should.
This is why some people try to hide assets in a divorce. They want to get a better outcome for themselves than they believe they would if they were honest about all of their property. Tackling the issue early by trying to find proof of missing assets is crucial if you suspect your spouse has not declared everything. Here are some places to search.
On the computers
Checking the browser history can often shed light on any deceit your spouse is up to. For example, if you see a lot of research on difficult-to-access trusts, you should consider whether your spouse is intending to use them to keep assets from you.
In the mail
If you notice an envelope from a bank that you were unaware you held money with, then consider asking your spouse about it. Some spouses open up other accounts or investments that they do not tell their spouses about, to try and keep some wealth outside of their spouse’s knowledge and reach.
On social media
Maybe you look at your brother-in-law’s Meta account and notice they seem to have acquired a new vehicle or a new property. If this surprises you, because it seems inconsistent with their income level, then consider whether your spouse has diverted funds their way for the purchase. Buying something and putting it in another person’s name is a classic way to try and hide funds from a spouse.
If you suspect your spouse has hidden assets, it is best to seek legal guidance on how to best proceed.
