Connecticut law regarding property division in divorce includes all assets that either spouse owns, regardless of when and how they were acquired. Some people contemplating divorce try to hide the assets they do not want to share with their spouse.
Finding hidden assets in Southbury requires professional diligence and expertise. Our divorce attorneys have the knowledge and skills to ensure your property settlement relies on complete and accurate information.
The divorce process includes safeguards designed to ensure full disclosure of all assets. These include court orders issued automatically in all divorce cases and financial affidavits, which are likewise necessary whenever a court presides over a divorce case. Intentionally violating the court’s orders or providing incomplete or inaccurate information on an affidavit can lead to sanctions for contempt of court.
A divorce filing prompts a Connecticut family court judge to issue automatic orders requiring the spouses to maintain the financial status quo during the pendency of the divorce. Spouses may not sell, transfer, or move assets without the other’s knowledge and assent. The orders restrict spending and prohibit actions such as canceling insurance policies until the court has issued an order finalizing the divorce and property settlement.
Each party to a divorce must complete and file a financial affidavit that includes a comprehensive disclosure of all assets. The financial affidavits form the basis for negotiations regarding property division, alimony, and child support. As these financial disclosures must be accurate, a spouse in Southbury should work with a skilled divorce attorney to ensure proper disclosure and identification of all assets and liabilities.
Despite the legal risks of non-disclosure, people still sometimes attempt to conceal their assets. This can mean failing to reveal possession of an asset or taking affirmative steps to mislead the other spouse about the extent of their holdings. Such attempts can include:
There are numerous other methods someone can use if they intend to hide assets.
The discovery process can reveal attempts at financial deception. Discovery is the exchange of financial records and other documents that occurs in the early stages of divorce litigation. A diligent review of this information can reveal discrepancies that can indicate an attempt to conceal assets.
A divorce attorney in Southbury has a network of forensic accountants, private investigators, and other highly skilled professionals with expertise in financial fraud. When necessary, they can employ an appropriate professional to identify and follow up on any anomalies revealed during the discovery phase.
Courts take violations of their orders or false statements on affidavits seriously. When a review of a spouse’s financial records reveals financial manipulation or deception, the other spouse’s attorney can bring a motion to hold the deceptive spouse in contempt. A Connecticut judge can impose fines, require the offending spouse to pay the fees of the other’s attorney, and grant the innocent spouse a more favorable property settlement.
Occasionally, financial deception remains undiscovered until after the divorce finalization. The law provides a pathway for a defrauded spouse to reopen the divorce proceedings, but they must meet a high evidentiary threshold and act promptly. Anyone who believes their divorce settlement was based on financial deception should contact an attorney in Southbury immediately.
You have an interest in everything your spouse owns. If they are dishonest, you may not receive a fair settlement.
To best protect your interests, finding hidden assets in Southbury before the divorce is final is critical. Contact our divorce law team today to learn more about ensuring your divorce settlement relies on accurate information.
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