Divorce is a complicated process, and it gets even more complicated when your spouse hides money from you. Montana law says couples must share what they own when they split up. However, when things are made murky by ill feelings that normally spring up in divorce, some people start keeping assets secret.
Do you think your spouse is hiding money? You probably want to understand how they do it.
How people hide their assets
People use many tricks to hide what they own:
- They give things to friends: Some people give cash or property to friends or family. They plan to get these things back after the divorce is done. This makes it look like they own less than they really do.
- They lie about how much they make: Business owners might say they earn less than they do. They might not bill clients until after the divorce. Or they might claim their business spends more money than it really does.
- They use banks in other countries: Some people put money in banks far away. These banks don’t share account info easily. This makes the money hard to find.
- They make up debts: Watch out for spouses who suddenly “owe” money to family or friends. They might say they have big loans that don’t really exist.
- They say things are worth less: Your home, car or business might be worth a lot. But your spouse might get someone to say these things are worth much less than their real value.
- They buy things that are hard to track: Some people buy Bitcoin or rare items like stamps or coins. These things can be hard to find and value.
These tactics can make it difficult to uncover the true value of someone’s assets, but with careful investigation, hidden wealth can often be revealed.
How to find hidden assets
If you think your spouse is hiding money, there are steps you can take to find out.
First, hire a forensic accountant, also known as a money detective. They know how to spot unusual money moves that others might miss. Next, check all financial records, like bank statements, tax forms and credit card bills. Look for strange payments or money that moves at odd times.
You can also ask the court for help. Your lawyer can request records from banks and other places to find hidden money.
Finally, your spouse can be made to answer questions under oath. People are more likely to tell the truth when they are sworn in, since lying under oath is a serious crime.
By following these steps and working with professionals, you can increase your chances of uncovering hidden assets and ensuring a fair division of property.
What happens to people who hide assets
Hiding assets during a divorce is illegal and can have serious consequences. If caught, your spouse could face substantial fines, trouble with the judge, and penalties, including having to give you a larger share of the divorce settlement. In some cases, individuals who attempt to conceal assets may even be sentenced to jail time. These legal repercussions are meant to deter dishonest behavior and ensure a fair distribution of property.
In the end, hiding assets can lead to more harm than benefit, both legally and financially.
Getting Help
Don’t face this alone. If you think your spouse is hiding money, talk to a lawyer who knows about divorce in Montana. With help, you can make sure you get your fair share.
Remember, courts want both people to be honest about what they own. When someone breaks this rule, judges usually help the person who was honest.
With the right help, you can uncover hidden assets and get what you deserve in your divorce.