During my free one-hour consultations it is not unusual for me to hear,
“I think my spouse is hiding assets. I have no idea what assets
we have or where they are. What do I do?”
As a divorce attorney and psychologically-trained mediator with over 35
years of experience, I advise couples getting married to pay attention
to the family finances. Both parties should know about the assets, taxes,
real estate, etc.
I encourage spouses not to be passive. It could turn out you are married
to someone who is controlling and wants to keep you financially in the
dark. If your spouse is hiding assets that a danger signal.
I always advise both parties to take an active role and be an equal partner
in all aspects of their marriage. It is your right as an equal partner
to participate in making financial decisions, paying the bills, and maintaining
financial records.
Keeping your finger on the pulse of your finances will also put you in
a much better position if your marriage should unfortunately end in divorce.
If you are considering divorce, it is important to prepare yourself and
it is in your best interest to know as much as possible about your finances.
When it comes to divorce, no one likes an asset-hiding spouse. Especially
the courts!
I received a call 7 months ago from a woman who was angry, confused, and
seeking revenge. She told me she was married to a highly successful restaurateur,
and she was a fashion designer. They had three children and lived in Brooklyn
Heights in a $17 million brownstone.
She was angry at her husband’s secretive behavior. He never wanted
to be transparent and barely gave her enough money to run the household.
He earned triple the amount of money she did and controlled every aspect
of her life. She had had enough and wanted a divorce.
I introduced her to my litigation partner Matthew, and we explored the
best strategies to use for this divorce. We consulted with various forensic
experts on our team and started an extensive financial investigation.
We are well on our way to a fair and successful settlement and have cleverly
identified locations of the many hidden assets both in the United States
and abroad.
The Telltale Signs Assets Are Being Hidden
1. Your spouse is secretive about money.
2. Your spouse demands and maintains control over money.
3. Financial statements that once came to the home, disappear or are sent
to the office.
4. New financial accounts have been opened without explanation.
5. Your spouse has opened a post office box.
6. There have been some new “flashy” purchases (cars, watches, boats).
7. You are asked to blindly sign documents without reading them first.
8. Your spouse’s behavior has changed in how financial documents
are filed or stored.
What Types of Assets Can Be hidden?
1. Money (cash)
2. Stocks
3. Bonuses
4. Pensions
5. Real estate
6. Inheritances
7. Trusts
8. Cars, boats, antiques (housed by family and friends)
How Can Assets Be Hidden?
1. Make gifts to family and friends (with the understanding it will be returned)
2. Multiple internet banking accounts--no statements mailed to the home
3. Use a PO box as mailing address
4. Safety deposit box at bank;
5. Create corporations or business partnerships
6. Asking employers to delay bonuses
7. Foreign accounts
8. Overpaying the IRS
9. Coin, art, gun, jewelry, memorabilia collections
How Can You Track Down “Hidden Assets?”
Hire a divorce attorney, private investigator, and/or a forensic accountant.
Trained forensic specialists will be able to do a “lifestyle analysis”
to determine if income is accurate by reviewing checking accounts, credit
cards, tax returns, W-2s, investigating deferred salary, commissions,
and bonuses.
They will also scrutinize financial accounts, both here and abroad, payments
to the IRS, and investments in real estate. In addition they can do extensive
asset searches using computer forensics, obtain and review credit reports,
and review irregular ATM activity.
With over 35 years of experience as a divorce attorney and psychologically-trained
mediator, I can tell you, if you suspect your spouse is hiding assets,
it’s probably true!
If you are concerned and fear your spouse is hiding money, and divorce
may be where you are headed, call me. I can guide you on what to look
for, how to investigate, and most important, how to get financially prepared.
It is wise to know where all the assets are so you can get the best financial
outcome in your divorce. Let us help you.
Me, my litigation partner Matt, and my team of forensic experts are highly
skilled and we will get you the best results.
Call us today so we can help you find your assets! 212.734.1551
Our
FREE 1 HOUR CONSULTATIONS are
very informative and
conveniently conducted virtually to reduce risk.
I look forward to speaking with you.
Stay healthy and safe!
Warm regards,
Lois
Call New York Divorce Attorney Lois Brenner now to schedule your FREE consultation!
212.734.1551
A few openings are still available for this week.