Leaving no stone unturned, you surreptitiously begin looking. This is a matter of self-protection and self-preservation. With your marriage in the balance for some time and a divorce looming, you expect to confirm your suspicions that your estranged spouse has hidden assets from you.
The search begins as you look throughout your home for evidence such as paper documents but especially review the tax records. You investigate the family computer for digital documents as well as any PayPal accounts. And along the way, you just might find your estranged spouse’s secret stash of cash, hidden away in the garage or an air vent.
Loan documents, tax returns
Sadly, sometimes it comes to such catacomb-like searches for divorcing couples where trust has been irretrievably broken. After approaching your spouse time and time again regarding certain assets, you continue to get excuses. Your spouse informs you that the assets do not exist. Maybe those assets were transferred to a mistress or other third party, though.
But you know that these are marital assets, and they belong to both of you. Your search is about uncovering untruths as well as protecting yourself. Here are some strategies that help you:
- Conduct a thorough search of your home. You are looking for items that may include a safe containing financial documents and other surprising discoveries. You may even find cash in strange hiding places or learn about the existence of a safety deposit box.
- When looking at documents, pay close attention to tax returns. Through tax returns, you can find deductions related to hidden real estate property. Tax returns also include information about the income generated from rental properties, interest earned from bonds that had been sold, dividends from mutual funds, and purchases made by a business.
- Scrutinize any loan documents you discover. These papers shed light on many things. For example, lenders require detailed financial information before approving a loan. Whether it was a business or personal loan, your estranged spouse should have submitted a number of personal financial documents to the lender. You can discover information regarding income, debts, assets, and expenses.
The path of divorce sometimes leads people to unexpected places and situations. Hidden assets are among the surprises you may find along the way. It is crucial to protect yourself.
