Very often, when one party is contemplating a divorce, he (or she) hides assets that might otherwise be eligible for distribution as part of the property settlement. Very often women are at a disadvantage at the outset of a divorce because the husband very often manages his money and her money and their money, and the wife has a limited understanding of their assets and liabilities.

Sometimes these machinations become quite complicated and require a forensic accountant who can analyze financial records for evidence of dissipation and secretion. For example, a forensic accountant examines UCC filings for evidence of collusion with a business partner in hiding or misrepresenting marital assets.

A certified fraud examiner can be called to testify as an expert witness.

Assets can sometimes be hidden in a variety of ways. For example, assets can be hidden as false debts to friends or in a closely held business. Unusual expenses are another red flag.

Judges look very unfavorably on both dissipation and hiding of assets.

See also UCC Filings.

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