6 Most Common Hidden Assets in Divorce

During this discovery phase is when I most often determine if a spouse is trying to hide assets. Hiding assets during a divorce has major implications on both proper estate division & spousal maintenance. Additionally, if the assets are income-producing, the spouse receiving support may receive a lesser amount than what he(she) is entitled to.

To Keep or Not to Keep the House

 If you and your spouse agree to sell the house immediately, you will have to work together to choose a real estate agent, assign an asking price and get the home ready to show. As a couple, you will be able to make up to $500,000 in profit without having to pay capital gains taxes, provided you both lived in the home two of the five years before the sale. Selling the home produces a clean break and the freedom to decide whether you’d like to downsize, rent or move to a different locale.

Avoid these 10 mistakes during your divorce

Insist your spouse provide documents for their financial assets. Have your home and valuable possessions appraised. If you don’t know how much a spouse’s business makes, consider hiring a forensic accountant. If your spouse has a pension, it may be wise to have it valued as well.

Dividing Assets in Divorce

At some point, one or both of you will leave the family home. This can be the most agonizing split because of the emotional bonds the home represents. Women often want to keep the house, perhaps to spare children from a disruptive move or because they perceive it to be the most valuable asset the couple owns. But that also means keeping the mortgage payment, home owner’s insurance, property taxes, utilities and upkeep – all on one salary instead of two.