Getting divorced can be one of the most frustrating, overwhelming, and confusing times of your life, especially if you are having difficulty working out an amicable solution with your ex. They may be trying to cause you stress intentionally as a way to harm you or your bank account. It’s not uncommon for your spouse to attempt to hide marital assets from you. However, it is considered a crime. You may want to speak with an Indianapolis divorce lawyer to learn more.

When it comes to dealing with divorces, particularly contentious ones, the family court expects a certain degree of trust, transparency, and respect from both parties. When one party deliberately disrespects the court by breaking the law or trying to, they can almost certainly expect a contempt of court charge on top of the penalties they may face for the crime in question. Hiding assets is considered profoundly disrespectful and could turn the tide in the other spouse’s favor.

Why Hire a Divorce Lawyer?

When you are facing potential legal issues in your divorce, you will want someone in your corner who understands the stakes you may be up against. At Stange Law Firm, every divorce dispute and family law case is important and unique. We can provide you with a focused, personalized approach to your case. Our multi-state firm has provided legal support to clients across the country. We can help you figure out exactly what you need for your case.

According to recent data collected by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Indiana has one of the highest divorce rates in the U.S. at 8.4 per 1,000 people. That’s substantially higher than the national divorce rate as of 2021. It’s not uncommon to feel emotional turmoil during your divorce. You may want to reach out to a local mental health support group, such as DivorceCare, to discuss your situation with others who are going through something similar. It can help you.

Dividing Assets in Indiana

In Indiana, assets are divided in accordance with the equitable distribution model. This model, used in many states, ensures that each spouse receives their fair share of the marital assets. It’s important to note that fair is not always synonymous with equal. The court will determine the split by evaluating each spouse’s contributions to the marriage, among other relevant factors.

To avoid losing a significant amount of their assets, one spouse may try to hide money, open a secret account, or choose not to disclose certain personal assets to the court. If discovered, the court may decide to pursue penalties against your spouse. Additionally, your spouse may then be vilified by the court, which can benefit you significantly. Your share of the marital assets may be increased due to your spouse’s actions.

Warning Signs

Generally, if your spouse is hiding money from you, there will be signs that you can look out for. These signs may not always point to hidden finances, but they could be worth investigating. Here are some important warning signs that your spouse is hiding money from you:

  • First and foremost, if your spouse refuses to discuss your joint finances with you, that could be a sign that they are hiding something. There’s nothing inherently wrong or taboo about discussing money. If your spouse has been gaslighting you into thinking such a discussion is wrong, they may be engaging in financial abuse. If your name is on the account, you may want to review it to ensure everything is accurate.
  • Another warning sign could be financial control. If your spouse insists on being the only one in the marriage to deal with all of your finances, that could be a sign that they are hiding things from you.

FAQs

Q: Can I Investigate My Spouse’s Finances Without Their Consent?

A: While you generally cannot investigate your spouse’s finances without their consent, things may be different during a divorce. In a divorce, there is a certain stage known as discovery. In that stage, each spouse is allowed to request financial documents and information from the other. This process is crucial for uncovering hidden assets and ensuring both parties are being completely transparent about all their respective assets.

Q: Is There a Specific Warning Sign That I Can Watch Out for?

A: There is no specific warning sign to watch out for. Every divorce case is unique, with its own set of contributing factors. If your spouse is hiding assets, there is no guarantee that they are going to be secretive about money or controlling. They may just be very good at hiding it. Generally, a refusal to talk about money is a fairly reliable sign of hidden assets in a marriage.

Q: Is Hiding Assets a Crime in Indiana?

A: Hiding assets during a divorce is not always illegal in Indiana, but it can lead to significant legal and financial consequences. If your spouse is caught attempting to hide assets from the court, the court may charge them with contempt of court and punish them by awarding you a larger share of the marital assets. Your spouse may also lose their credibility, which can impact other parts of the divorce, such as alimony.

Q: Can Hiding Assets Impact Child Custody in Indiana?

A: Yes, it is entirely possible that hiding assets in a divorce can impact child custody in Indiana. While hiding assets likely won’t directly impact a custody agreement, such behavior can hurt a parent’s credibility and trustworthiness. The court always has to do what’s right for the child. By hiding assets, your spouse may now be seen as dishonest.

Reach Out to a Divorce Lawyer Today

When your spouse is caught trying to hide assets in your divorce, it can change the trajectory of your divorce and make things much more favorable for you. Your lawyer can help you navigate the process and ensure you aren’t taken advantage of. Reach out to Stange Law Firm today for help by contacting a member of our team to learn more about how we can help.