In a previous post, we began a discussion about how an estranged spouse might try to mislead you about finances during a divorce. Are you worried that your ex is lying about the assets that make up your marital estate? If you are suspicious, don’t hesitate to talk to your divorce attorney about your anxieties.
While we understand that there are various priorities to protect amid a divorce, such as kids, for example, we also stress that ethics and transparency in property division to be a priority. If your soon-to-be ex is lying and engaging in unethical actions to hide money and assets, your stability could suffer post-divorce.
No one divorces because they want to land in a financially precarious position after the marriage is over. To best protect your financial interests, the following are more deceitful tactics that you might want to watch out for amid your divorce process:
Lavish purchases that you might overlook
The Huffington Post warns that your ex might find ways to hide money in material goods that you might not think to have included in the valuation of property. Examples of such items might be artwork, collectibles, jewelry, etc.
IRS shenanigans
Has your ex been someone who’s dreaded and complained about paying taxes during your marriage but then oddly was eager to pay the IRS this year? He or she might even pay the IRS too much in taxes in order to shield that money from division and ask the IRS to apply that overpayment to coming years. Sure, this sounds crazy, but it happens in some divorces.
Why are you suspicious of your spouse? Hopefully, you feel comfortable to voice your fears and suspicions to your divorce lawyer. Most lawyers who are experienced in property division and high-asset divorces have faced many situations involving marital fraud. Your worries are valid; your rights to your fair share of your marital estate are real and worth protecting.
