Dedicated Hidden Assets Attorney in Hollywood Hills, CA
Fair property division relies on full financial disclosure. If your spouse is concealing assets, it threatens your ability to divide assets fairly and according to California law. A Hollywood Hills hidden assets lawyer can help you investigate concealed assets, bring all financial information into a divorce case, and achieve a fair property division.
Why Work With Us?
Led by two senior Certified Family Law Specialists, Kramer & Zitser, LLP, is an experienced family law firm. Our attorneys have earned several awards and recognitions, including being named a SuperLawyer from 2015 to 2026, being recognized as the Top 1% of American Lawyers by The American Registry, and receiving a rating of AV Preeminent, the most prestigious honor awarded by Martindale-Hubbell.
However, awards and recognitions are not guarantees of future results. Selection criteria vary by organization.
Understanding Hidden Asset Cases
Financial disagreements and hidden finances during a marriage lead to disputes and potentially even divorce. Of adults aged 18-35, 27% have lied to their partner about their financial situation, while 43% of adults believe keeping financial secrets is at least as bad as physical infidelity. However, financial secrets not only cause issues during the marriage, but also during the divorce process.
In the 2024 fiscal year, there were 108,403 marital cases filed in California, which typically involve property division. Hidden-asset laws require both spouses to completely disclose their financial information, including all assets, debts, and income. This allows couples to accurately identify what assets can be divided and what division strategy results in a fair split of property. When a spouse conceals assets, it makes fair property division nearly impossible.
In California, property acquired during the marriage is split equally between spouses. Some spouses attempt to hide assets in order to exclude them from the marital estate, thus getting a larger share of the property. This is illegal and can often lead to negative consequences for the offender, including receiving a smaller share of marital property or earning the contempt of the court.
Examples of Hidden Assets
Every hidden asset case can involve unique types and amounts of assets that are being concealed. Because of this, it is important to work with a Hollywood Hills hidden assets lawyer who can investigate your spouse’s finances and transaction history to uncover any hidden property. Some of the most common examples of hidden assets in a Hollywood Hills hidden asset case include:
- Hidden income by delaying bonuses or raises until after the divorce is finalized
- Creating fake debts with friends or family members to transfer away money, then recovering the money after the divorce is finalized.
- Intentionally overpaying taxes in order to get a refund after the divorce
- Hiding cash or physical valuables such as art and jewelry
- Underreporting business earnings or income
- Transferring property into difficult-to-track accounts, such as digital wallets or offshore bank accounts
What You Should Do If You Suspect Your Spouse is Concealing Assets
If you notice strange financial actions, an unusual level of secrecy, or other strange signs that make you suspect that your house is hiding assets, you should preserve a copy of all financial documents, such as:
- Tax returns
- Bank statements
- Pay stubs
- Credit card statements
- Property deeds
- Records of business assets and transactions
- Retirement accounts
Then, you should hire a hidden assets lawyer who can review this evidence and pursue further investigation into your and your spouse’s finances.
Why You Should Hire a Hidden Assets Lawyer
A Hollywood Hills hidden assets lawyer can work to uncover hidden property and create a fair property division plan. A lawyer can use several strategies in a hidden asset case, including:
- Reviewing financial documents for errors or inconsistencies
- Using a subpoena to financial institutions to acquire hidden or personal financial information
- Coordinating an investigation with forensic accountants
- Using a deposition to get answers from your spouse about their property
Many hidden asset cases do go to court, which is where a lawyer can represent you, present a strong argument against your spouse, and advocate for a just outcome. In Hollywood Hills, a hidden asset case can be heard at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse at 111 North Hill Street, Los Angeles.
FAQs
What Are Some Signs That Your Spouse Is Hiding Assets?
Some common signs that your spouse may be hiding assets include if they are making large, unexplained transactions or cash withdrawals, you are missing financial statements, significant changes in income or spending, or sudden changes in financial secrecy, such as changed passwords or withholding financial records. If you notice these signs before or during a divorce, it is worth speaking with a Hollywood Hills hidden-assets attorney who can investigate.
Can Your Spouse Hide Money Before You File for Divorce?
While it is possible for your spouse to attempt to hide money before filing for divorce, this is illegal. Some spouses may transfer funds to other accounts, hide cash, create fake debts, or take other steps to hide money before you file for divorce. However, California’s hidden-asset laws require both spouses to fully disclose their assets and debts. If your spouse conceals assets, they can face financial penalties or unequal property division.
How Do You Prove That Your Spouse is Hiding Cash in a Divorce?
Proving hidden cash can be difficult if you are not sure where your spouse is hiding it. Often, proving this type of hidden asset involves finding records of unexplained withdrawals. In some cases, subpoenas, depositions, or forensic accountants may also be used to discover undisclosed cash. If you hire a hidden-assets lawyer, they can identify investigation methods that can result in evidence that your spouse is hiding assets.
Why Is Moving Out the Biggest Mistake in a Divorce
Moving out before your divorce is finalized can be a significant mistake because it complicates your finances and can make it difficult to access financial records. You may lose access or control over household expenses, which can make it easier for your spouse to hide assets. Additionally, it is harder to obtain financial records, which are important pieces of evidence when dividing property or uncovering concealed assets.
Learn How a Hollywood Hills, CA Hidden Assets Attorney Can Help
If you suspect that your spouse is hiding assets, legal guidance can be invaluable. Contact Kramer & Zitser, LLP, to set up a consultation with an experienced lawyer.
