Once a couple’s relationship has started going downhill and divorce is becoming a real possibility, some people start getting rid of assets. They may assume that if they can get assets out of their name, they will not be subject to division in the divorce. Some spouses will choose to sell assets to friends or family members for a low price or give them away and intend to get those assets back later after the divorce is final.
However, it’s not that easy to hide your assets from the divorce court. Everything that you two bought or earned during the marriage is marital property, and will be considered in the property settlement. If any of those assets were sold, the value of those assets will be included in what has to be divided.
If you haven’t even filed for divorce yet and your spouse is already hiding assets, it’s critical that you hire an attorney immediately. Although there’s still a possibility you could work things out, it’s important that you have someone in your corner that is looking out to protect your interests. If you wait until the divorce has been going on a while to hire an advocate for your interests, it can be more difficult for the attorney to undo what’s been done.