Hidden Assets A Family Law Firm You Can Trust

Pearland Hidden Assets Lawyers

Helping Residents of Harris County & the Surrounding Areas Ensure They Receive a Fair Share of Marital Property

There is usually one person keeping track of the bills, investment accounts, and other property issues, when a couple marries. In the event of a dissolution of the relationship, one party might be woefully uninformed about the status and extent of the marital estate. This can make it easy for the other party to hide assets. There are a few ways a lawyer can help you find the existence of hidden assets during a divorce in Texas.

Contact The Dieye Law Firm at (832) 299-1990 today. Our Pearland hidden assets attorneys will help you discover hidden marital assets.

Breach of Fiduciary Duty

When two people get married, they owe each other certain duties, including a fiduciary duty. This is the legal duty of one spouse to act in the best interest of the other spouse. In other words, neither party can go on an irresponsible spending spree, hide major assets, or mortgage away the community estate without that other party’s permission. Hiding significant assets from one spouse could lead to an additional cause of action in the divorce.

Consequences of Hiding Marital Assets

Spouses that try to hide assets or lie about the value of the estate may be committing fraud on the community estate. If the court discovers this fraud, the consequences can be severe. The attorneys, with the help of experts, can calculate the amount by which the community estate was reduced by the spouse’s fraudulent behavior. This is called the reconstituted estate – the value the estate would have been worth had there been no fraudulent conduct. The court will account for the reconstituted estate in dividing the property.

How to Prove Fraud

It is very difficult to find a hidden asset. First, one of the parties must suspect that assets are being hidden – you do not know what to ask for if something doesn’t exist. Next, if the spouse is clever, they may have been very discrete in financial transactions, or transferred assets into a third party’s name. There are ways to try to determine whether hidden assets are an issue in a divorce.

Most contested cases will go through a formal process called discovery. This is where the parties request and exchange specific documents or are required to answer some questions under oath (called interrogatories). They are required to respond to these requests comprehensively and thoroughly.

Once discovery has begun, it might be useful to enlist the help of a forensic accountant. These professionals will examine all the financial documents and can determine whether there are assets producing income that are unaccounted for, or if there are suspicious transactions occurring. Accountants can also follow transactions between accounts to ensure there aren’t third parties receiving benefits unknown to one of the spouses. The services of a forensic accountant can be expensive – but for complex divorces where significant assets might be hidden, it is well worth the investment. Consider them to be detectives in your case.

Here to Help You Protect Your Financial Interests

At The Dieye Firm, our Pearland hidden asset lawyers have the resources and know-how to help you determine whether your spouse might be hiding assets. We know how to uncover clues to show the court that your spouse has engaged in fraud and to ask for the court to reconstitute the estate. Our team is highly capable of guiding you through the complex process of discovering and proving fraud.

Contact our office by dialing (832) 299-1990 or completing our online contact form today.

Experience the Difference Contact The Dieye Firm to Discuss Your Case (832) 299-1990

Our Testimonials

Former Clients Share Their Stories
  • When I needed a lawyer - he was the only person that I called.

    “I met Papa via a networking group, and I found him to be very personable and when I needed a lawyer - he was the only person that I called. Papa handled my divorce. I had a lot of questions and he ...”

    - Sharmain
  • Professional, personable, and readily available for any questions or concerns.

    “Professional, personable, and readily available for any questions or concerns. I was quite impressed and I will definitely recommend him to anyone I know!”

    - Kim
  • I would definitely recommend him to friends and family.

    “He did an excellent job in my divorce. He would always get back with me when I had a question on my case. I would definitely recommend him to friends and family.”

    - Osmin
  • I can't express how grateful I am to have come across this firm.

    “I can't express how grateful I am to have come across this firm. A high level of care is what keeps clients coming back and making referrals. Thanks Papa!!!”

    - Former Client
  • The man deals with facts and does not stand on shaky grounds.

    “His litigating skills leaves no doubts for my wife and I. He has represented us in our divorce cases and family matters with the court. The man deals with facts and does not stand on shaky grounds. Our family case trial was a real look at what he can do. H”

    - Larry
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