Call the father-son family law specialists at Erickson Family Law LLP at 408-840-2393.

EFL | Erickson Family Law

408-840-2393

Photo of Mark A. Erickson And Matt A. Erickson

Over 55 Years Of Combined Experience Representing Californians Going Through Divorce And Separation

Complex Hidden Asset Discovery And Forensic Accounting

When a spouse leaves out income, moves money to others or fails to report accounts, dividing property during divorce can become harder. If you think your spouse is hiding assets, you may need a closer look at bank records, income and investments. This can be vital in high-asset divorces that involve a business, stock awards or cryptocurrency.

At Erickson Family Law LLP, we focus only on family law. Our attorneys have nearly 60 years of combined experience, and our firm includes board-certified family law specialists in California. We represent clients in San Jose and Santa Clara County in complex divorce cases, including those with hidden assets and financial disputes.

How Can A Spouse Hide Assets During Divorce?

A spouse may try to keep money or property out of the divorce through missing records or transfers that hide who owns or controls the funds. Common methods include:

  • Hidden accounts: Bank, investment or brokerage accounts left out of financial records
  • Transfers to others: Money sent to family, friends or business partners to hide who controls it
  • Delayed pay: Bonuses, stock options or other pay held back to affect reported income or the value of assets
  • Overseas accounts and cryptocurrency: Money held abroad or in digital assets that may take more work to find and value

These actions do not prove that a spouse is hiding assets. However, gaps in financial records or unexplained transfers may call for a closer review. California law requires spouses to share key financial details during divorce, including their assets, debts, income and expenses.

How We Find Hidden Assets

Our divorce attorneys can use the legal discovery process to seek records and look into gaps in the financial details your spouse provides. Depending on your case, this may include:

  • Reviewing records: Comparing tax returns, bank statements, investment accounts and business records to find gaps or signs that figures do not match.
  • Requesting documents: Using formal legal requests to obtain relevant financial records.
  • Taking depositions: Asking your spouse or other witnesses about money transfers, income and assets.
  • Working with forensic accountants: Tracing money, reviewing transactions and checking complex income or business holdings.

These steps may show which assets need more review or a formal valuation. This can matter if your divorce involves a business, stock options, restricted stock units or pay that comes later. A clearer view of the finances can help you and your lawyer address how property should be divided under California law.

Discuss Hidden Assets With Our Attorneys

If you think your spouse has hidden assets, missing or incomplete financial records may leave you unsure about what property is subject to division. Our attorneys can review your concerns, explain how legal discovery works and discuss whether a forensic accountant may be useful in your case.

Erickson Family Law LLP handles complex family law matters, including divorce cases with financial disputes. We can explain the legal steps available to look into hidden assets and how the findings may affect your case.

Call us at 408-840-2393 or contact us online to discuss your concerns and legal options.