Divorce can be one of the most financially significant events in a person’s life — and unfortunately, not every spouse plays fair. In some cases, one partner may attempt to hide assets or undervalue property to avoid sharing them during divorce.
If you suspect your spouse is concealing money or property, it’s important to understand your rights under Missouri law and how an experienced St. Louis County divorce attorney can help uncover the truth.
What Are Hidden Assets?
Hidden assets refer to money, property, or investments that one spouse intentionally conceals from the other during a divorce. The goal is to keep those assets out of the marital estate, which determines how property is divided under Missouri’s equitable distribution laws.
Common examples include:
- Undisclosed bank or investment accounts
- Cash withdrawals or transfers to friends or family
- Business income that’s not reported
- Cryptocurrency holdings or online assets
- Hidden real estate or rental income
- Valuable collectibles, jewelry, or art not disclosed in financial statements
In Missouri, each spouse is legally required to provide full financial disclosure during a divorce. Hiding assets is not only unethical — it’s illegal.
Warning Signs Your Spouse May Be Hiding Assets
While not every financial discrepancy indicates deception, certain red flags may suggest that something is off. You may notice that your spouse:
- Suddenly becomes secretive about finances or mail
- Changes passwords to shared accounts
- Moves money between accounts without explanation
- Claims business losses that don’t align with lifestyle spending
- Buys expensive items that later “disappear”
- Delays producing financial records requested by attorneys or the court
If any of these warning signs sound familiar, you may need professional help to uncover what’s happening.
How Hidden Assets Are Discovered in Missouri Divorces
Fortunately, there are several ways a divorce attorney in St. Louis County can help identify hidden or misrepresented assets.
1. Financial Discovery
Through the legal process of discovery, your attorney can request:
- Bank statements, tax returns, and credit card records
- Business documents and payroll information
- Property deeds and loan applications
- Electronic records or communications
Failure to disclose these documents can lead to court sanctions or other penalties.
2. Subpoenas and Depositions
Your attorney can use subpoenas to obtain financial records directly from banks, employers, or other third parties. Depositions — under-oath interviews — can also expose inconsistencies or false statements about assets.
3. Forensic Accountants
In complex cases, attorneys often work with forensic accountants who specialize in tracing funds, identifying irregularities, and valuing business interests. These experts can detect financial manipulation, hidden transfers, and unreported income.
4. Digital Evidence and Modern Assets
As digital assets like cryptocurrency and online investment accounts become more common, attorneys increasingly use digital forensics to trace financial activity. Even deleted records can sometimes be recovered or verified through connected accounts.
Legal Consequences for Hiding Assets
Missouri courts take financial deception seriously. If a spouse is caught hiding assets:
- The judge may award a greater share of the marital property to the other spouse.
- The deceptive spouse could face fines, attorney’s fees, or even contempt of court.
- In extreme cases, intentional fraud may lead to criminal charges.
Missouri law gives courts wide discretion to ensure fair and equitable distribution, and dishonesty during financial disclosure can severely damage a party’s credibility.
What to Do If You Suspect Hidden Assets
If you believe your spouse is concealing money or property:
- Stay calm and avoid confrontation. Direct accusations may lead to more secrecy.
- Gather documentation. Keep copies of bank statements, tax returns, and account information you can access legally.
- Consult a family law attorney immediately. A lawyer experienced in complex divorces can issue discovery requests, work with financial experts, and protect your rights.
- Avoid taking matters into your own hands. Never hack into accounts or violate privacy laws — let your attorney handle the investigation properly.
How a St. Louis County Divorce Attorney Can Help
The attorneys at Rogers Sevastianos & Bante LLP have extensive experience handling complex and high-asset divorce cases across St. Louis County and the surrounding Missouri area. Our team understands the financial tactics some spouses use and works with trusted forensic experts to ensure full and fair disclosure.
We can help you:
- Identify and document hidden or undervalued assets
- Navigate the financial discovery process
- Protect your interests in property division and support negotiations
- Pursue legal remedies if deception is uncovered
Protect Your Future with Experienced Legal Guidance
If you suspect your spouse is hiding assets during a divorce, don’t wait until it’s too late. The earlier you involve a qualified attorney, the more effectively you can preserve your rights and financial stability.
Contact Rogers Sevastianos & Bante LLP today to speak with a St. Louis County divorce lawyer who understands the complexities of financial deception in Missouri divorces.
Schedule a consultation today.
Disclaimer: The information in this blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every legal situation is unique, and you should consult an attorney for personalized guidance on your specific circumstances.