How to Feel Confident Your Property is Safe During a Divorce When You Don’t Trust Your Spouse
Posted on: April 14, 2022
It’s unusual for two individuals getting divorced to remain best friends, but some divorces are more bitter than others. If you’re going through a very painful divorce and don’t trust your spouse, it can surely add to the complexity.
If you suspect your spouse is hiding money from you or intends to do so, keep reading to learn three ways to protect yourself. Then call Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 to speak with an experienced divorce lawyer.
Before you file for divorce, gather financial information
It can be significantly more difficult to obtain financial information once you’ve filed for divorce. This is especially true if your ex leaves the house, changes passwords, and/or cancels bank accounts. To make the best judgments about how the divorce will go, you need an accurate and thorough picture of your financial condition. That’s why, before filing for divorce, we recommend gathering as much financial information as possible.
Make use of a forensic accountant
Unless you’re a financial specialist who monitors financial data on a monthly basis, there are probably records you’re unaware of and inconsistencies you should be aware of. That’s why, on occasion, we advise engaging a financial advisor or forensic accountant to review the accounts. They can spot problems you wouldn’t think to search for. This isn’t always a good idea, though. If your spouse’s assets and income are low, for example, the additional expenditure is unlikely to be justified.
Don’t rule out the possibility of a lawsuit
If you don’t trust your ex and don’t think you’ll be able to reach an amicable agreement, and you don’t think divorce mediation will work, litigation may be your best alternative. Divorce proceedings are official and include a discovery procedure. After that, the judge will be able to analyze all of the evidence and make objective choices based on all of the data.
A word regarding shared property
It’s crucial to understand that California is a community property state. This means that whatever earned during the marriage, including debts, is usually split 50/50. There are a few exceptions, such as income from a business acquired before the marriage, but in general, you should expect to receive around half of the communal property.
Law Office of Michael L. Fell is available to assist you in moving forward with your divorce. We recognize that this is a difficult moment. We’ll start by talking to you, reviewing your alternatives, and presenting what we believe is the best course of action. To get started with a free consultation call (949) 585-9055 today.
