The divorce process for many couples includes a deeply
involved discussion about a couple’s finances and assets. That discussion aims
to ensure that the couple’s assets are equitably divided so that both
individuals can move on from the divorce on level financial footing. In some
cases, one half of a couple may discover after the divorce is finalized that
their former spouse hid assets from them and the court, which can be both a
frustrating and alarming experience.
If you discover that your ex hid money or other assets from
the court, you may have a handful of opportunities to ensure you get a share of
them.
One of the first things you should do if you discover hidden
assets is contact your attorney, who is trained to help you navigate the
judicial process and will help you evaluate your options. He or she may advise
you that it will be worthwhile to file a secondary lawsuit or a post-judgment
motion for the judge to reconsider the divorce decree. If your ex deliberately
hid the assets during the divorce process, he or she may be subject to punitive,
or additional, damages.
Keep in mind that if you discover hidden assets, there may
be time limits on bringing those assets to the attention of the court. It is not advisable to wait long after
discovering such assets to speak with an attorney, as by waiting you may be
waiving certain options.
Regardless of why he or she hid assets, keep in mind that
any reconsideration of your finances will still result in an equitable
division, which does not necessarily mean equal division. Thus, it’s important
for you to speak with an attorney to determine whether a lawsuit makes sense.
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