A divorce can be an infuriating and complex situation, especially if you are not the one who filed. It’s not uncommon for your spouse to try and make things as difficult as possible for you by hiding assets. Their hope is that you’ll cave to pressure and just let them make all the demands they want from you. You don’t have to go through your divorce alone. Having the right support can change things for you. An Omaha divorce lawyer can help you through your case.

There’s nothing wrong with taking steps to protect yourself and your assets in a divorce, as long as you don’t break the law or disrespect the court to do it. When you are amid the divorce process, the court expects both parties to adhere to a certain degree of trust, respect, and transparency. If your spouse is caught hiding assets from the court, they may face criminal charges. They could be charged with fines or even jail time.

Hiring a Divorce Lawyer

Hiring the right divorce lawyer may be the most important decision you make throughout this process. There’s no telling how long your divorce could take or what setbacks you could encounter. It’s wise to have an experienced divorce lawyer by your side. They can help you adjust. At Stange Law Firm, our multi-state legal team is at your disposal. We have helped many clients across the country handle their divorces with a personalized and respectful approach.

Recognizing and understanding the rates of divorce and marriage in your state can be beneficial to your case. At the very least, it can remind you that you are not alone in this. According to recent data gathered by the CDC, Nebraska has one of the lowest rates of divorce in the country at 2.6 per 1,000 residents as of 2022. The rate of marriage, however, is considerably higher at nearly 52%, according to data collected by World Population Review. 

As you deal with the emotional and social fallout of your divorce, it may be important to prioritize your own health before making any significant decisions. Divorce can impact you in many different ways, some of which you may not immediately recognize. You may want to think about contacting a local divorce support group like DivorceCare. Talking to the right people can be beneficial, especially if they are people who have been through similar trauma themselves.

Warning Signs of Financial Problems

If your spouse is hiding assets from you, it may have started long before divorce was even mentioned. There may be signs in your spouse’s behavior over the years that point to financial problems you may not have even been aware of. Granted, not all questionable behavior will be a sign of financial exploitation. Still, it may be worth investigating if your spouse is exhibiting any of the following behaviors:

  • Financial Control: If you are in a marriage where your spouse controls every aspect of your finances, that may be a sign that they are hiding things from you. On the surface, there is nothing wrong with discussing financial security with your partner. If your partner has tried to convince you that talking about money is wrong or taboo, they may be trying to ensure you don’t look too closely at your joint finances.
  • Financial Secrecy: Another potential warning sign is financial secrecy. If your spouse refuses to discuss your finances or continuously dodges the subject, that could be a sign that they don’t want you to know how much you have together. They could also be being secretive because they are hiding assets. Do what you can to gain access to your accounts or consider hiring a forensic accountant to look through your financial records.

FAQs

Q: Should I Hire a Divorce Lawyer?

A: Yes, you should always hire a divorce lawyer when you are dealing with a divorce. Divorces can often be unpredictable, especially if your spouse is being spiteful on purpose. An attempt to hide assets is an attempt to keep you from getting what you may be owed in asset division. It can be difficult to fight for yourself alone in a divorce. An experienced lawyer may be just what you need to ensure you don’t get taken advantage of.

Q: Is Hiding Assets in a Divorce Illegal in Nebraska?

A: Yes, hiding assets in a divorce is illegal in Nebraska. If you or your spouse are caught trying to hide assets, you could face severe legal consequences from the family court that include hefty fines and potential jail time. Additionally, the spouse who is caught hiding assets will likely be seen as the bad guy by the court, which will positively impact the other spouse’s divorce settlement. Never try to hide assets.

Q: What Assets Cannot Be Touched in a Nebraska Divorce?

A: Generally, any property that was owned before the marriage cannot be touched in a Nebraska divorce. This is considered separate property. Other property that may be considered separate property includes gifts given specifically to one spouse, inheritances received by one spouse, and any personal injury awards received by one spouse. If any separate property was commingled with marital property, that may result in an exception. 

Q: Can I Look Into My Spouse’s Finances Without Their Consent?

A: Generally, it is not recommended that you look into your spouse’s finances without their consent. It’s a complicated issue that’s often discouraged. However, during a divorce, you may be able to use the discovery phase to ensure your spouse turns over all relevant financial information. Both spouses have a legal obligation to disclose all finances during divorce. If someone is caught hiding assets, they may face serious legal consequences.

Reach Out to a Divorce Lawyer Today

Dealing with a divorce can be difficult enough on its own without your spouse trying to hide money from you. If that happens, you want to make sure you are protected. An experienced divorce lawyer can help you reinforce your position. At Stange Law Firm, we can help you protect your interests. Contact us to speak to a valued member of our legal team about your case and how we can assist.It can be quite difficult to move on from an event in your life as potentially traumatic as a divorce. Moving on can be just as difficult as the divorce itself, depending on your situation. You may not be completely prepared for the aftermath. As you navigate the divorce process, it’s understandable to be a bit confused and wary. You may not know exactly what to expect. You may want to consider consulting with an Omaha divorce lawyer for guidance on your next steps.

There’s nothing wrong with accepting help with your divorce. Acknowledging how difficult this may be for you is a normal part of the process. It’s not reasonable to expect you to get over your divorce overnight. Nobody gets married expecting to end up divorced one day. Getting through this emotionally will take some time, even if your divorce is uncontested and amicable. At the end of the day, you’re still losing your partner. This may be uncharted territory for you.