Hidden Assets Attorney in Westlake Village, CA
Divorce can prove to be one of the most stressful events of your life. However, should one spouse try to hide assets and cheat the partner of their rightful property, the situation becomes more tense and confusing. Whether you own a home near Westlake Lake or live near the Westlake Village Community Park, you deserve the representation of an experienced Westlake Village hidden assets lawyer who can protect your right to property.
Westlake Village Practice Areas
Hire a Hidden Assets Lawyer
For over 30 years, Dorie A. Rogers, APC, has served individuals and families across Orange and Los Angeles counties. No matter how sophisticated or complex a family law issue might be, our team is here to provide you with the compassionate and effective guidance you deserve. We know this is a difficult time, which is why we are here to review your case, protect what matters most to you, and help you move into the brighter future that awaits.
Hiding Assets in Westlake Village
Divorce is common in California, with a divorce rate of 7.45%. Given the diverse economic statures of the population in Westlake Village, there is a strong reason to believe that your spouse may have hidden, or is attempting to hide, assets. While you may hope your spouse is honest and truthful, when it comes to divorce, it is better to assume the worst. A divorce lawyer is necessary so that the truth can be uncovered and your rights can be protected.
Thanks to technology, it is harder for individuals to hide assets these days without leaving behind an obvious paper trail. However, this doesn’t mean someone won’t try it anyway. At Dorie A. Rogers, APC, we know the truth: people attempt to hide assets every day. We are here to help you better understand the various tactics used to hide assets so that you can discover the truth and report it before it’s too late.
Around 40% of couples have admitted to acting upon some form of financial infidelity. In Westlake Village, common ways people facing divorce might attempt to hide assets include:
- Claims regarding business. If your spouse owns a business and you are facing divorce, they may begin to make claims that the business is experiencing an increase in expenses. This way, they can reduce the net value of the business and the overall amount you may be entitled to. In certain divorces, a spouse has reported paying an employee who doesn’t exist to reduce their overall income.
- Buying expensive items. A spouse may begin to purchase expensive items with cash. Their goal is likely to purchase valuable possessions with cash to reduce their paper trail. Once the divorce is finalized, they can then sell back the item and recover the money.
- Owing friends and family. A spouse who is hiding assets might begin to claim they owe their friends and family members large amounts of money and start to funnel cash to these individuals. Most likely, their plan is to recover this money once the divorce has been finalized.
- Withdrawing cash. The most common way to hide assets is to simply withdraw cash from bank accounts and hide it away. Even though this is easier to track thanks to modern technology, it is still a popular way of hiding assets during divorce.
Common Ways to Discover Hidden Assets
At Dorie A. Rogers, APC, we are familiar with discovering hidden assets and know just how to track down the truth. The most common ways of uncovering hidden assets in a divorce involve reviewing the following documents:
- Statements regarding any shared bank accounts, investment accounts, or retirement accounts
- All income tax returns of both you and your spouse
- Any records pertaining to your spouse’s business
- Any public records, such as real estate holdings or loan holdings
The team at Dorie A. Rogers, APC, can review these documents and consult with forensic accounts on your behalf to protect your rights to property as soon as possible.
FAQs
What Are the Two Forms of Property in a California Divorce?
In a California divorce, there are two main forms of property. These two forms include separate property and community property. Separate property includes any assets or debts that either spouse acquired prior to the marriage. It can also include gifts or inheritances obtained by one spouse. Community property is anything that was gained by either spouse during the marriage, including the family home or credit card debt.
Why Do People Hide Assets?
There are many reasons why someone might feel tempted to hide assets during a divorce. These reasons can include a fear of financial instability following the divorce or in hopes of minimizing their support obligations. Often, the hiding of assets is not done out of a criminal or malignant mindset, but rather out of fear and self-preservation.
What Should I Do If I Think My Spouse Is Guilty of Hiding Assets?
If you believe your spouse is guilty of hiding assets during your divorce, you need to contact an attorney if you haven’t already done so. Your attorney can review your financial situation and help determine if and how assets are being hidden. They can also negotiate with all parties involved to achieve a fair and successful property division.
Are There Penalties for Hiding Assets?
There are two main penalties an individual can face for hiding assets during divorce in California. First, the individual may be ordered to pay all the divorce-related costs of their spouse, including attorney fees and other damages. They could also lose the right to all community property in severe cases. In Westlake Village, where the median household income is around $179,954, hidden assets are not uncommon.
Westlake Village Hidden Assets Lawyer
If you have reason to believe your spouse is hiding assets during your Westlake Village divorce, you need to hire a hidden assets lawyer. Dorie A. Rogers, APC, is here to serve you. We can handle all aspects of your divorce and property division, whatever your case entails. Contact our offices today and allow us to protect you while securing that which is truly yours.
“Dorie is a very powerful attorney and a great asset to have on your side in any family legal matter. She is extremely bright and insightful, and I got everything I asked for in my lawsuit.”
“I would strongly recommend Ms. Dorie Rogers for any legal needs. During my Divorce proceedings, Dorie’s professionalism, expertise in Divorce Law and legal skill helped bring my case to a close in both a timely and mutually agreeable manner.Additionally, Dorie took the time to understand me and my background to better represent me in my case. She showed a level of caring and concern that helped me through a very difficult time. She is an outstanding lawyer and wonderful person.”
“Second to none – I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Dorie to anyone. She was my attorney for my divorce and custody case. She will do everything it takes to get the job done and all with a smile on her face. Her knowledge and expertise will assist anyone in a family law situation get the results they want.”