One of the biggest mistakes you could ever make in your divorce is attempting to hide assets. Not only is hiding assets in a Kansas divorce illegal, but it can immediately destroy your position in the eyes of the court. A divorce can be a difficult situation for all parties involved, and your spouse may try to hurt you even more by hiding money from you. Navigating the divorce process won’t be easy, but a Kansas City divorce lawyer can help you figure out the next steps.

There’s nothing wrong with taking the proper steps to protect yourself legally, but hiding assets is not the answer. During the divorce process, the court expects both parties to treat the court and each other with respect. They expect trust and transparency throughout the process. They will view hiding assets as disrespectful, and they will likely hold the guilty party in contempt, among other charges. Such charges can negatively impact their split of marital assets as well.

Hiring the Right Divorce Lawyer

Throughout this process, the most important decision you make for yourself will likely be hiring the right lawyer to help you. If your divorce is high-conflict, you will definitely want the help of an experienced lawyer. If your spouse is trying to hide assets from you, they might be doing something else as well. 

Your lawyer can help you find out everything you need to know. At Stange Law Firm, our multi-state legal team understands what kind of help you need to succeed in your divorce.

According to statistical data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Kansas has a considerably low rate of divorce at only 1.7 per 1,000 residents as of 2023. Additionally, the rate of marriage in the state is quite high at 5.3 per 1,000 residents as of 2023, according to data from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Recognizing the divorce and marriage rates of your state can encourage your decision to divorce and remind you that you’re not alone.

As you move through your divorce, it’s okay to feel overwhelmed by this entire experience, especially if your spouse is actively breaking the law just to hurt you financially. You might want to consider speaking with a local divorce support group like DivorceCare or Surviving Divorce. 

Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who may be going through similar problems can be greatly beneficial to your own healing journey. It could be a comfortable environment.

Warning Signs of Financial Abuse

Hiding assets in a divorce is considered a form of financial abuse. If your spouse is trying to do it, it’s likely that they’ve been manipulating you financially for a long time. There may be important warning signs in your spouse’s behavior that signify an attempt to shield their behavior from you. While not all questionable behavior will be a warning sign of financial abuse, it still may be worth looking into just to be safe. These are some of those behaviors:

  • One of the biggest warning signs of financial abuse is financial control. If your spouse has been adamant about being the only one in the marriage who has access to the money, that can be a huge sign that they’re controlling you. Do what you can to gain access to your own money and find out exactly how much you have.
  • Another significant sign of financial abuse is financial secrecy. There is nothing wrong with discussing finances. If your partner has convinced you that financial discussions make them uncomfortable, they might be trying to dissuade you from bringing it up again. You should know how much is in your accounts. You might want to consider hiring a forensic accountant to go through your joint finances.

FAQs

Q: Can I Look Into My Spouse’s Money Matters Without Any Consent?

A: No, you cannot look into your spouse’s money matters without consent in Kansas. Doing so would be legally complicated and could result in criminal action. However, during the divorce process, you can use the discovery phase to have your lawyer look into your spouse’s finances. Both spouses are legally obligated to share their finances with the court. If your spouse is caught hiding assets, they will likely face swift consequences.

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

A: In Kansas, there are no assets that are automatically protected from asset division. The Kansas courts can legally divide all property owned by either spouse, regardless of when that property was acquired. However, generally, the court will return most separate property to the original owner during the equitable split. If you can prove you owned certain property prior to marriage and it was kept separate, the court will likely take that into consideration.

Q: Is It Illegal to Hide Assets in a Kansas Divorce?

A: Yes, it is illegal to hide assets in a Kansas divorce. If you or your spouse attempts to hide assets and is caught doing so during the divorce process, the guilty party could face serious legal consequences beyond having their divorce settlement negatively affected. You could end up facing hefty fines and even possible jail time for your offense. Additionally, the court will now view you as the villain in this case, which won’t help you in asset division or the custody battle.

Q: Should I Hire a Divorce Lawyer?

A: Yes, you should hire a divorce lawyer, especially if you are worried your spouse is going to try to hide assets from you. You may not know how to deal with that situation on your own. Having the right lawyer by your side can make all the difference when your spouse tries to take advantage of you or pick a fight in court. Your lawyer can fight for you.

Reach Out to a Divorce Lawyer Today

Dealing with the various aspects of your divorce on your own can be messy and complicated. The right lawyer’s help may prove invaluable in more ways than one. At Stange Law Firm, we can help you stop your spouse from hiding assets. Contact us to speak to a member of our team about your case.