Got Trouble? We can help.

Hiding property during a divorce proceeding

What if your spouse threatens to hide or dispose of property before the divorce proceeding is over?

Some states include in the required petition for divorce an automatic order restraining the spouse from doing this. If your state does not provide for an automatic order, you might request a "restraining order" accomplishing the same thing. If your spouse violates the order, he or she can be held in contempt of court.

Also, the parties to a divorce generally have an obligation to tell the judge about all property. If you learn after the divorce that your spouse failed to do this, you will probably be able to persuade the judge to re-open the case.