Many people wonder if it is legal to hide assets from their spouse when they are going through a divorce or whether it’s legal to conceal assets in general. It is not illegal to hide assets, but there are circumstances that may make your situation different or put you at risk of repercussions and penalties. As a result, it is important to ensure you are following the letter of the law in all situations.
As stated above, the act of hiding assets is not necessarily illegal, that is until the motives are uncovered. The reason behind wanting to hide your assets will determine the legality of the act and any legal repercussions you may face. For example, it is not lawful to hide or conceal assets in the following circumstances:
- Divorce proceedings
- Child custody cases
- Judgment/litigation
- Business or partnership dissolution
- Civil suits
If your intention is to conceal or minimize assets from another party to avoid the other party being granted ownership by a court of law, it is considered an illegal activity. If your purpose for hiding assets is deceptive, you are likely breaking the law.
There may be circumstances where temporarily relocating assets to avoid being detected is legal. Tangible assets are moved frequently to keep them safe from theft, damage, and loss. Before moving any assets, be sure to consult an attorney to ensure you are not breaking the law.
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