There are numerous tactics spouses and former partners may employ to conceal assets during family law property disputes. Common methods include:
- Transferring money to different accounts or banks
- Using companies or trusts as concealment vehicles
- Placing assets in another person’s name (new partner, family member)
- Misrepresenting asset or business income values
- Restructuring business operations
- Failing to disclose business contracts
- Operating entities as shams or alter egos
- Concealing inheritances, bonuses, redundancy payments, or windfalls
- Creating false loan agreements with relatives
- Fabricating debts or loans to associates
This represents a non-exhaustive catalogue of concealment strategies.
How a Family Law Lawyer Can Help Uncover Hidden Assets
Family law practitioners can employ several investigative approaches:
- Conducting government database searches (Land Titles Office, ASIC, PPSR register)
- Obtaining court subpoenas for bank, financial institution, and accountant records
- Investigating assets held under new partners’ or family members’ names
- Reviewing employment documentation
- Engaging private investigators
- Consulting forensic accountants
If you have concerns about hidden assets in a family law matter, please contact Morgan Couzens Legal on (03) 5722 4681 for personalised guidance.
The information provided in this article is produced for guidance purposes only and is not legal advice. The information contained in this article is based on the current state of the law at the time of writing. The law may have changed since this article was written.
Morgan Couzens Legal does not accept liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance on the content of this or any article produced by Morgan Couzens Legal. Liability is limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
Legal advice should be sought for your individual circumstances. For advice tailored to your individual circumstances, please contact us by telephone on (03) 5722 4681.