When you get divorced, there are many different elements you have to consider. Asset division, custody arrangements, and the long-term effects of your divorce are just a few of them. Things can change considerably if your spouse attempts to hide assets from you or the court in an attempt to avoid losing money to you. This could result in legal consequences they didn’t expect. An experienced Oklahoma City divorce lawyer can help you figure out what to do about this.

In a divorce, there’s nothing wrong with making an effort to protect yourself and your assets, as long as you do it legally. If you break the law while trying to prevent your spouse from getting your assets in the divorce, the consequences could be terrible for you. In a divorce, the court expects both parties to conduct themselves with respect and consideration for the court’s time and effort. Hiding assets is seen as disrespectful and is also a crime in Oklahoma.

Make Sure You Hire a Lawyer

A divorce can be stressful enough without your spouse attempting to make things worse for you. One of the most important things you can do to protect yourself from your spouse’s antics is to hire the right divorce lawyer. You will want someone experienced and who understands Oklahoma divorce laws. At Stange Law Firm, our multi-state legal team has helped countless clients across the country with their divorces. We can offer a focused and personalized approach.

Understanding the marriage and divorce rates in your state can make the process easier, as it can make you feel less alone. According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Oklahoma has quite a high rate of divorce at 3.3 per 1,000 people as of 2023. At the same time, the rate of marriage in the state is quite low at just 6.1 per 1,000 people as of 2022, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health. 

Facing the end of your marriage, especially in a contentious divorce, can result in severe strain on your mental health. To help cope with this ordeal, you might want to consider reaching out to a local divorce support group like Calm Waters or DivorceCare. Being around like-minded individuals who are also going through their own trauma can be beneficial. It can provide you with a place free of judgment where you can voice your concerns and hopes for the future.

Signs of Financial Problems

If your spouse is attempting to hide assets from you or the court in a divorce, it is likely that this is not the first time they have done something to hurt you financially. There may have been signs throughout your relationship that they were financially abusive or at least financially controlling to a certain degree. 

You might want to consider these warning signs and evaluate any questionable behavior that could be indicative of financial abuse in your marriage. These are some signs:

  • First and foremost, a potential sign of financial abuse is an unwillingness to talk about money. There’s nothing wrong with discussing your finances with your spouse. If your spouse has convinced you that financial talks are taboo or inappropriate, they might be manipulating you with financial secrecy and trying to get you to ignore any financial problems you are having. Get a closer look at your finances as soon as possible.
  • Another important sign of financial abuse is total financial control. If your spouse has insisted that they be the only one in the relationship who handles the finances, even joint ones, that could be a sign that they are hiding things from you. You might want to consider hiring a forensic accountant to go through your finances and see if there is anything you have to be concerned about.

FAQs

Q: Can I Investigate My Spouse’s Finances?

A: No, you cannot investigate your spouse’s finances, especially without their knowledge. Such behavior may be seen as illegal, or at the very least morally questionable. Thankfully, you can use the discovery process during the divorce to conduct a similar investigation. Your lawyer can demand all of your spouse’s relevant financial information, since both spouses have a legal obligation to disclose their financial positions during a divorce. 

Q: What Assets Cannot Be Touched in an Oklahoma Divorce?

A: Generally, separate property cannot be touched in an Oklahoma divorce. The state adheres to the equitable distribution model, which ensures that all marital property is divided fairly between both spouses. However, any property acquired before the marriage or received individually as a gift during the marriage, such as inheritances, is not a part of that split. If the separate property was commingled with the marital property, then it will be divided. 

Q: Is It Illegal to Hide Assets in an Oklahoma Divorce?

A: Yes, it is illegal to hide assets in an Oklahoma divorce. If your spouse is caught intentionally trying to hide assets from you, they could face severe legal penalties from the court. That includes a contempt of court or perjury charge, which could lead to hefty fines and possibly even jail time. They will also lose the respect of the court and could have their share of the marital property settlement reduced as punishment.

Q: Do I Need a Divorce Lawyer?

A: Yes, you need a divorce lawyer. While you are not legally required to hire a lawyer to represent you, regardless of the situation, it is always considered a smart move to hire one anyway. You may not know where to start when it comes to defending your position in a divorce. If you’re not careful, you could lose big. A lawyer can help you protect your interests and prevent you from being taken advantage of. 

Reach Out to an Experienced Divorce Lawyer Today

It can be quite beneficial to your case to have the right divorce lawyer by your side. If your spouse tries to hide assets, your lawyer can help you call them out and make sure they are penalized for such actions. At Stange Law Firm, we can assist you in building a strong divorce case. Contact us to speak to someone on our team about how we can help.