If an individual believes that someone else is hiding assets that they may have an interest in, they may employ the services of a private investigator to help locate the assets. By locating these assets, the individual may be able to use them to their advantage in a legal case, attach the assets to a judgment or otherwise benefit from the discovery.
Situations Involving Hidden Assets
Hidden assets are most commonly involved in family law matters. For instance, in divorce or separation, a spouse may try to conceal assets with the goal of preventing the other spouse from getting a fair share of them in the legal proceedings. In a similar scenario, individuals may hide assets before signing a prenuptial agreement so that their new spouse isn’t aware of them. Hidden assets may also be involved in support matters where someone is trying to avoid fulfilling their monetary obligations, as can be the case in child support or spousal support cases. In some cases, hidden assets can be involved in a bankruptcy filing in an effort to retain some assets after financial ruin. Business partners may try to hide assets or a person who owes a debt to someone else may attempt to hide assets to avoid having these assets rightfully attached. In many cases, hiding assets is considered fraud.
Where Are Assets Hidden?
There’s an infinite number of ways that assets can be hidden, largely dependent on the tactics of the owner. Some choose to conceal assets within their business or create hidden corporations or LLCs. Others have offshore bank accounts where they discreetly store these assets.
In some cases, hidden assets are in the form of assets that haven’t yet been received. These can include stock options, a delayed bonus or a raise. In a divorce, a spouse may try to defer these assets until the divorce proceedings are finished so they won’t have to split it with the other spouse.
Legally Locating Assets
Private investigators have the skills and experience necessary to conduct a full and thorough investigation to help locate these hidden assets. In addition, they can prepare a report and offer testimony in court pertaining to these assets, so the court is aware of all relevant details of alleged misconduct involving hidden assets.
Private investigators have access to tools that can help them locate assets: databases, public records regarding property filings, tax returns and related documents. They also can cross reference names, addresses and other relevant information to gain insight on patterns and potential locations where assets are hidden.
The Smith Investigation Agency is a nationally recognized investigation agency that has achieved its stellar reputation on the strength of its trusted and professional private investigators. Contact us today and we’ll provide you with a confidential consultation to get you the help you need.
About the Author
Whitney Joy Smith
Founder of The Smith Investigation Agency in 2014, Whitney Joy Smith’s extensive background as a private investigator is matched only by her passion for the role. A graduate of several respected institutions, including Northwest Florida State College and George Brown College, her early years in life were spent between Canada and the United States. This education, along with her formative years as a private investigator in various agencies, informed much of her knowledge of private investigative laws, regulations, and operating standards in both countries.
The recipient of numerous industry awards and accolades, including the Consumers Choice Award, Best in Ottawa, and many others, Whitney takes pride in working closely with her ever-growing agency to raise the bar, maintain compliance, and meet the investigative needs of clients. Whitney is active in various membership and supporting roles, including the CPIRC, CBN, CAPI, Canadian Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and many others. Her experience-driven, thought-provoking articles have been featured in everything from Readers Digest to Business News Daily, and she strives to continually redefine standards for those in the private investigative and security fields. Learn more about Whitney and the team at The Smith Investigation Agency today.
