What can I do if I suspect my partner is hiding assets from the court?

The Family Court is aware of many schemes by parties to hide assets.  There is a general duty of disclosure and specific rules relating to financial arrangements that are punishable by penalties if parties do not comply with them.  The duty of disclosure is ongoing, so if there are changes in parties situations or facts come to light that were hidden even years after orders were made, then it can be a basis for asking the Court to change orders.

Individuals with high net worth need to be particularly thorough in getting advice about the duty of disclosure as the court would be less likely to believe a simple, innocent mistake was made by people with generally sophisticated financial affairs. If proceedings are current, the non-disclosing spouse can risk the judge making adverse finds about their credibility that may affect all of their evidence, if the court forms the view that hat witness has deliberately withheld relevant information.

If you suspect your spouse if hiding assets from the court, we can advise you on the evidence you will require to prove that is the case. If your financial arrangements are complex, we can advise on how to comply with the disclosure requirements in detail.