How Do I Know If My Spouse Is Hiding Assets?

 Posted on December 21, 2025 in Property Division

When one spouse hides assets during the Virginia divorce process, it can have a devastating impact on the final divorce decree for the other spouse. If you are going through a divorce, speaking with a Loudoun County, VA divorce lawyer can help you understand what is normal and what may warrant a closer look. Knowing the signs and what’s involved in the legal process can help you feel more prepared and informed.

What Does It Mean To Hide Assets During a Virginia Divorce?

Hiding assets means failing to fully disclose money, property, or financial benefits during divorce. Virginia law requires both spouses to be open about their finances so the court can divide property fairly.

Virginia follows equitable distribution rules under Virginia Code § 20-107.3. This law requires the court to identify, value, and divide marital property in a way that is fair, even if it is not equal. For that process to work, both spouses must provide complete and accurate financial information. When assets are left out, the court may not have the full picture it needs to make proper decisions.

What Are Common Warning Signs Of Hidden Assets?

There is no single sign that proves assets are being hidden. Instead, people often notice patterns or changes that raise concerns. These issues can appear before or after a divorce is filed. Some common warning signs include:

• Unexplained drops in income or sudden changes in spending

• Missing bank statements, tax records, or financial documents

• Accounts or debts that were never mentioned before

• Business financials that do not match past earnings

• Transfers of money to friends or family without a clear reason

These signs do not automatically mean assets are being concealed. They may point to timing issues, business fluctuations, or honest mistakes. Still, they often justify a closer review of financial records to ensure nothing is overlooked.

Can Hidden Assets Be Found After A Divorce Is Filed?

Virginia law allows courts to revisit certain divorce issues when important financial information was not properly disclosed. If assets were omitted during the divorce, a court may review whether the final agreement or order was based on incomplete or inaccurate information. Timing matters, so it is important to act as soon as the issue is discovered.

If you believe assets were hidden, gathering documentation is often the first step. This may include bank records, tax documents, or proof of ownership that was not available before. A lawyer can help review whether the situation meets the legal standards for reopening or correcting part of the divorce case.

What Happens If Hidden Assets Are Discovered?

When a court determines that assets were not properly disclosed during a divorce, it may take steps to correct the outcome. The court can reopen parts of the case to address the missing information and ensure a fair result. This may include redistributing property, awarding a larger share of the assets to the other spouse, or adjusting prior financial rulings.

In some situations, the court may also order reimbursement for losses tied to the nondisclosure. Each decision depends on the facts of the case and whether the original outcome relied on incomplete financial information.

Contact Our Fairfax County, VA Divorce Attorney Today

Attorney Nicole M. Burns has more than 15 years of legal experience and understands how financial issues can affect divorce outcomes. If you have questions about asset disclosure or any part of the divorce process, reaching out for legal guidance is an important first step. Call Nicole M. Burns, Attorney at Law today to schedule a consultation with an experienced Loudoun County, VA divorce lawyer.