“In a perfect world …”
So intones an online overview focused on the subject of asset disclosure during the divorce process.
Just seeing those words expressed in such a context might reasonably — and immediately — drive readers to the conclusion that an altogether sane and fair universe does not uniformly exist when it comes to divorce-related property identification and allocation.
And, of course, it does not. Some soon-to-be former spouses engage in deceitful conduct.
That is, they lie. They cheat. They go to extreme measures to hide assets they don’t want to divide with their divorcing partner.
How can a good-faith and honest divorcing spouse ensure that he or she is not being fleeced during divorce negotiations and deprived of an equitable asset distribution?
The above-cited primer passes along a bit of advice to would-be divorcing parties in Illinois and elsewhere who suspect that their impending ex is not being entirely candid about property.
Here’s one kernel of advice: Take a really close look at what is being voluntarily disclosed. If something is not on that list that you know should be, a closer dig might be merited.
And absolutely insist — through your attorney, if necessary — on full receipt of all financial records.
Far more than that can be done, of course, especially by a proven divorce attorney with a deep well of experience in divorce-related property considerations. Partners can be legally required to answer questions and produce assets, for example, pursuant to discovery tools like interrogatories and requests for admissions. Depositions can provide a treasure trove of information.
Securing an equitable divorce settlement is crucially important to virtually all divorcing parties. A seasoned divorce attorney well grounded in property division matters can help a client achieve that goal.