If you suspect your marriage may be nearing its end, you may also be dealing with a loss of trust in your relationship. If you get the feeling your spouse may be readying to leave you, you may also believe he or she is beginning to stockpile assets in an effort to set his or herself up financially in the event of divorce.
Regrettably, spouses often conceal assets from one another when they suspect their marriages are circling the drain, and many people rely on similar methods in doing so. For example, if you suspect your spouse is trying to hide property from you, know that he or she may do so by:
Stockpiling debit card cash withdrawals
You may have noticed that when you shop at, say, grocery stores, the clerk may ask you whether you want any cash back with your purchase. In some cases, spouses might begin taking $20 here and $20 there in cash back, thinking you either will not notice, or you will think the extra money was part of the original shopping trip. Over time, however, those small deductions can add up.
Transferring assets to a friend or separate bank account
Another common method spouses use to hide assets from one another involves opening up a second bank account in his or her name and moving money over to it, often in small increments that may not garner attention. Your husband or wife may also transfer or sell pricey assets to a friend ahead of the divorce, while having an existing agreement with that friend that dictates how and when your spouse might get these items back.
Delaying raises or client invoices
Depending on your spouse’s profession, he or she may also attempt to hide assets by not invoicing clients for work performed until after the divorce. If your spouse has a close relationship with his or her employer, he or she may also ask his or her boss to delay giving a raise until after a court or judge determines spousal or child support amounts.
If you suspect your spouse may be hiding assets from you, do your research, because you may not have much recourse once your divorce is final.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common ways spouses try to hide assets during a divorce?
Common tactics include stockpiling small cash-back withdrawals, transferring money to a separate account or a friend, and delaying raises, bonuses, or client invoices until after the divorce is finalized.
What can I do if I suspect my spouse is concealing assets?
Document any unusual financial activity you notice and raise your concerns with a divorce attorney, who can use formal discovery tools like subpoenas and financial disclosures to uncover hidden assets.
Can a delayed raise or invoice count as hiding assets?
Yes. If a spouse arranges with an employer or client to delay income until after the divorce is final, that income may still be relevant to equitable distribution and support calculations if it can be uncovered.
What happens if hidden assets are discovered after the divorce is final?
Options can be limited once a divorce is finalized, which is why it’s important to raise concerns about concealment before the settlement or judgment is entered whenever possible.
Why should I contact a divorce attorney if I suspect asset concealment?
An attorney can use formal discovery and, if needed, forensic accountants to trace hidden funds and property, helping ensure your settlement reflects your family’s true financial picture.
Suspect Your Spouse Is Hiding Assets? Contact Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C.
If you believe your spouse is concealing income or property ahead of a divorce, don’t wait to raise the issue. The attorneys at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. can help you investigate your concerns and pursue a fair division of assets. Call us at (215) 822-7575 or complete our contact form to schedule a consultation.
Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C.
Pennsylvania Attorney's
August 25, 2026
