Find Hidden Divorce Money From Your Tax Return

It's almost mind boggling how many spouses rely on their significant other to do the taxes. Most of them don't even look at them. They just want to know the bottom line and where to sign. Check your tax return. Do the numbers correspond to what you've earned, spent and saved? Do the 1099s seem to be in order? Interest and dividends are reported there, along with the names of the financial institutions. Make sure you know where your assets are invested and where the accounts are kept. I have seen a spouse pay significant income taxes, often when the payment greatly exceeds the actual income tax debt. After the divorce is over, then an amended return is filed along with a request for a refund of the over payment. In this way cash that would normally have been divided between the spouses was used for income tax payments, and the refund is not shared.

Another strategy used by those who manage property or a business, is to undervalue the property over time. What this does is gives the individual managing the asset the benefit of the lower value. This may include allowing rental property to remain vacant or in disrepair.

Another huge problem is with business owners deferring payments of accounts receivable until after the divorce is finalized. Then after the divorce, accounts are paid and the managing spouse gets the benefit of the cash, and also the increased value of the business now with current accounts.

One of the best places to identify possible undisclosed assets is your income tax return. This is a black and white account of income earnings and asset sales. The line by line format of the tax return describes the source of all income. Examples are interest on bank accounts (not to mention the existence of bank accounts), stock dividends, stock sales (gains or losses), and rental property income. The schedule page details of the tax returns are key to discoveries. Review these line by line with your accountant and legal representation. You can get a FREE report on hidden assets at Divorce Ammo.

Divorce - Court Room Tips

When it comes to the Court Room, you will find this to be a pretty place. Once the divorce proceedings begin, the outcome of your divorce is in the hands of a total stranger - the judge. You no longer have control. All decisions will now be made by a stranger. Of course this stranger may be having a bad day, not feeling well, or even have had a major fight with their spouse the night before. I know it's scary and may even seem unfair, but this is the real world and it happens all the time. This judge is now in control of the outcome of your trial.

Here are a few tips to help prepare you for the Court Room experience:

1. First, I strongly recommend you try to settle as many issues as possible before entering the Court Room. This means the judge won't be in control of everything.


2. Do not expect the Judge will always make decisions in your favor. There are three directions the judge can go when making a decision: Your way, your spouse's way, or the Judge's way. As you can see, two out three are not in your favor.


3. Discuss how you should act, and when to speak with your attorney before going into the courtroom. Do not speak unless asked to do so by the Judge.


4. When addressing the Judge with respect by addressing him/her as "Your Honor."


5. Never speak to or make comments to your spouse when you are before the Judge.


6. Leave all hostile and negative emotions at the door. Do not make faces or gestures when the judge or your spouse's attorney is speaking. Judges see this and do not appreciate it.


7. Dress for success. Your attorney will have a certain strategy on how he/she wants you to be portrayed. Therefore, consult your attorney on how he/she wants you to dress.


8. Take notes. Don't leave anything to chance. Your attorney will be very busy during the process and cannot remember or write everything down.


9. Be prepared and stay organized. Bring as much information, documentation and any pertinent documents that you possibly can with you. It is better to have too much ammunition than not enough.


10. Be prepared to be in the court house for some time. You will sometimes wait for hours before your case is called.

You can get more divorce tips and strategies at www.DivorceAmmo.com

Warning: is Your Spouse Hiding Money During Your Divorce?

Hiding money (assets) during a divorce is illegal and unethical. Never the less it's more common than you think. Both men and woman alike have and continue these tactics daily. I am in no way advocating hiding assets. I am simply documenting facts to help educate and protect.

By hiding money your spouse may be trying to lower child support and alimony payments. You and your attorney must look to uncover any hidden moneys and to prove the actual amount of money that your spouse has available.

I've listed five items below to give you a starting point for finding hidden income and assets.

1) Your spouse may defer a part of his salary until after the divorce. Look for letters, notes, or emails asking to defer income. Look at past history of your spouses earnings. If he/she is normally receives $50,000 per year in commissions and suddenly not receiving any money or a dramatic drop. Advise your attorney.

2) Some spouses receive bonuses in addition to their net pay. Look for deals where partial bonuses are paid and the other portion is put into a separate account accruing to the benefit of the employee. Bonuses can be deferred for future distribution. Look for a pattern of bonus payments in the past.

3) If your partner is suddenly, chronically short of cash, or if their weekly ATM withdrawal doubles, that could be a sign. Many stores now let you get cash back when using your debit card for purchases. Your spouse can be adding $20, $40, or more to ever purchase. Check receipts.

4) Does the mail come to your home? If not, that could be a red flag that your spouse doesn't want you to see certain incoming statements.

5) Any changes in the way family finances are handled. Did that joint savings account suddenly disappear? Was there a piece of a stock sold or got rolled over into something else?

You can find out how to get a FREE REPORT with more tips by visiting Divorce Ammo.