What Happens When You Try to Conceal Assets From Your Spouse in Massachusetts?

What Happens When You Try to Conceal Assets From Your Spouse in Massachusetts?


Concealing assets from your spouse is always a bad idea. However, many spouses may be tempted to try this for a number of reasons. Some do it purely out of spite. These spouses may feel bitter about how the divorce turned out, and they may feel that by concealing assets, they can punish their spouses and prevent them from getting any money after the marriage ends. Others might conceal assets because they feel that it is the most logical thing to do from a financial perspective. Some might be concerned that if they do not conceal assets, they will have to face an enormous financial burden throughout the next few years as they pay child support, alimony, and property division.

If you are considering whether or not you should conceal assets in your divorce, you should always get in touch with a divorce attorney in Massachusetts before you do anything hasty. At the very least, you should get some legal advice before engaging in this behavior. With help from our qualified attorneys, you can make logical choices and avoid potential consequences. Make no mistake, the consequences for concealing assets in a divorce can be quite severe. So, what actually happens when you do this?

Concealing Assets During a Divorce is Illegal in Massachusetts
Right off the bat, you should know that this behavior is considered financial misconduct during a divorce, and it is illegal in Massachusetts. This means that in serious cases, you may even face jail time for doing this. However, the more likely scenario is that you will be forced to pay your spouse’s legal fees. These fees can be quite significant. Whichever way you slice it, concealing assets has a high chance of backfiring on you. Even though your goal might be to save money and protect your finances, you could actually lose far more money than you stand to gain.

Losing the Court’s Trust
Perhaps one of the most important consequences of this misconduct involves the loss of trust. If you show the court that you are capable of lying and being dishonest, a judge is unlikely to believe anything else you say throughout the rest of the divorce trial. This means that almost every decision will go your spouse’s way – almost by default. You will be left with the short end of the stick. Even when you make legitimate arguments that are based in fact, a judge is likely to dismiss your claims because you have lied in the past.

Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today
If you have been searching the Massachusetts area for a qualified, experienced divorce attorney, look no further than The Law Offices of Johnson, Sclafani &  Moriarty. Over the years, we have helped numerous spouses who want to walk away from their marriage in the most efficient way possible. With our assistance, you can strive for the most financial benefits without facing legal consequences. You do not need to conceal assets to protect your financial well-being during a divorce. There is almost always a better way, and when you book a consultation with us, you can learn all about your various legal options. Reach out today for a free consultation. 413-732-8356