Are You at Risk for Asset Hiding in Your Illinois Divorce?

 Posted on January 14, 2026 in Family Law

If you are going through a divorce in 2026, you may be worried about whether your spouse is being honest about their finances. Our DuPage County divorce attorney helps clients when hidden assets threaten a fair settlement.

Hiding assets during divorce is more common than many people realize. According to the National Endowment for Financial Education, about 41 percent of adults who have combined finances admit to hiding money from their spouse. Knowing the warning signs and how to protect yourself can make the difference between a fair settlement and being taken advantage of.

What Does Illinois Law Say About Hiding Money During Divorce?

Under Illinois law, both spouses have to provide complete and honest information about their income, assets, and debts during divorce. The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act at 750 ILCS 5/501 requires a full financial report to be sure of fair property division. Failing to disclose assets is not just unfair; it breaks the law and can lead to serious consequences.

If hidden assets are found, the court can give financial penalties, order the dishonest spouse to pay attorney fees for their spouse, or even give the entire hidden asset to the honest spouse. If fraud is proven after the divorce is final, the court can reopen the case to fix the property division.

What Are the Warning Signs That Your Spouse Might Be Hiding Assets?

Several things may point to your spouse not being honest about finances during your divorce. Watch for sudden changes in how they handle money, especially if they happen around the time you decide to separate. Common warning signs include:

• Unexpected debt payments. If your spouse suddenly pays off large debts without explanation, they may be trying to move money before the divorce.

• Transfers to family or friends. These assets are held by the family or friend until after the divorce and then given back to your ex-spouse. This prevents them from being divided up with the rest of the marital estate.

• Missing financial documents. If bank statements, tax returns, or investment records suddenly disappear or become hard to access, you should be concerned.

• Changes in income reporting. A spouse who asks their employer to delay bonuses or cut their salary for a while may be trying to make it look like they make less money.

• Sudden business losses. Business owners might say revenue has suddenly dropped during the divorce, even though the business was profitable before.

Who Is Most Likely to Fall Victim to a Spouse Hiding Assets? 

While asset hiding can happen in any divorce, it happens more often in certain situations.

Financially disadvantaged spouses face the greatest risk. This means that if your spouse has always managed the money, paid the bills, and handled investments, you may not know what assets exist. Spouses who took time off work to raise children are extra vulnerable. When one person focuses on the home while the other works and manages finances, it becomes easier for them to hide assets.

Assets also get hidden in high-net-worth divorces with complicated financial portfolios. Business owners can manipulate company finances by recording extra expenses. They might create payroll for employees who do not exist or write off personal expenses as business costs. Offshore accounts and cryptocurrency may be especially difficult to find. All these tricks can majorly affect the fairness of asset division.

What Steps Can You Take to Protect Yourself if You Think Your Spouse Is Hiding Money in Your Divorce?

If you suspect your spouse is hiding assets, take action early. Begin by documenting everything you can about your family finances. Gather tax returns, bank statements, investment records, and any other financial documents you can access.

There is something called the "discovery process" in divorce. This is when the information for the case is gathered. Do not skip this stage, even if you are in a hurry to finalize your divorce. Discovery tools allow your lawyer to request documents, ask questions under oath, and get records from banks and employers.

Consider working with a forensic accountant if your case involves complicated finances or a business. These professionals specialize in finding hidden money and assets.

Call a DuPage County Divorce Attorney Today

Protecting your financial future during divorce needs careful thought and the right legal support. If you believe your spouse may be hiding assets, our Bloomingdale, IL divorce lawyers at Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices are ready to help. Our large law firm brings over 175 years of combined experience to every case. We provide client-focused service and frequent communication so you always know where your case stands.

Contact us today at 630-932-9100 for a free consultation to discuss your situation and learn how we can help you get a fair divorce settlement.