Signs Your Spouse May Be Hiding Assets in Your Texas Divorce

 Posted on January 15, 2026 in Property Division

Financial dishonesty during divorce is more common than many people think, and knowing the warning signs can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. Spouses hide assets for many reasons. The goal is always the same, though: a division of assets that cheats the other spouse out of their share.

Texas courts take financial dishonesty seriously in 2026 and have tools to address it if it happens. However, it’s better to be on the watch and catch it as early in the divorce process as you can. If you suspect your spouse is hiding assets during your divorce, a North Texas divorce attorney can help you uncover the truth and protect your share.

Warning Signs of Hidden Assets in a Texas Divorce

The key to catching financial dishonesty is recognizing unusual behavior and financial red flags before your divorce is finalized. Watch for these common signs:

• Your spouse suddenly becomes secretive about money or refuses to share financial documents. They may change passwords on accounts, send mail to a new address, or say they lost important paperwork. This is especially worrying if your spouse was previously open about finances.

• Large cash withdrawals or transfers that happen without a good reason. Your spouse might claim the money was used for normal expenses. Check to see if the amounts match your normal household spending. Some spouses send money to friends or family before the divorce and get it back after.

• New accounts that appear right before or during the divorce. Your spouse might start a business that looks unprofitable on paper but actually makes money. This money is then hidden until after the divorce is finalized. They could also open secret bank accounts.

• Sudden large purchases. Dishonest spouses might make large purchases that can be hidden and sold later.

• Income reported for taxes suddenly drops. Your spouse may delay bonuses and salary increases or underreport business income to make it look like they make less money than they actually do.

There are other ways spouses can hide how much net worth they really have. Offshore accounts and cryptocurrency are very hard to trace. Some spouses open accounts in other countries or invest in digital assets that do not show up on traditional financial statements. In cases like these, it is especially important to get professional help to find the truth.

What Can Texas Courts Do About Hidden Assets in Divorce?

Texas law requires both spouses to provide complete and honest financial information during divorce. Under Texas Family Code Section 6.711, spouses must file a list of all their assets and debts. Lying on this document or hiding assets is considered fraud, and courts can take serious action if it happens.

Discovery Tools

Your lawyer can also use discovery tools to uncover hidden assets. This includes requesting bank statements, tax returns, business records, and other financial documents. Your attorney might also hire a forensic accountant. Forensic accountants specialize in tracking down hidden money and property.

Depositions 

Lawyers can use depositions to question your spouse under oath about their finances. A deposition is an out-of-court testimony from a witness that happens before a trial. If your spouse lies during a deposition, they could face perjury charges on top of penalties from the judge for hiding assets.

Making it Right

Judges may award the honest spouse a larger share of the marital property to make up for what was hidden. In some cases, courts give the entire value of the hidden asset to the honest spouse, plus attorney fees and costs.

What Should You Do if You Suspect Hidden Assets in Your Divorce?

If you believe your spouse is hiding assets, act quickly and carefully. Make copies and store them somewhere safe outside your home. Start gathering all financial documents you have access to, including:

• Tax returns

• Bank statements

• Credit card statements

• Retirement account statements

• Business records

Do not waive the "discovery period." This is when your lawyer and forensic accountants can gather evidence. Do not confront your spouse directly about hidden assets before talking to a lawyer. If your spouse knows you are suspicious, they might take additional steps to hide assets better. Instead, contact a lawyer who has experience with difficult property division cases. Your lawyer can guide you through the process of finding hidden assets without tipping off your spouse.

Keep detailed notes of any suspicious financial activity you notice, including dates, amounts of money, and strange behavior from your spouse. This information will help your lawyer build a case. Watch your joint accounts for unusual activity, but do not try to access accounts in only your spouse's name without legal advice.

Contact a North Texas Divorce Lawyer Today

Hidden assets can really impact the fairness of your divorce settlement. If you suspect your spouse is not being honest about money or property, you need a Frisco divorce lawyer who knows how to investigate financial fraud. At Moore Family Law, P.C., our lawyer has the knowledge to help you find hidden assets and fight for what you deserve. Call 214-764-8033 today to discuss your case.