Dividing assets during divorce can be one of the most complex and emotionally charged parts of the process. Even before the paperwork is filed, some spouses attempt to hide or move marital property. Acting early can make all the difference in protecting your financial future.
Watch: Why Timing Matters When Protecting Assets
If you suspect your spouse may take financial steps to gain the upper hand, it is critical to consult with a divorce attorney as soon as possible. In some cases, emergency petitions can be filed to prevent one spouse from hiding or depleting assets before equitable distribution begins.
Key Takeaways
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The video above explains how quickly assets can disappear and what legal tools exist to stop financial misconduct before it’s too late. For a deeper look at one client’s story and the outcome of quick legal action, visit How to Protect Your Money Before Divorce Begins.
What to Watch for Before and During Divorce
Certain financial behaviors can signal attempts to hide or misuse marital property. These signs may include large or unexplained withdrawals from joint accounts, missing financial documents, or sudden changes in account access.
Learn more about hidden assets in divorce and how to detect them early.
Steps to Take Now to Safeguard What’s Yours
When asset protection becomes urgent, taking fast legal action is key. Emergency court motions can help freeze joint accounts or prevent asset transfers. Legal discovery tools, including subpoenas, can help uncover hidden income or property.
For more tips on planning ahead financially, see Protecting Your Finances in a Divorce.
Get the Right Legal Support
The attorneys at Petrelli Previtera help clients preserve marital assets, uncover financial misconduct, and act quickly to prevent unfair outcomes. With experience in contested and high-net-worth divorces, the firm is equipped to guide clients through urgent financial decisions.
Attorney Melinda Previtera focuses on asset protection strategies and complex property division. Her work helps clients gain clarity and control during an uncertain time.
Look Ahead with Smart Planning
Any legal matter involving the family can be complex and stressful, and a successful resolution comes from having the right information. At Petrelli Previtera, LLC, our blog aims to provide clients, colleagues, friends, and family with tips and advice they can use in the real world, so they can live their best lives. As we help people navigate their current legal issues, we also encourage them to look ahead to their futures.
Death, divorce, bankruptcy – no one likes to think about these and other uncertain and unhappy events. But without careful planning for the future, your assets can fall into the wrong hands, leading to unintended beneficiaries, legal fees, probate costs, and more. It’s important to get your goals and wishes documented, so you have control of your assets no matter what happens.
Many people utilize the benefits of these estate planning options to protect assets during divorce:
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Writing a will to outline what will happen to your children, your money, and your estate after you pass away.
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Establishing a trust to ensure the assets you give your heirs are used for good purposes. When a trust is the right approach, it can offer unique tax advantages and be customized to meet the needs of its beneficiaries.
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Creating a prenuptial agreement if you’re not married to your partner yet. This document outlines which property would be considered marital assets and which would be kept separate if you get divorced. A prenup can limit each spouse’s debt liability, protect inheritances, and do much more.
You work hard for the things you have. Talking to your lawyer about taking the extra step to document your wishes is smart planning. If you’re interested in discussing a customized approach for protecting your assets, we welcome you to give us a call and schedule an appointment with an estate planning attorney at our firm.
Contact Us Today
Safeguarding your financial future starts with the right plan and the right team. If you’re concerned about how your spouse is handling marital assets, speak with an attorney today.
Contact Petrelli Previtera for a confidential consultation.
Safeguarding your financial future starts with the right plan and the right team. If you’re concerned about how your spouse is handling marital assets, speak with an attorney today.