When a marriage ends, emotions often run high — but nothing clouds a divorce case quite like money. In New York, financial discovery is not optional. Every party in a divorce is legally obligated to fully disclose their assets, debts, and income. But what happens when your husband conveniently “forgets” to mention a vacation home, stock options, or a secret bank account?
Welcome to the battlefield of financial discovery. And if your husband’s finances suddenly look suspiciously modest, it may be time to ask: How much is your husband really worth?
Understanding Financial Discovery in New York
Under New York State law, both spouses are required to submit a detailed and sworn financial statement known as a Statement of Net Worth. This document outlines income, expenses, assets, and liabilities. It is a legal document — meaning inaccuracies or omissions aren’t just unfair; they’re unlawful.
Still, financial deception is common. Some spouses hide assets in shell companies, transfer funds to family members, or claim they’re broke while living large behind the scenes. They do this to avoid paying the spousal support you deserve and the child support your kids need.
If something doesn’t add up, that’s your cue to dig deeper — and that’s where a skilled divorce attorney becomes indispensable.
“I Get the Truth Into the Courtroom” – Brian D. Perskin
Brooklyn divorce attorney Brian D. Perskin has built his career helping clients uncover the truth when their spouse tries to hide it. “There are a number of techniques which I use to get the truth out of your husband’s account and into the courtroom,” says Perskin. And he’s not exaggerating.
Key Tools to Uncover Hidden Assets
Here’s how an experienced divorce attorney can help you expose what’s really going on:
1. Compare Income vs. Lifestyle
If your husband claims to earn $80,000 a year but leases a Tesla, takes luxury vacations, and drops $500 at steak dinners, that’s a red flag. A lifestyle analysis can show when expenses far exceed reported income.
2. Scrutinize Bank Statements
Recurring transfers, large ATM withdrawals, or suspicious Zelle and Venmo activity could indicate money is being moved — possibly to secret accounts or third parties.
3. Use Subpoenas Strategically
If your spouse refuses to hand over documents voluntarily, your attorney can issue non-party subpoenas to banks, brokerages, or employers. This bypasses him completely and brings the data straight into court.
4. Dig into Loan and Credit Applications
Mortgage or auto loan applications often tell a different story than court documents. Why? Because people tend to exaggerate wealth when applying for credit — and minimize it during divorce. Subpoena those applications.
5. Search for Digital Clues
A single email or document on a shared laptop may expose accounts or assets your husband never disclosed. Even deleted files may be recoverable with digital forensics.
6. Hire a Forensic Accountant (if needed)
When the financial puzzle is especially complex — like in high-net-worth cases — an attorney may bring in a forensic accountant. They’ll track asset transfers, analyze corporate compensation, and trace every dollar.
Signs He Might Be Hiding Assets
Not every husband is a financial Houdini, but here are common red flags:
- He insists on handling all financial matters during the marriage.
- You never saw tax returns, paystubs, or investment statements.
- He claims he’s broke — but nothing in his lifestyle has changed.
- He transferred property or funds to friends or family “just in case.”
- He suddenly opens new bank accounts or changes passwords.
If any of this sounds familiar, don’t wait. Hidden assets don’t just hurt your settlement — they may rob you of what you’re legally entitled to.
Don’t Be Intimidated by Delay Tactics
Some spouses use stalling as a weapon — dragging out proceedings to deplete your savings or pressure you into accepting less. They may resist discovery, fail to comply with court orders, or even lie under oath.
But courts take this seriously. With the right attorney, you can request court-enforced compliance, sanctions, or even a judgment based on your spouse’s failure to cooperate.
Why Hiring the Right Lawyer Matters
Uncovering hidden assets takes more than suspicion — it takes legal strategy, experience, and grit. Brian D. Perskin has spent decades helping clients in New York expose concealed income, investments, and marital fraud.
From subpoenaing foreign accounts to uncovering dissipation of marital assets, Brian’s team is ready to go toe-to-toe with deceptive spouses — and win.
“Your husband’s money trail leads somewhere. I’ll make sure it leads to justice.” – Brian D. Perskin
Hire a Contested Divorce Attorney in New York City
If you’re facing a divorce and suspect your husband isn’t being financially honest, don’t settle for guesswork. Call Brian D. Perskin & Associates today at 866-393-4084 and schedule a confidential case evaluation.
Let’s find out what your husband is really worth — and make sure you get your fair share.