No matter the reason you and your spouse are getting divorced, there is probably some sort of tension between the two of you, even if it is just a small amount. In divorces involving couples who have a lack of trust, it is not uncommon for the property division process to be long and contentious. When you begin the process of allocating your assets, you and your spouse will have to provide information about all of your assets and debts. Full disclosure is required, though it is not always given. If you suspect your spouse is hiding assets from you, you should begin the process of uncovering those assets right away. Here are a few ways you can look for hidden assets if you suspect your spouse is not being truthful:

Start With Tax Returns

The first place you should begin to look for hidden assets is in your spouse’s tax returns. Get copies of his or her tax returns from at least the last five years and examine them closely. Look at the sources of income that are listed, itemized deductions that were taken, capital gains and losses, and profits and losses from any businesses.

Check Bank Account Statements

Next, begin to examine your bank account statements from any financial institutions that you bank with. Look at both checking and savings accounts. You should be looking for any unusual deposits or withdrawals. Also, look for any canceled checks and who they are made payable to. You may be able to reveal the purchase of an investment or other property.

For many people, getting a divorce is the hardest and most stressful thing they will do in their life. Divorce involves legally separating yourself from the person you have been with for years. Not only do you have to deal with the legality of a divorce, but you also have to deal with the emotional ramifications. When it comes to property division during a divorce, both the legal and emotional aspects are involved. Much of the property that is divided in a divorce has both sentimental and monetary value, which is why property division can be so contentious. If you are getting a divorce, it is important that you understand Illinois law affects the way property is divided.

Marital or Non-Marital Property?

Before any property division can occur, you must first know what property is actually subject to being divided. In Illinois, all marital property is subject to division, whereas non-marital property is not. Marital property includes any and all property or debts that were acquired by either spouse after they were married and before they separated. A few exceptions to this rule exist, and depending on the circumstances, some assets may be considered to be non-marital property. Examples of non-marital property include:

• Anything acquired by gift, legacy, or descent, as well as property that was acquired in exchange for this type of property;
• Anything that was acquired in exchange for property that was acquired prior to the marriage;
• Property acquired by either spouse after they were legally separated; and
• Property that is specifically excluded from the marital estate, as stated by a valid prenuptial or postnuptial agreement.

Factors Used for Consideration

It is always better to come to an agreement about property division with your spouse rather than relying on someone else to do it. In some cases, settling this issue fairly without legal intervention is impossible. If a judge has to make decisions on how the marital property will be divided, he or she will look at a variety of factors, including: