Financial Dissipation Analysis

We Use Financial Dissipation Analysis To Identify and Assess Dissipation of Marital Assets For Our Clients in Maryland

Whether out of self-interest, spite, or both, many spouses deceptively and illegally take steps to hide marital assets before an impending divorce. Financial dissipation in Maryland refers to the intentional waste or misuse of marital assets by one spouse, usually in anticipation of a divorce. This behavior can include hiding assets, excessive spending, or wasteful transactions that decrease the value of the marital estate. You have goals and a vision for your post-divorce life, and taking the deliberate steps necessary to protect your life trajectory is crucial. If your spouse may have dissipated your marital assets in Maryland, contact a Maryland financial dissipation analysis attorney to assess your situation and safeguard your marital assets. Don’t let dishonest behavior from your spouse hamper your pursuit of a bright post-divorce future for you and your family. At the Law Offices of Ellen L. Lee, we are here to guide you through the process so you can be free to effectively pursue your life goals with your finances intact.

Deceitfully hiding or wasting marital assets leading up to or during the divorce process can potentially have a significant long-term negative impact on the futures of both spouses — whether due to depleted assets or through penalties for engaging in such behavior. Dissipation reduces the total assets available for equitable distribution, potentially leaving the innocent spouse with less than their fair share. It could also impact spousal support (alimony) calculations, as fewer assets may lead to lower payments. This may have significant lifestyle implications for the innocent spouse.

The deceptive spouse engaging in this behavior can also face strong negative consequences. If discovered, the court might adjust the asset distribution to compensate the innocent spouse. The dissipating spouse might also face penalties or sanctions for their fraudulent actions. You need to work with a seasoned attorney who is deeply familiar with these types of circumstances to uncover and prove your deceitful spouse’s dissipation of your shared property.

The Role of a Financial Dissipation Analysis Attorney in Identifying, Proving, and Resolving Dissipation Issues Associated With a Maryland Divorce

An experienced Maryland financial dissipation analysis attorney can play a critical role in addressing this issue through the following actions:

• Identifying Signs of Dissipation: Attorneys well-versed in dissipation can spot red flags, such as sudden changes in spending habits or unexplained asset transfers.
• Conducting a Thorough Investigation: They can employ forensic accounting techniques to trace and uncover hidden assets, providing a complete picture of the marital estate.
• Presenting Evidence in Court: If dissipation is found, the attorney can present the evidence in court to ensure the innocent spouse receives a fair share of the marital assets.
• Negotiating Settlements: They can use the evidence of dissipation to negotiate more favorable settlements on behalf of the innocent spouse.

Financial dissipation can complicate a divorce and harm both parties. An experienced Maryland financial dissipation analysis attorney can effectively navigate this issue, working towards ensuring a fair and equitable distribution of assets. At the Law Offices of Ellen L. Lee, LLC we are prepared to draw upon our extensive experience in these complex situations and guide you through this process from start to finish. Don’t delay if you believe your spouse is dissipating assets. Contact us today so we can begin carefully addressing the unique details surrounding your concerns.

Dissipation of Marital Assets — Types and Examples in Maryland

Dissipation of marital assets in a divorce can take many forms, and these can be categorized as either involving hidden assets or wasteful/excessive spending. You need to understand the many ways in which dissipation of marital assets occurs.

Different Types of Dissipation Involving Hidden Assets

These involve one spouse deliberately concealing or misrepresenting assets to avoid sharing them during the divorce. Examples include:

• Extra Bank or Investment Accounts: One spouse may open additional checking, savings, or investment accounts unknown to the other spouse.
• Assets Held by Third Parties: The deceptive spouse might transfer assets to friends or family members for safekeeping.
• Underreported Income: A spouse may underreport income or overstate debts to reduce their apparent wealth.
• Unreported Benefits: Benefits like stock options or Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) that aren’t reported can significantly impact asset distribution.
• Hidden Real Estate: One spouse may purchase properties without the other’s knowledge.

Dissipation Involving Wasteful or Excessive Spending

This involves one spouse recklessly spending marital assets — often on non-marital interests. Examples of such excessive or wasteful spending can involve:

• Extramarital Affairs: Money spent on gifts, trips, or living expenses for a lover outside of the marriage can be considered wasteful dissipation.
• Gambling: Excessive gambling losses can constitute dissipation.
• Substance Abuse: Money spent on drugs or alcohol can be viewed as dissipating marital assets.
• Extravagant Vacations or Purchases: Spending marital funds on lavish vacations or big-ticket items, especially without the other spouse’s knowledge or agreement, can be considered dissipation.
• Unnecessary Big Spending: This might include starting a costly business venture, making risky investments, or spending money on hobbies or interests at the expense of the marital estate.

Dissipation of marital property can significantly impact the decisions and property divisions associated with a divorce settlement. If you suspect your spouse is dissipating assets, you need to seek legal counsel including asset dissipation analysis to protect your interests. Contact us today at the Law Offices of Ellen L. Lee, LLC to schedule a consultation in which we will assess your concerns and plan steps to safeguard your financial future.

Likelihood of Dissipation in High-Asset Couples Versus Other Couples in Maryland

Dissipation of assets can occur in any divorce, regardless of the couple’s financial status. However, it can be more prevalent or noticeable among high-asset couples in Maryland for several reasons.

• Higher Stakes Involved: High-asset couples usually have more complex and substantial marital estates, increasing the potential benefits of asset dissipation. The larger the estate, the more opportunity there is to hide or misuse assets without immediate detection.
• More Opportunities for Dissipation: High-asset couples often have diverse assets like multiple real estate properties, business interests, investment portfolios, and retirement accounts. This diversity provides more opportunities for one spouse to dissipate assets.
• Increased Complexity: The complexity of high-asset divorces can make it harder to identify dissipation. For instance, a spouse might hide assets in offshore accounts, overstate business expenses, or undervalue assets.

Despite its prevalence, Maryland courts aim to be vigilant in identifying and addressing dissipation of assets in high-asset divorces. However, proving dissipation of marital assets in Maryland requires collecting and presenting evidence showing the other spouse’s intent, which should be managed by an experienced dissipation analysis attorney.

If dissipation is proven, the court may adjust the division of assets to compensate the innocent spouse. If dissipation is not proven, you may begin your post-divorce life with an undue financial disadvantage. By scheduling a consultation with our founding attorney, you can take the appropriate steps toward protecting your financial future.

Maryland’s Requirement to Show Intent Differs from D.C. and Other States

To prove dissipation of assets in Maryland, the accusing spouse must demonstrate that the other spouse intentionally wasted, spent, or misused marital assets for non-marital purposes without their consent.

Understand that in Maryland the entire burden of proof lies with the accusing party, meaning you and your financial dissipation analysis attorney need to gather sufficient evidence to clearly demonstrate all three of the following points to prove dissipation of marital assets:

• The marital assets in question were used by your spouse without your consent
• This use of these marital assets by your spouse was for non-marital purposes
• This wasting, spending, or misusing of these marital assets by your spouse was intentional for the purpose of reducing your portion of the marital property during a time when divorce was likely or imminent

If dissipation of marital assets is proven in Maryland, the court may adjust the division of assets or give a monetary award to compensate the innocent spouse.

In contrast, Washington D.C., follows a community property model — much like many other states. In the District of Columbia, all income earned and property acquired during the marriage is considered equally-owned by both spouses. To prove dissipation in D.C., the accusing spouse must show that the other spouse used shared assets for a non-marital purpose and did so with the intent to reduce the other’s share. The court may then consider this when dividing the marital estate.

The basic concept of asset dissipation is similar across jurisdictions, but the specific requirements to prove it can vary. These differences can complicate matters in a multi-jurisdictional divorce case.

Is Your Spouse Spending Marital Assets Wastefully or Excessively?

Wasteful or excessive spending behavior that would qualify as dissipation typically happens when the marriage is deteriorating and divorce is imminent. Examples of wasteful spending or excessive spending of marital assets include:

• Extramarital Affairs: Using marital funds to pay for gifts, trips, or living expenses for a lover constitutes dissipation.
• Gambling: Excessive gambling losses can be considered wasteful spending of marital funds.
• Substance Abuse: Money spent on drugs or alcohol can be viewed as dissipating marital assets.
• Extravagant Purchases or Vacations: Spending on lavish vacations or big-ticket items, particularly without the other spouse’s knowledge or agreement, can be considered dissipation.
• Unnecessary Borrowing: Taking on unnecessary debt that reduces the value of the marital estate could also be seen as wasteful.

It’s important to note that not all large expenses constitute dissipation. For instance, using marital funds to pay reasonable attorney’s fees during divorce proceedings is generally not considered dissipation.

However, if the circumstances of your divorce include an extramarital affair, or if your spouse’s spending habits may be in question, it may be wise to investigate whether your spouse dissipated marital assets. If one spouse wastes marital money or makes cash withdrawals from the couple’s bank accounts, such deceitful behavior, actions involving other marital assets, or other reckless spending can heavily impact your case and your future.

If you suspect your spouse is wastefully spending marital assets in Maryland, you need to promptly speak with an experienced Maryland financial dissipation analysis attorney to protect your interests.

Is Your Spouse Hiding Marital Assets?

In Maryland, hiding marital assets during a divorce involves one spouse deliberately concealing, underreporting, or misrepresenting the value of assets that are part of the marital estate. Such dissipation of marital assets to affect asset valuation is considered fraudulent and can lead to serious consequences.

Examples of behaviors that qualify as hiding marital assets include:

• Understating Income: A spouse may lie about their income to reduce the amount of alimony or child support they have to pay.
• Overstating Debts: A spouse might inflate the amount of their debts to make it appear as if they have fewer assets.
• Transferring Assets to Others: A spouse could temporarily transfer assets to friends, family members, or business associates to hide them and prevent them from being divided in the divorce.
• Creating Phantom Expenses: A spouse may create fake expenses or overstate business expenses to devalue a business or to show less income.
• Setting Up Secret Accounts: A spouse might set up secret bank or investment accounts to hide funds.

If you suspect your spouse is hiding assets, it’s essential to seek legal advice promptly. We can pursue an investigation to determine whether assets were transferred to a friend, family member, business acquaintance, or a separate account or other investment. In Maryland, if hidden assets are discovered, the court may adjust the division of assets or order a monetary award to compensate the innocent spouse.

Thresholds of Waste or Excess for Dissipation in Maryland

In Maryland, the law does not specify a set monetary threshold for what constitutes waste or excess spending that would be classified as marital asset dissipation. The determination of dissipation is instead based on the intent and actions of the spouse, rather than a specific dollar amount.

If your spouse has wasted, spent, or sold a marital asset for reasons not related to the marriage or family — particularly during the period of marital breakdown — the key element in proving dissipation is demonstrating the offending spouse’s behavior of was done with intent to diminish the other spouse’s portion of the marital property. This requires showing that the expenditures occurred while the marriage was in serious jeopardy and the spending spouse knew a divorce was likely.

If a court determines that dissipation has occurred, it may compensate the innocent spouse through a larger distribution of the remaining marital assets.

Signs Your Spouse May Be Dissipating Marital Assets

Here are some signs that your spouse might be dissipating marital assets:

• Accepting Cash Payments: If your spouse starts accepting cash payments for work or services instead of checks or electronic transfers, they might be trying to hide income. Cash is harder to trace and can easily be concealed from property division during divorce.
• Property Transfers to a Friend of Your Spouse: If your spouse suddenly transfers property or money to a friend or relative, it could be a sign they’re trying to hide assets. They may plan to reclaim these assets after the divorce.
• Underreported Income of Solely-Owned Business: If your spouse owns a business and is reporting lower income than usual, they might be trying to make the business appear less valuable. This could lower the amount available to you in a divorce settlement.
• Undervaluing Recently-Purchased Assets: If your spouse is downplaying the value of recently-purchased assets, they may be attempting to reduce their apparent wealth.
• Shifting or Moving Money Through Various Accounts or Financial Instruments: Frequent, unexplained transfers between bank accounts or investments can be a sign your spouse is trying to complicate the financial picture and hide assets prior to the dissolution of your marriage.
• Denying an Asset Exists or Claiming It Was Lost: If your spouse denies the existence of an asset or claims it was lost, stolen, or destroyed, they might be trying to keep it out of the divorce proceedings.
• Excessive Spending on Non-Marital Items: If your spouse is spending large sums of money on things like expensive vacations, lavish gifts, or gambling, this could be a form of dissipation.
• Creating Phantom Expenses: If your spouse is creating fake debts or expenses, it could be an attempt to offset the value of their assets.

If you suspect your spouse is dissipating marital assets, promptly seek legal guidance from an experienced financial dissipation attorney to protect your interests.

Collecting Evidence of Intentional Dissipation of Marital Assets

Collecting evidence of intentional dissipation of marital assets in Maryland involves several steps, including gathering financial records, employing discovery tools, and potentially hiring forensic accounting experts. Coordinate with your attorney to complete the following steps:

• Gather Financial Records: Start by collecting all available financial documents, including bank statements, credit card bills, investment account statements, and tax returns. It is possible your spouse may have checking accounts they do not share with you. Look for suspicious transactions or unexplained changes in your marital finances.
• Review Excessive Spending Receipts: Keep an eye out for receipts that show excessive spending on non-marital items, such as luxury goods, vacations, or gifts. This could be evidence of dissipation.
• Investigate Property Transfers: If property or money was transferred to a friend or relative of your spouse, look for the documentation of these transactions. They may indicate an attempt to hide assets pertinent to your marriage.
• Examine Business Records: If your spouse owns a business, review its financial statements and records for signs of underreported income or overvalued expenses.

Once you’ve gathered initial evidence, there are several tools and tactics you and your attorney can use to collect more detailed information:

• Discovery Requests: You can use formal discovery tools, such as interrogatories (written questions that must be answered under oath), requests for production of documents, and depositions (oral questioning under oath) to collect more information from your spouse.
• Forensic Accountants: These professionals can analyze complex financial records, trace funds, and identify hidden assets. They can be particularly useful if your spouse owns a business or has complicated investments.
• Business Audits and Valuation: If your spouse owns a business, a business valuation expert can determine its true value, while an audit can uncover hidden income or assets.
• Questioning Financial Statements: If your spouse provides a financial statement or affidavit, coordinate with your attorney to scrutinize it for inconsistencies or discrepancies. If you find any, you can raise these issues in court.

If you suspect your spouse is dissipating assets, it’s essential to seek legal guidance. A lawyer can guide you through the process of collecting evidence and presenting your case to the court.

Working With Professionals to Analyze Dissipation in Your Maryland Divorce Case

Working with experienced professionals, such as attorneys and forensic accountants, is crucial when trying to analyze and prove dissipation of marital assets in a Maryland divorce case for the following reasons:

• Legal Knowledge, Familiarity, and Experience: An experienced attorney can guide you through the legal complexities surrounding marital asset dissipation. They understand the legal standards and evidentiary requirements necessary to prove dissipation in court.
• Strategic Advice: Attorneys can provide strategic advice on how to gather evidence, request discovery, and present your case to the court. They can also help protect your rights and interests throughout the process.
• Financial Analysis: Forensic accountants specialize in investigating financial records, tracing funds, identifying hidden assets, and proving dissipation. Their deep experience and insights are often needed to unravel complex financial situations and provide credible evidence to the court.
• Business Valuation: If your spouse owns a business, a business valuation expert can determine its true value. They can also identify any attempts to underreport income or overvalue expenses.
• Credibility: Courts are more likely to trust evidence presented by recognized financial and accounting experts. Their testimony can significantly bolster your case.
• Efficiency: Experienced professionals know how to navigate the process efficiently, saving you time and reducing stress.

Attempting to prove dissipation without professional help can not only be challenging and time-consuming, but it is likely it will not effectively resolve your issue. The division of assets in your divorce case will affect your financial standing for the rest of your life. This is your chance to protect your interests. Working with experienced professionals greatly improves your chances of successfully proving dissipation and ensuring a fair division of your marital assets.

Implications of Dissipation For Your Divorce Case and Beyond

Dissipation of marital assets can significantly affect both your divorce case and your life following divorce in Maryland. First, dissipation will likely affect your divorce agreement:

• Asset Division: In Maryland, the court uses the equitable distribution model to divide marital assets in a divorce. If one spouse has dissipated assets, it can skew an equitable division, potentially leaving the other spouse with less than their fair share.
• Consideration of Dissipated Assets: Courts may consider dissipated assets as still being marital property available for equitable distribution. This means that even if one spouse has wasted or hidden assets, the court may factor the value of those assets into the division.

Dissipation of marital assets in Maryland often also has the following post-divorce consequences:

• Sabotaging Your Financial Security: If your spouse has dissipated marital assets, you might be awarded less than was shown in the divorce settlement, affecting your financial security post-divorce.
• Reducing Your Standard of Living: A reduced divorce settlement may impact your ability to maintain your standard of living after the divorce.
• Jeopardizing Your Retirement Plans: Dissipation of assets in your marriage can also affect long-term financial plans, including retirement. If a significant portion of your retirement savings was dissipated, you might need to adjust your retirement plans.

Given these potential impacts on your life, it’s crucial to seek legal advice if you suspect your spouse is dissipating marital assets. An experienced asset dissipation attorney can help you protect your rights and interests during the divorce process.

What To Do First If You Suspect Dissipation of Marital Assets in Maryland

If you’re a married person expecting to divorce in Maryland and you suspect your spouse is dissipating marital assets, you need to act promptly to protect your interests by taking the following steps:

1. Document Suspicious Activity: Start by recording any suspicious financial activity. This might include unusual withdrawals from joint accounts, sudden increases in spending, or transfer of assets to third parties.
2. Gather Financial Records: Collect all available financial documents, such as bank statements, credit card bills, tax returns, and investment account statements. These records can provide evidence of dissipation.
3. Consult with an Attorney: As soon as you suspect dissipation, consult with an experienced Maryland attorney who is experienced in financial dissipation analysis. They can guide you through the legal process, guide you on evidence collection, and help draft discovery requests to collect and secure more information.
4. Engage a Forensic Accountant: Your attorney may work with or recommend hiring a forensic accountant. These professionals can analyze complex financial records, trace funds, and identify hidden assets. It is important to coordinate with your attorney when selecting the forensic accountant, as experienced financial dissipation analysis attorneys may regularly work with the same forensic accountancy services that they find to be reliable.
5. Initiate Legal Action: If there’s sufficient evidence of dissipation, your attorney can help you initiate legal action to protect your rights. This might involve filing a motion for a temporary restraining order to prevent further dissipation.

The sooner you act, the better chance you have of protecting or regaining your dissipated assets. If you prove dissipation, penalties that may affect property division and legal fees are subject to the judge’s discretion, but they can have significant impact for your life moving forward. Swift action coupled with professional analysis and guidance can help you seek fair division of marital assets in your divorce.

Contact Ellen L. Lee Today to Schedule a Financial Dissipation Analysis Consultation in Maryland — Over 35 Years Handling Divorce Cases in Montgomery County

With a commitment spanning over three decades, our founding attorney Ellen L. Lee has devoted her career to offering invaluable support to individuals and families facing the tumultuous journey of divorce and associated issues. By fostering a welcoming and approachable atmosphere, she facilitates open lines of communication and cultivates a shared vision for embracing fresh starts amidst conflicts in family law.

If you are seeking guidance regarding how to identify and prove dissipation of marital assets in relation to your divorce in Maryland, rest assured that our team is ready to address your concerns. We will assess your unique circumstances to determine whether and how a dissipation claim will fit relative to your divorce case and a strategy to pursue equitable distribution when dividing marital assets.

At our firm, we value each client’s unique concerns and circumstances, taking the time to deeply comprehend the intricacies of your case. By doing so, we are able to effectively advocate for your interests throughout the entire divorce process.

Call us today at the Law Offices of Ellen L. Lee, LLC at (301) 279-0692 or fill out our online form to schedule a confidential consultation regarding financial dissipation analysis with our founding divorce attorney Ellen L. Lee, who is the heart and soul of our firm.

Whether you prefer meeting face-to-face at our boutique office in Rockville, Maryland, or through a video conference or phone call, we’re ready to schedule our initial information-gathering session at a time that suits your schedule. Our availability accommodates meetings during evenings and weekends, ensuring we can effectively meet your needs.