How to Protect Yourself If Your Spouse Is Hiding Assets in an Ontario Divorce

Divorce in Ontario requires both spouses to come to the table with full transparency. Unfortunately, not everyone plays fair. Some spouses try to downplay their income, hide accounts, or move money around in hopes of keeping more than their share.

Financial Disclosure: The Cornerstone of Divorce in Ontario

When you separate, both parties must provide a comprehensive financial statement. This allows proper calculation of:

• Child support (based on the Federal Child Support Guidelines)

• Spousal support

• Equalization of net family property under Ontario law

  
  

Failing to disclose assets or hiding assets is not only unethical—it’s unlawful. Judges have the power to impose penalties, order additional disclosure, and award costs against the dishonest spouse.

How Do People Try to Hide Assets?

Spouses sometimes attempt to:

• Report lower income than they actually earn

• Move money to offshore or secret accounts

• Delay receiving work bonuses or commissions until after the divorce

• Put assets in the name of relatives or children

• Inflate business expenses to make profits look smaller

If these tactics sound familiar, you’re not alone—many divorces in Ontario involve financial disputes.

Protecting Yourself Legally

You don’t have to prove everything yourself. A family lawyer can:

• Demand financial records through formal court procedures

• Subpoena banks or employers for accurate income details

• Retain forensic experts to uncover concealed accounts

• Present evidence properly so it is admissible in an Ontario court

  
  

Don’t Let Hidden Assets Put You at a Disadvantage

Divorces are challenging, but you don’t have to face financial dishonesty on your own. At Michael Coristine Law, we fight to ensure that every client receives a fair and accurate financial outcome.

If you suspect your spouse is hiding money, reach out today for a confidential consultation.