How to Detect Concealed Assets and Income in Child Support Cases
When it comes to child support, it is crucial to ensure that the parent with whom the child lives is receiving the appropriate support payments. Sometimes, the non-custodial parent might hide assets or income to avoid paying the full amount of child support. This is not only unfair but also can have serious implications on the child's well-being. In this article, we will explore the strategies and methods an individual can use to uncover such hidden assets and income.
Understanding the Challenges
Uncovering hidden assets or income is a complex and daunting task. It requires a deep understanding of asset disclosure laws, particularly at the state level, and the ability to navigate legal and financial landscapes. Even with the best intentions, there are significant obstacles to uncovering concealed information, especially if the asset holder has hired skilled professionals to protect their assets.
The US Perspective
In the United States, state offices of child support enforcement often rely on computer searches to identify possible assets. These searches might include homes, boats, cars, bank accounts, and IRS reports. However, these systems are limited and cannot detect cash transfers given to third parties, as there is no paper trail. Additionally, there is no guarantee that the third party will return the cash.
The O.J. Simpson Example
Consider the case of O.J. Simpson, who has an outstanding obligation of $32 million to Fred Goldman and his family. Despite having an offshore trust to cover his expenses, he has not paid a dime. The trust is designed to shield his assets from creditors, and since he is not earning income from public appearances, Fred cannot collect on the debt. This illustrates the significant challenge in uncovering and enforcing payments when assets are hidden.
Protecting Your Rights
To safeguard your child's interests and ensure you receive the appropriate child support payments, here are several steps you can take:
1. Engage a Private Investigator
A private investigator can provide crucial evidence of asset concealment or income concealment. They can help you gather the necessary information and present it to the court. Their findings can be critical in securing a fair and just outcome.
2. Providing Detailed Financial Documentation
Once you file for child support, you will receive a packet of financial information to complete. Be thorough in providing all relevant details. Check discrepancies and note any inconsistencies. For example, in one case, the mother received a copy of her ex-partner's financial information and noticed that his reported income did not match his claimed expenses. This led to a 50% increase in the child support amount and the imposition of financial sanctions.
3. Legal Action and Court Order Compliance
While it can be challenging to prove asset concealment, it is essential to document any discrepancies and present them in court. Legal action may be necessary to enforce a court order and ensure compliance with the agreed-upon child support payments.
Conclusion
Protecting your child's financial well-being starts with ensuring that you receive the appropriate child support payments. While hiding assets or income can be difficult to uncover, taking proactive steps, such as engaging a private investigator and providing detailed financial documentation, can help you protect your rights. Remember, in the United States, it is nearly impossible to hide assets forever, though living solely in cash is highly improbable in today's society.