Meticulously Handling Asset Distribution and Concealment Matters in Greenwich and Fairfield County, Connecticut
Complex portfolios of assets, income derived from numerous sources, putting a value on intangible contributions to a marriage, and property with as much emotional value as financial – these combine to make the endeavor of asset division in a Connecticut divorce much more involved than simply “who gets what.”
This is especially true here in Greenwich and Fairfield County, where high-net worth divorces are often the rule rather than the exception. With so much at stake – and with so many ways for an unscrupulous spouse to conceal assets and engage in financial shenanigans – having experienced and committed divorce counsel in your corner is essential.
For almost 40 years, the Law Offices of Wayne D. Effron, P.C. has served as a trusted ally, advisor and advocate for individuals going through divorce in and around Greenwich. One of the most prominent matrimonial law firms in the state, our lawyers bring a relentless focus and fierce dedication to each case. We work tirelessly to ensure our clients emerge from this challenging time with a distribution of assets that is just and fair. Our aim is our clients to win a secure future.
Strength and Confidence at the Negotiating Table and in the Courtroom
Meticulous attention to detail and a well-honed understanding of complex finances underlie our approach to asset division and distribution. We marshal all documents and electronic information to assemble a holistic picture of a couple’s assets and liabilities. Armed with an encyclopedic knowledge of a couple’s financial life as well as the nuances of the law, we enter negotiations over property division from a position of strength and confidence.
While we are always prepared to work in a civil and amicable manner toward a beneficial and appropriate resolution for our clients, we also know that some couples can’t reach a mutual agreement over how to distribute their assets. When that happens, we are relentless in our courtroom advocacy in property division matters.
Understanding Asset Distribution in Connecticut
The principles of “equitable distribution” that control how a Connecticut judge will make decisions regarding a couple’s assets are complex. “Equitable distribution” does not mean “equal distribution,” and how the law is applied to the unique circumstances of a couple’s marriage and finances often comes down to each lawyer’s ability, skill and experience.
Unlike many other states, Connecticut does not distinguish between “marital property” and “separate property.” Everything is on the table and can be distributed between the parties without regard to when the property was acquired, by whom it was obtained or whose name it is in. A judge will instead weigh numerous factors when allocating assets between the parties, including:
- The length of the marriage
- Factors that contributed to the dissolution of the marriage
- The parties’ respective ages, health and station
- The occupation, vocational skills and employability of the parties
- The estates of the parties
- The liability and needs of the parties
- Opportunity for future acquisition of assets and income
- The contribution of each party to the acquisition, preservation or appreciation of assets
With exhaustive preparation and courtroom acumen honed over decades of practice and multiple complex, high net-worth matters, we know how to craft compelling and advantageous arguments that can achieve our clients’ objectives.
Relentless in Finding Concealed Assets
While the parties in a Connecticut divorce are required to make full and complete disclosures of relevant financial information, we know that trust can be hard to come by in a divorce. The temptation to try to game the system or hurt the other spouse through hiding assets can be strong, and those who engage in such deception are often extremely talented at doing so.
That’s why we take nothing at face value, conducting our own independent investigation and working with forensic accountants and other experts when appropriate to uncover any efforts to prejudice our clients, such as:
- Transferring money from a joint account to an individual one
- Putting assets into a family trust, offshore corporation or shell corporation
- Purchasing art, collectibles or other items that retain value but are not liquid
- Purchasing insurance policies, cashier’s checks and savings bonds
- Colluding with an employer to delay bonuses, stock options or raises until a time when the asset or income would be considered separate property
- Skimming or diverting funds from a business
- Failing to report income on tax returns
- Utilizing asset protection trusts which are legal in some states and not in others
Our lawyers know what to look for, know how to discover hidden or undervalued assets, and will aggressively work to ensure that any such concealment is exposed and rectified.
Call the Law Offices of Wayne D. Effron, P.C. to Discuss Your Asset Distribution Concerns
Since 1979, the Law Offices of Wayne D. Effron, P.C. has provided exceptional client service and favorable results in divorce and family law matters across Greenwich and Fairfield County. Hard work, professionalism, integrity and trust are our guiding principles, and an unyielding focus on our clients’ best interests defines our practice.
If you have questions or concerns regarding asset distribution, the concealment of assets or any other issues pertaining to divorce, please give us a call at 203-622-1160 to arrange a consultation.
