Penalties for Hiding Assets During Divorce in New Jersey

In some marriages, one spouse may take care of all the finances. The other spouse may be unaware of all the assets and liabilities they have. That’s okay as long as the relationship is strong and happy. But, when things are not going well and divorce proceedings are initiated, it’s critical that both spouses understand their finances.

How to Begin The Divorce Process

To begin the legal divorce process, you need to file a divorce complaint with the court, but before you submit the divorce complaint, you should determine what you want from the divorce. Along with the appropriate forms, the court will request some information that needs to be submitted to the court clerk.

Living Together While Going Through A Divorce

In New Jersey, it’s common for divorcing spouses to continue to live together under the same roof. A spouse who leaves the family house during divorce proceedings may be at a disadvantage in divorce court when it comes to equitable distribution, visitation and child custody. Technically, you cannot force your spouse to leave the home during your divorce unless your spouse commits an act of domestic violence that results in a restraining order.

Default Divorce in New Jersey

At the default divorce hearing, the court will review all the documents you submitted, your tax returns and other financial statements. At the end of the hearing, the judge will sign the proposed judgement you brought to the hearing or make modifications to it, if needed.