# Finding Hidden Assets in Galveston Divorce | TadLaw In a Texas divorce, there are multiple facets of the case that depend upon determining the full value of the assets which spouses acquire during their marriage. A judge must know how much the entire marital estate is worth before issuing an order divvying up property and deciding whether an award for spousal support is appropriate. Therefore, if one spouse is concealing assets to avoid having them factor into asset division or alimony, it is not possible to enter a final divorce decree that is fair and equitable for both parties. If you believe your spouse is hiding assets under these circumstances, state law does provide options for bringing this property properly before the court. An experienced[Galveston, TX divorce lawyer](https://tadlaw.com/galveston-tx/divorce-lawyer/) can tell you more about your legal options, and some general information may be useful. ## Texas Procedural Rules on Discovery The Texas Rules of Civil Procedure apply to all civil cases in the state, including divorce proceedings. Just as you could use these rules to obtain information from the other party in a personal injury or breach of contract case, you can take advantage of them to find hidden assets. Available tools include: - **Requests for Production of Documents:** Through your attorney, you can request that your spouse produce all documents related to real estate or personal property. Paperwork such as deeds, bank statements, federal and state tax returns, business interest, and other documents may reveal the existence of assets. Once you identify these items, you can bring them before the judge. - **Written Interrogatories:** This method allows you to ask your spouse questions, in writing, that are likely to lead to discovery of real and personal property. You can then ensure that these items are included in the marital estate. - **Oral Depositions:** You can request a party to a divorce case to appear for an in-person interview session, where your attorney asks questions about income, marital property, and related matters. An oral deposition takes place before a certified court reporter who records the proceedings, so you can use the statements to find concealed property. ## Penalties for Hiding Assets or Dishonesty in Discovery Interrogatories and oral depositions require the responses of your spouse to be sworn to under oath, which is the equivalent of testifying in court. There are severe penalties for providing inaccurate, misleading, or dishonest answers to questions. In a divorce case, a party who commits fraud will be ordered to return the assets so they can be considered in determining property division and spousal support. Plus, the party could be ordered to pay a fine or the legal fees related to uncovering the concealed assets. For a free legal consultation, call [(281) 280-0100](tel:+12812800100) today ## Discuss Hidden Assets with an Experienced Galveston, TX Divorce Lawyer As you can see, Texas law provides you with powerful tools to discover hidden property and wrongdoing in a divorce case. Our attorneys at [Tad Nelson & Associates](https://tadlaw.com/houston-tx/divorce-lawyer/) have high-level skills in all aspects of divorce law, but we also have comprehensive knowledge of these discovery rules to ensure fairness in your case. Please contact us today at [(281) 280-0100](tel:(281) 280-0100) or[online](https://tadlaw.com/contact-us/) to schedule a consultation at our Galveston, TX office. Call or text [(281) 280-0100](tel:+12812800100) or fill out our [Free Case Evaluation Form](https://tadlaw.com/contact-us/) to get started Family Law Blog Posts: [Justice Roberts and Gay Marriage Family Law When the Washington, D.C., City Council passed a law last December allowing same-sex marriage in the District, the move came under almost...](https://tadlaw.com/blog/justice-roberts-and-gay-marriage/) [Texas Property Division Survey Family Law Texas is a community property state. What this means is that all property acquired during the course of the marriage is considered...](https://tadlaw.com/blog/texas-property-division-survey/) [Fault vs. No-Fault Divorce in Texas Family Law Ending a marriage is never an easy decision, nor is divorce a simple process. The spouse seeking a divorce must offer one or...](https://tadlaw.com/blog/fault-vs-no-fault-divorce-in-texas/) [Know Your Rights in Divorce Family Law A divorce is often a traumatic experience for both parties (and their children). Aside from the emotional aspect, divorce is also a...](https://tadlaw.com/blog/know-your-rights-in-divorce/) --- Source: https://tadlaw.com/blog/finding-hidden-assets-in-galveston-divorce/