This is more common than people expect, particularly with business owners, contractors, and cash-based industries. Both parties have a legal obligation to fully disclose their financial position, including income, assets, and liabilities, but that doesn’t mean it always happens voluntarily.
There are ways to investigate this properly. We look at lifestyle versus declared income, meaning does their spending and lifestyle actually match what they say they earn. We can request forensic accounting to trace cash flow, business records, and any inconsistencies. If your ex refuses to disclose financial information honestly, we can apply to the Court for orders compelling proper disclosure.
This isn’t about assuming the worst of every self-employed ex-partner, plenty disclose honestly. But if something doesn’t add up, trust that instinct and raise it with us early, before a settlement is agreed based on an incomplete picture.