Hiding Income / Suppressing Income

We are often faced with the issue of the opposing party hiding or suppressing their true income or ability to earn in domestic cases. This is of course an attempt to minimize support obligation(s) in either alimony, post separation support or child support claims, and even occasionally in property division disputes. Hiding income is violation of tax law. It is also a violation of the North Carolina domestic law. The court will impose punitive measures against individuals found to be hiding or suppressing income. Examples often include a spouse quitting or “losing” a job on purpose, or taking a much lower paying job in anticipation of court or a separation or putting money away in hidden accounts. In response, we build a case to show that the opposing party has the ability to earn more, and that they are intentionally suppressing their income to avoid support obligations. Attorneys’ will then ask the Judge to use the higher income for purposes of the support case and to award all costs and expenses incurred in uncovering the abuse where permissible, as well as other punitive measures. If a party is involved with a “cash business” or is being paid in cash for jobs or side jobs, we work to obtain direct or circumstantial evidence to back up the claim.

In many cases it is surprisingly easy to demonstrate expenditures above and beyond income. You can also use evidence of an individual working with no record of payment. There are various other methods attorneys employ as well including the use of experts and private investigators.

Do You Need an Aggressive, Raleigh-Area Divorce Lawyer Who Will Get You Every Dollar You Deserve?

Call us at 1.888.600.8834 or fill out our contact form today to discuss income issues.