Dividing property and finances during a divorce can be challenging—especially if one spouse isn’t playing fair. A recent Philadelphia Inquirer article explored how some individuals maneuvered money during a split. From under-the-radar purchases to disappearing property, the tactics can be surprisingly subtle—and costly if they go unnoticed. The report shared red flags to watch out for:

Unusual Transactions: Purchases that seem out of character or unrelated to daily life—like large gifts to family members or elective medical procedures that may later be reimbursed from a personal health savings account. In one case, a husband wrote sizable checks to his mother and sister-in-law for "babysitting" and "house cleaning," with the intent of reclaiming the funds after the divorce. He also used $4,000 from the couple’s joint account for LASIK surgery that he was likely reimbursed for after the procedure (and after the divorce).
Frequent Small Withdrawals: A pattern of small, regular cash withdrawals may seem harmless but can quietly add up to thousands over time. One woman made regular small withdrawals from an ATM over the course of three years. In all, she took over $100,000.
“Missing” Property: If items start disappearing from your home—tools, equipment, or valuables—it’s worth documenting what’s left and asking questions. Some spouses move assets into hidden storage units or claim they’ve been lost. While making a list of assets, a wife noticed the family lawn mower was missing. She started taking photos of remaining items. As others continued to go missing, she asked her husband who claimed he had no idea. But when the photos were presented in court, they told a different story.
Low Valuations: Don’t take your spouse’s word for how much their business inventory or collectibles are worth. An independent appraisal may tell a very different story. One husband – a hobby glassblower – valued his raw glass material at a few thousand dollars. A professional appraiser put it at $45,000. Another husband’s intellectual property required a specialized appraiser. It was valued at $1 million!
Business Income Discrepancies: If your spouse is self-employed, they may underreport income or delay payments to appear less financially secure. A beauty salon owner tried to hide income that way, suggesting her assets were far less than they really were.
Shifting Debt: Be wary of unpaid bills in both names or last-minute charges that benefit only one person. In many cases, debts acquired during the marriage are considered joint—even if only one spouse ran up the balance. Beware of spouses who make purchases just for them but the partner still has to pay half. That’s what happened with one client, who argued that she shouldn’t have to pay for the credit card her husband used to fund his affair.

While not every financial move is an attempt to hide assets, it's wise to be vigilant and arm yourself with the best representation possible. Contact Williams Family Law, one of the top divorce law firms in Bucks County, by phone at 215-340-2207, or email us at info@bucksfamilylawyers.com.