Uncovering Hidden Assets: How We Helped a Family Law Client in England

The Situation

We were contacted by a woman based in England, acting on behalf of her elderly mother who was suffering from dementia. Her mother was initiating divorce proceedings against her husband, but he had consistently claimed that all assets accumulated during their long marriage had been sold or disposed of — leaving nothing of substance to divide.

The daughter was certain this was untrue. She knew her parents had owned a family home in joint names and an office property in the Perth CBD — but her father insisted these were the only properties and that most assets had been liquidated years ago.

With a divorce settlement at stake, they needed the truth — and they needed documentary evidence.

Our Investigation

We commenced a comprehensive asset investigation, targeting property ownership records, company registrations, trust structures, and associated entities linked to the subject.

Our investigators undertook a systematic review of land title records across Western Australia, searching not only under the subject's personal name but also under names of companies, family trusts, and other individuals known to be associated with him.

What We Found

The investigation revealed a significantly more complex picture than the husband had presented:

• Several residential and commercial properties were identified that had been registered in the names of family trusts — trusts of which the subject was the ultimate beneficiary.
• Additional properties were found registered under associated company names, with the subject identified as a director or beneficial owner.
• In each case, our further investigation traced ownership back to the subject, establishing his connection to assets he had not disclosed.
• The total portfolio of undisclosed assets was substantial.

The Outcome

We prepared a full investigation report, including title search documentation, corporate registry extracts, and a written summary clearly demonstrating the subject's connection to each identified asset.

This report was provided to the family's solicitors in both England and Australia, forming a key part of the divorce proceedings. The documentary evidence we compiled gave the legal team exactly what they needed to challenge the husband's representations before the court.

Key Takeaway

Asset concealment in divorce proceedings is more common than many people realise. Trusts, company structures, and nominee arrangements can all be used to obscure true wealth. A professional investigation can cut through the complexity and reveal the true picture.

If you have concerns about hidden assets in a family law matter, contact Pete for a confidential discussion about what we can do.