Introduction

Divorce proceedings can be complicated and stressful, especially when it comes to dividing assets between both parties. Unfortunately, some spouses may try to hide assets to keep them from being divided. This can make it challenging to achieve a fair settlement. However, there are ways to uncover hidden assets. One of the most effective methods is to hire a private investigator who specializes in asset searches. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of hiring a private investigator to locate hidden assets.

What is an Asset Search?

An asset search is an investigation that seeks to identify and locate a person’s assets. During a divorce, an asset search can help uncover any hidden assets that one spouse may be trying to keep from the other. The goal of an asset search is to provide a complete picture of a person’s financial situation, including all assets, liabilities, and sources of income.

Why Hire a Private Investigator for an Asset Search?

While there are many online tools and databases available that can help with an asset search, they are not always reliable. In some cases, they may not provide accurate information, or the information may be outdated. Additionally, an online search may not reveal hidden assets that have been intentionally concealed.

Hiring a private investigator who specializes in asset searches can provide several benefits. Private investigators have access to a wide range of resources that are not available to the general public. They also have experience and training in locating hidden assets and identifying any irregularities in financial statements.

Benefits of Hiring a Private Investigator for an Asset Search

Access to Specialized Tools and Databases

Private investigators have access to specialized tools and databases that are not available to the general public. These resources can help locate assets that may be hidden or difficult to find. Additionally, private investigators have access to public records and can perform background checks to uncover any hidden assets.

Expertise in Locating Hidden Assets

Private investigators who specialize in asset searches have the expertise and training to locate hidden assets. They can analyze financial statements and identify any inconsistencies or irregularities that may be a sign of hidden assets. They can also investigate offshore accounts and other complex financial arrangements that may be used to hide assets.

Discretion and Confidentiality

Hiring a private investigator for an asset search can help maintain discretion and confidentiality during a divorce. Private investigators are trained to conduct investigations discreetly, and they understand the sensitive nature of divorce proceedings. They can provide information to attorneys and other parties involved in the divorce without compromising the integrity of the investigation.

Faster Results

A private investigator can conduct an asset search more efficiently and effectively than an individual without training or expertise. They can provide faster results, which can be crucial during a divorce. A private investigator can also present the findings in a clear and concise manner that is easy to understand.

Conclusion

An asset search is an important part of a divorce proceeding. It can help uncover hidden assets and provide a complete picture of a person’s financial situation. While online tools and databases are available, they are not always reliable. Hiring a private investigator who specializes in asset searches can provide several benefits, including access to specialized tools and databases, expertise in locating hidden assets, discretion and confidentiality, and faster results.

If you are going through a divorce and suspect that your spouse may be hiding assets, it is important to work with an experienced divorce attorney who can help you navigate the legal complexities of an asset search. Consider hiring a private investigator who specializes in asset searches to assist with your investigation. With the right tools and expertise, you can uncover hidden assets and achieve a fair settlement.

Introduction

Divorce proceedings can be a difficult and emotional process, especially when it comes to the division of assets. If you suspect that your spouse is hiding assets to avoid sharing them fairly, it’s essential to know how to find hidden assets to protect your interests. In this blog post, we will discuss 5 tips for finding hidden assets during divorce proceedings and emphasize the importance of hiring a professional private investigator to conduct a thorough asset search.

Review Financial Documents

The first step to find hidden assets is to carefully review your spouse’s financial documents. Look for inconsistencies and discrepancies in tax returns, bank statements, and other financial records. Pay special attention to any large transactions or unexplained expenses, as these could be signs that your spouse is hiding assets. While this process can be time-consuming, a professional private investigator can help you navigate through the paperwork and uncover any hidden assets efficiently.

Track Down Offshore Accounts

One common method used to hide assets during divorce proceedings is opening offshore accounts. To find hidden assets, search for any foreign financial accounts, investments, or transactions that your spouse might have. This can be challenging without the help of a professional private investigator, who has access to international databases and resources to locate these offshore accounts.

Investigate Real Estate and Business Holdings

Another way spouses may hide assets is by transferring ownership of real estate or businesses to third parties or family members. To find hidden assets, it’s crucial to investigate the property and business records associated with your spouse. A professional private investigator can help you uncover any hidden real estate or business holdings by researching public records and utilizing their extensive network of contacts.

Monitor Social Media Activity

Social media can be a goldmine of information when trying to find hidden assets. Keep an eye on your spouse’s social media profiles for any clues about hidden assets, such as expensive purchases, vacations, or property investments. A professional private investigator can use advanced tools and techniques to conduct a comprehensive online search, which may reveal additional information about your spouse’s financial activities.

Obtain a Lifestyle Analysis

A lifestyle analysis is an effective method to find hidden assets by comparing your spouse’s reported income with their spending habits. If their spending exceeds their income, it’s a strong indicator that there are hidden assets. A professional private investigator can conduct a thorough lifestyle analysis by examining bank statements, credit card statements, and other financial records to identify any discrepancies.

Conclusion

Finding hidden assets during divorce proceedings can be a challenging task. However, by following these 5 expert tips and hiring a professional private investigator to conduct a thorough asset search, you can ensure a fair division of assets and protect your financial future. Don’t leave your financial well-being to chance—invest in a private investigator to find hidden assets and secure the outcome you deserve.

Federal charges of child exploitation have been filed against 32-year-old Ryan Stevenson of Lansing, MI, who was arrested in August 2014, following an investigation by Beacon Investigative Solutions.

Stevenson has been indicted by a federal Grand Jury and he remains incarcerated, pending trial in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan. He has been charged with (1) Coercion and Enticement; (2) Receipt of Child Pornography; and (3) Possession of Child Pornography.

“On behalf of our clients, I want to express our deep and sincere gratitude to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI for immediately recognizing the threat posed by this child predator, and moving as efficiently as possible to bring him to justice,” said Mike Orchard, President and CEO of Beacon. “The fast response and diligent coordination by federal law enforcement in this case led to the safe return of our client’s daughter. Our clients could not be happier with the outcome.”

Beacon was retained by the parents of one of Stevenson’s victims in July 2014. An intensive investigation was conducted with a focus on computer forensics and surveillance. Beacon’s investigators also conducted an in-depth background investigation that yielded compelling evidence regarding Stevenson’s online and business activities.

Extensive research revealed Stevenson had been attempting to solicit underage girls on the Internet during the past 10 years. In comments posted online under various aliases, Stevenson referred to himself as a “sexslavetrainer,” “sex addict,” “perv” and “crazypsychorapist” and made explicit statements regarding sexual activities with underage girls.

Stevenson owns a Lansing company that sells Taser weapons, and he also established an adult-services company, Masters Empire Inc., which purportedly “specializes in erotic arts and photography in Michigan and nationwide.”

Upon completion of a comprehensive 200-page investigative report, Beacon contacted the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan, and briefed the Assistant U.S. Attorney on the findings. Beacon also coordinated directly with Special Agents of the FBI. A search warrant was executed, and the subject was promptly arrested.

Under federal sentencing guidelines, if convicted, Stevenson faces a mandatory minimum of at least 15 years.

About Beacon: Beacon Investigative Solutions is a full-service private investigation firm licensed in more than 40 states and Washington, D.C. Beacon conducts criminal, civil and financial investigations for private, corporate, government and legal clients. To discuss a potential investigation, please contact our corporate offices at 800-535-2136. You can also contact President Mike Orchard at morchard@beaconinvestigation.com.

Finding offshore funds — and the future of money laundering — are the focus of this article by Beacon director John Powers, published this week in Pursuit Magazine, a leading educational resource for professional investigators.

An overseas shift in banking laws has led to greater transparency at European banks, following investigations by U.S. prosecutors of British bank HSBC and Swiss institutions UBS and Wegelin & Co.

Despite their cooperation with law enforcement, gaining information from offshore institutions remains a challenge for many private investigators and compliance professionals. However, Swiss banks may no longer be the toughest accounts to crack. Global asset searches and financial investigations have grown more complex as criminals pursue new ways to launder their cash, including virtual currency exchanges.

Read the full article here.

About the Author: John Powers is director of Beacon Investigative Solutions. He has been featured in AOL Money & Finance, Huffington Post, Competitive Intelligence, and The Legal Investigator. Contact him at jpowers@beaconinvestigation.com or follow him on Google+ and @JohnPowersPI.

About Beacon: Beacon Investigative Solutions is a national private investigation agency that conducts asset searches and financial investigations for corporations, law firms, private clients and government agencies