Divorce Asset Concealment Consequences

Summary

The user is a divorcee who believes his ex-spouse concealed assets during their divorce proceedings. He claims his lawyer did not adequately represent him, leading to an unfair division of assets. The user discovered public records showing his ex-spouse removed her name from a property shortly before hiring a divorce lawyer. He is considering filing a complaint against his previous lawyer for ineffective assistance and is exploring options to reopen the case. The user is also facing financial difficulties due to the divorce settlement.

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I just resently got divorced. My lawyer didn't do a good job of representing me. I told him that I thought my x was hiding assets from the court. He didn't seem to think that it was too important to take to the judge so I ended up getting railroaded in the end. But I found where she signed off of a property that her and her mom had just days before hiring a lawyer for our divorce
What state are you located in, ****? This information will help me provide the most accurate advice regarding your situation.
Tennessee
Did you bring this new evidence to your lawyer's attention? In Tennessee, hiding assets during a divorce is considered fraudulent and can lead to penalties.
Yes but he didn't feel the need to do anything about it
What evidence do you have to prove that your ex-spouse was hiding assets?

In Tennessee:
- Hiding assets in a divorce is considered fraudulent.
- Penalties may include redistribution of assets or contempt of court.
I found in public records where she had paid off a lien that was held against her and the property she lives at. Then took her name off it say before hiring a lawyer
Did you present this public record as evidence in court? In Tennessee, courts can reopen a case if new evidence is discovered.
No my lawyer wouldn't do did it he said itwouldn't matter
What is the name of the court where your divorce case was handled? In Tennessee, you can file a motion to reopen the case if you have new evidence.
Madisonville TN court
What is the exact nature of the property that your ex-spouse signed off on?

Madisonville TN Court Contact:
- Address: * Main St, Madisonville, TN *
- Phone: (*) *-*
The property was her mom's but years ago her mom had her put her name on it before she filed for a divorce from her husband. So her husband couldn't get his fair share of their assets.
What is the current status of the property? Is it still under her mother's name or has it been transferred to someone else?
Now I think it's just in her mom's name. My x took her name off it */*/* hired a lawyer on */*/*
Did you have any written agreement about the division of this property during your divorce proceedings?
It was never mentioned
Did you have any other shared assets that were divided during the divorce proceedings?
Our house and my structure settlement from a lawsuit
What was the nature of the structured settlement from the lawsuit, and how was it divided in the divorce?
I was awarded a settlement for zic poison. And she was awarded */* of that in our divorce
What was the reason given for awarding her */* of your settlement?
I was given a reason. She got *,*$ out of the sale of our house and I got *,*$ then they give her */* of my structure settlement
What was the reason given for such a disproportionate division of assets from the sale of your house?
I was not given a reason that's just how it ended up. After dragging it out over 4 years.
What steps have you taken since discovering the hidden asset?
I told my lawyer at the time but he didn't want to bother reopening the case. He really didn't do anything to help me
What is the name of your lawyer and his contact details?
Steve Ward Monroe county TN lawyer
What is the current status of your case? Have you considered seeking a second opinion from another lawyer?

In Tennessee, you can file a motion to reopen a case if you have new evidence.
I had to go to court today cause my ex said I wasn't doing what the court ordered. But to my understanding with my lawyer is that I was to pay my x *$ a month till the house sold . Then give her an extra *,*$ to keep her from touching my structure settlement so I agreed. But that's not how it turned out. I still have to pay her * a month
What was the court's response to your ex's claim that you weren't following the court order?
They said I was to pay her *$ a month till the structure settlement ends
What is the duration of the structured settlement?
* I think
What is the total amount of your structured settlement?
I put *,* in it back in * not to touch till *
What is the monthly payout of your structured settlement?
*
What is the total amount you have paid to your ex-spouse since the divorce?
* that was ordered til the house sold. Which it sold the second month
What was the selling price of the house?
*,*. I had to pay all closing and all lawyers fees
What was the total amount you paid for the closing and lawyer's fees?
Around *,* I think I'd have to look
What is the current market value of the property your ex-spouse signed off on?
That I'm not sure of
What is the estimated value of the property when your ex-spouse signed off on it?
No for sure
What steps have you taken since discovering the hidden asset?
Talking to you about it now
What is the current market value of the property that your ex-spouse signed off on?
Not sure
What is the total amount you have paid to your ex-spouse since the house was sold?
*,*$
What steps have you taken to find a new lawyer to represent your case?
I'm taking them now talking to you about it
What is the name of the new lawyer you are considering for your case?
I don't know what to do
What is the total amount you have paid to your ex-spouse since the divorce was finalized?
*,*$
What is the total amount of the structured settlement you are supposed to pay your ex-spouse according to the court order?
*/* of it not sure of exact amount
What is the total value of the structured settlement you are supposed to pay your ex-spouse according to the court order?
*/* not sure of the actual payout
What is the total amount of the structured settlement that you have already paid to your ex-spouse?
*
What is the total amount of the structured settlement that is left to be paid to your ex-spouse?
Not really sure of the amount roughly *,*
What is the total amount of the structured settlement that you have already paid to your ex-spouse?
Are you being serious
Yes, I am serious. I'm trying to understand your situation better. How much of the structured settlement have you already paid to your ex-spouse?
*$
What is the total amount of the structured settlement that is left to be paid to your ex-spouse?
Roughly *,*
What steps have you taken to challenge the division of assets since discovering the hidden property?
I'm hoping you can tell me what or even if I can do anything
What is the current status of your relationship with your previous lawyer? Are you still in contact with him or have you terminated his services?
I feel he sold me out. It's not going to be good. I feel that I wasn't fairly represented
Have you considered filing a complaint against your previous lawyer for ineffective assistance of counsel?
I was told that I could but I don't know how to do that
What is the name of the local bar association in your area? In general, complaints against lawyers can be filed with the local bar association. They can guide you through the process.
I'm not sure. I could look it up. I live in Monroe county TN
What is the nature of the complaint you wish to file against your previous lawyer?
Failure to properly represent me
What specific actions or lack thereof by your lawyer led you to believe that you were not properly represented?
The reason for my divorce was never brought up in court. My x wife accused me of improper material conduct. That was never brought up. Everything I told him about my case that could have helped me he failed to do anything about it
What evidence do you have to support your claim of improper representation by your lawyer?
He didn't fight for me. He let the court take everything away from me.
What evidence do you have to support your claim that your ex-spouse was hiding assets?
I have screenshots of public records
What specific information do these public records contain that could prove your ex-spouse was hiding assets?
Her name was on the property up til about 9 days before she hired a lawyer
What is the estimated value of the property that your ex-spouse signed off on?
I'm not sure
What steps have you taken since discovering the hidden asset?
I'm trying to take steps now learning what I can do
What is the current market value of the property that your ex-spouse signed off on? This information can be crucial in determining the extent of the hidden assets.
I don't know
What is the name of the property or its address? This will help in estimating its current market value.
Hang on one sec I'll give you the info
What is the address of the property that your ex-spouse signed off on?
* runyan Rd Georgetown TN
What is the current status of the property at * Runyan Rd Georgetown TN? Is it still under your ex-spouse's mother's name?
My ex lives there
What is the current ownership status of the property at * Runyan Rd Georgetown TN according to the public records?
I haven't checked since the divorce was finalized but it was just in her mom's name through the divorce
Did you and your ex-spouse have a prenuptial agreement before marriage?
No
What is the current market value of the property at * Runyan Rd Georgetown TN?
I'm not sure
What steps have you taken since discovering the hidden asset?
I haven't taken any
What is the reason you haven't taken any steps since discovering the hidden asset?
I haven't found anyone to talk to about it. I don't trust these lawyers here
What evidence do you have that your ex-spouse was hiding assets?
Screenshots of public records with her name on it
What is the nature of these public records and how do they prove that your ex-spouse was hiding assets?
I took her with her mom when they put her name on the property. Now its not in there
What is the estimated value of the property when your ex-spouse's name was removed from it?
I don't know
What steps have you taken to estimate the value of the property at * Runyan Rd Georgetown TN?
I haven't taken any steps yet
What is the reason you haven't taken any steps to estimate the value of the property at * Runyan Rd Georgetown TN?
It didn't do me any good finding out what I did find out with my last lawyer
What steps have you taken to find a new lawyer who can help you reopen the case with this new evidence?
I haven't taken any yet
Why haven't you taken any steps to find a new lawyer? It's crucial to have legal representation, especially when dealing with complex issues like hidden assets in a divorce case.
I'm trying to now. I'm broke I don't even make enough money to live now
What is your current financial situation and are you aware of legal aid services in Tennessee? They provide free or low-cost legal help to those who qualify based on income.
I'm in bad shape financially. No I'm not aware of any legal aid
What is your monthly income? Legal Aid of East Tennessee provides free legal help to low-income individuals. You can contact them at (*) *-*.
* a month but now I give my x * of that so * a month
Have you considered filing a motion to modify the divorce decree based on your change in financial circumstances?
They are the one that changed my financial circumstances
What specific changes were made to your financial circumstances and who made these changes?
I lost my home. Now I'm losing my income. The judge made these decisions based on the lack of information that my lawyer gave him
Have you considered filing a complaint against your previous lawyer for ineffective assistance of counsel with the Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility?
I'm considering it now
What specific actions or lack thereof by your lawyer led you to believe that you were not properly represented?
Have you read anything I'm saying
What specific actions or lack thereof by your lawyer led you to believe that you were not properly represented?
Nevermind
I'm sorry to hear about your situation. Have you considered filing a motion to reopen your case due to the discovery of new evidence?
Yes but obviously your not listening
What specific evidence do you have that your ex-spouse was hiding assets during the divorce proceedings?
Seriously
What is the nature of the public records you found that indicate your ex-spouse was hiding assets?
Nevermind
I'm sorry to hear about your situation. Have you considered filing a motion to reopen your case due to the discovery of new evidence?
Ok
What is the current market value of the property at * Runyan Rd Georgetown TN?

In Tennessee, you can file a motion to reopen the case if you have new evidence.

Madisonville TN Court Contact:
- Address: * Main St, Madisonville, TN *
- Phone: (*) *-*
Yeah
No I not repeating it again
What is the current status of your relationship with your previous lawyer?