3 Ways to Discover Financial Information During an Orlando Divorce
A common concern during a divorce is uncertainty about the family’s finances. In many divorce cases, one spouse managed most of the money or made key financial decisions, leaving the other without a full picture of marital assets and debts. Talk to an Orlando family lawyer about how to uncover complete and accurate financial information. Doing so is essential to securing a full and fair divorce settlement under Florida law.
#1 Review Personal and Joint Records
A practical first step is reviewing records already in your possession. Bank statements, tax returns, pay stubs, credit card bills, loan documents, and insurance policies can reveal account numbers, institutions, and recurring transactions that point to additional assets. Florida tax returns are particularly valuable, as they often disclose income sources, interest, dividends, and investment activity that may not be obvious from monthly statements alone.
#2 Use Formal Discovery Tools
Florida family law provides structured discovery tools designed to ensure financial transparency. Mandatory financial disclosure requires both spouses to exchange sworn financial affidavits along with supporting documentation, such as bank statements, retirement account summaries, and credit card records. If information appears incomplete or inconsistent, additional discovery methods, such as interrogatories, requests for production, and subpoenas, can be used to obtain records directly from employers, financial institutions, or third parties.
#3 Trace Hidden or Overlooked Assets
Unusual spending patterns, unexplained cash withdrawals, or sudden changes in account balances may warrant closer examination. A lawyer can help trace funds, identify commingled assets, and determine whether property claimed as separate is actually marital under Florida law. In higher-asset cases, financial experts or forensic accountants may be engaged to analyze complex holdings or business interests.
It is not unusual for spouses to have unequal awareness of marital finances. In some marriages, one partner handles the household bills while the other manages long-term planning, such as investments, retirement accounts, or business interests. Separate bank accounts or credit cards may have been opened for convenience or employment purposes, gradually reducing transparency. Investments, stock options, cryptocurrency, or side businesses can also be overlooked if they were never openly discussed.
Additionally, financial complexity increases over time. Retirement plans, deferred compensation, real estate holdings, and tax strategies can evolve quietly, especially if one spouse regularly meets with financial advisors or accountants alone. In more contentious divorces, a spouse may intentionally withhold or minimize financial information to influence settlement negotiations.
Attempting to uncover financial information alone can be overwhelming and risky. An experienced Orlando family lawyer has the talents you need, they understand how to enforce disclosure requirements and recognize red flags. In short, they know how to build a clear financial picture of the marriage.
Is it time for you to talk to an attorney about your family finances? With complete and accurate documentation, you are better positioned to negotiate (or litigate) a divorce settlement that reflects the true value of the marital estate and protects your long-term financial future. Connect with the family law attorneys at Donna Hung. Call 407-999-0099 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.
