Tracing assets hidden abroad in divorce ======================================= In financial remedy proceedings in England and Wales, both parties are legally obliged to provide complete disclosure of their financial resources, including assets held overseas. Unfortunately, many people believe they can hide assets from the court to prevent their spouses from receiving their fair share. Offshore assets in particular are seen by non-compliant spouses as the best way to conceal their wealth. Tracing assets across international borders can be difficult, especially when offshore jurisdictions are utilised. But with diligent research and the utilisation of a wide range of publicly available information, it can be possible to put together a full picture of complicated wealth structures. Vardags is the only family law firm with a dedicated, in-house [Financial Forensics](https://vardags.com/financial-forensics) department. Our specialist team are experts in the tracing, valuation and forensic review of assets, including those held abroad. **If you're considering or going through a divorce, click below for a free initial consultation with one of our expert divorce solicitors.** [BOOK FREE CONSULTATION](https://vardags.com/contact "BOOK FREE CONSULTATION") What to do if you suspect your spouse has hidden assets abroad -------------------------------------------------------------- If you suspect your spouse has hidden assets abroad and you are considering or in the process of divorce, it is crucial to seek specialist legal advice as soon as possible. In these cases, time is of the essence. If you are already going through a divorce, or your spouse suspects that you may file for divorce, they may attempt to put assets out of your reach by moving them abroad. You will need a divorce lawyer who is experienced in outmaneuvering non-complaint spouses and handling complex cases with cross-border assets. The family court views non-disclosure poorly, and fortunately there are legal remedies available to tackle such deceptive behaviour. For example, our team can obtain a [freezing order](https://vardags.com/law-guide/financial-proceedings/freezing-order)to prevent your spouse from transferring assets abroad. For assets already held offshore, our lawyers work with our specialist [Financial Forensic](https://vardags.com/financial-forensics) apartment to value and uncover hidden assets. [Sanctions from the court](https://vardags.com/law-guide/financial-proceedings/challenging-non-disclosure-in-divorce) can be sought to penalise non-disclosure and obtain compliance. Tracing assets in different jurisdictions ----------------------------------------- The complexity of tracing overseas assets will depend on the jurisdiction where they are held. Different countries provide various levels of transparency or secrecy with clients' bank accounts and assets, and parties may have assets in more than one overseas jurisdiction. ### How can I find my partner's assets in France? Like many European countries, France offers a relatively high degree of transparency when it comes to investigating assets and business holdings. Registries of company ownership and land ownership are publicly accessible, making it quite simple to trace how companies are owned. Though it is always difficult to find out who ultimately owns the beneficial interest in a company, the amount of information available will help Vardags' in-house commercial team uncover assets which may be hidden in or through France. ### How can I find my partner's assets in the BVI? As an off-shore jurisdiction, the BVI markets itself on the high degree of secrecy it offers investors and businesses. Companies in the BVI are not required to produce public accounts or who the true owners are. Within the BVI, however, it may be possible to obtain orders for the search and seizure of documents, or for the disclosure of documents. Vardags in-house [corporate team](https://vardags.com/contact/consultation) are used to working with off-shore jurisdictions and finding legal and effective ways to trace assets through such bastions of corporate secrecy. ### How can I find my partner's assets in the Cayman Islands? The Cayman Islands apply strict rules of confidentiality to most types of asset class held on the islands. The information which can be found about companies is very limited, and it is very hard to trace the ultimate beneficial owners of assets. Vardags in-house corporate team has significant experience in dealing with tracing assets through areas like the Cayman Islands, and can use a number of techniques to find, legally and effectively, further details and disclosure from such companies. ### How can I find my partner's assets in Australia? Australia has a large degree of corporate transparency, making it possible to trace assets there easily. A large amount of information on assets is available from the corporate and land registries. ### How can I find my partner's assets in the USA? Though rules about disclosure vary from state to state, the United States is one of the most transparent jurisdictions in the world for corporate and property information. This publicly available information can be utilized in divorce proceedings to trace assets and ensure that the court have a full financial picture. In addition, due to the level of extra-territorial control the US government has over its currency, it may be possible to trace dollar denominated transactions around the world. Applications in the US courts can therefore be utilized to trace assets internationally in certain circumstances. *Vardags' team of top international divorce lawyers delivers bespoke legal services to [HNW and UHNW](https://vardags.com/law-guide/high-net-worth) clients, including those with connections to [Switzerland](https://vardags.com/team/specialist-divorce-lawyers/swiss-desk), [Dubai](https://vardags.com/team/specialist-divorce-lawyers/dubai-desk), [France](https://vardags.com/team/specialist-divorce-lawyers/french-desk), [British Virgin Islands](https://vardags.com/team/specialist-divorce-lawyers/bvi-desk), [Cayman Islands](https://vardags.com/team/specialist-divorce-lawyers/cayman-islands-desk), and [Australia](https://vardags.com/team/specialist-divorce-lawyers/australia-desk).* About Us -------- Ayesha VardagFounder & President "A DIVORCE LAWYER WIDELY REGARDED AS ONE OF THE WORLD'S BEST" The Metro Vardags offer a unique approach to the law, specially tailored to the needs of HNW individuals. We offer City-quality representation for your divorce and family law needs. Our lawyers come from the very best universities and receive the very best training - they are determined, diligent, and dedicated to getting the best outcome... [read more](https://vardags.com/about-us) [BOOK FREE CONSULTATION](https://vardags.com/contact) OUR FOREIGN DESKS ----------------- Our foreign desks are comprised of top multi-lingual lawyers, with a network of international contacts. [Australia Desk](https://vardags.com/international/australia "Australia Desk") [Bahrain Desk](https://vardags.com/international/bahrain "Bahrain Desk") [BVI Desk](https://vardags.com/international/bvi "BVI Desk") [Belgium Desk](https://vardags.com/international/belgium "Belgium Desk") [Bermuda Desk](https://vardags.com/international/bermuda "Bermuda Desk") [Canada Desk](https://vardags.com/international/canada "Canada Desk") [Cayman Islands Desk](https://vardags.com/international/cayman-islands "Cayman Islands Desk") [China Desk](https://vardags.com/international/china "China Desk") [Dubai (UAE) Desk](https://vardags.com/international/dubai "Dubai (UAE) Desk") [France Desk](https://vardags.com/international/france "France Desk") [Germany Desk](https://vardags.com/international/germany "Germany Desk") [Gibraltar Desk](https://vardags.com/international/gibraltar "Gibraltar Desk") [Greece Desk](https://vardags.com/international/greece "Greece Desk") [Guernsey Desk](https://vardags.com/international/guernsey "Guernsey Desk") [Hong Kong Desk](https://vardags.com/international/hong-kong "Hong Kong Desk") [India Desk](https://vardags.com/international/india "India Desk") [Italy Desk](https://vardags.com/international/italy "Italy Desk") [Jersey Desk](https://vardags.com/international/jersey "Jersey Desk") [Kuwait Desk](https://vardags.com/international/kuwait "Kuwait Desk") [Republic of Ireland Desk](https://vardags.com/international/republic-of-ireland "Republic of Ireland Desk") [Liechtenstein Desk](https://vardags.com/international/liechtenstein "Liechtenstein Desk") [Luxembourg Desk](https://vardags.com/international/luxembourg "Luxembourg Desk") [Malaysia Desk](https://vardags.com/international/malaysia "Malaysia Desk") [Malta Desk](https://vardags.com/international/malta "Malta Desk") [Mauritius Desk](https://vardags.com/international/mauritius "Mauritius Desk") [Monaco Desk](https://vardags.com/international/monaco "Monaco Desk") [Netherlands Desk](https://vardags.com/international/netherlands "Netherlands Desk") [New Zealand Desk](https://vardags.com/international/new-zealand "New Zealand Desk") [Oman Desk](https://vardags.com/international/oman "Oman Desk") [Russia Desk](https://vardags.com/international/russia "Russia Desk") [United States of America Desk](https://vardags.com/international/united-states-america "United States of America Desk") [Portugal Desk](https://vardags.com/international/portugal "Portugal Desk") [Poland Desk](https://vardags.com/international/poland "Poland Desk") [Qatar Desk](https://vardags.com/international/qatar "Qatar Desk") [Saudi Arabia Desk](https://vardags.com/international/saudi-arabia "Saudi Arabia Desk") [Scotland Desk](https://vardags.com/international/scotland "Scotland Desk") [Singapore Desk](https://vardags.com/international/singapore "Singapore Desk") [South Africa Desk](https://vardags.com/international/south-africa "South Africa Desk") [Spain Desk](https://vardags.com/international/spain "Spain Desk") [Switzerland Desk](https://vardags.com/international/switzerland "Switzerland Desk") Related Reads ------------- ### Asset tracing: A cat and mouse game Following the conclusion of the long running case of Young v Young, Catherine Thomas, who... [READ MORE](https://vardags.com/posts/asset-tracing-cat-mouse-game "Asset tracing: A cat and mouse game") Related Guides -------------- [Enforcing orders against international assets in divorce](https://vardags.com/law-guide/claiming-jurisdiction/enforcing-international-assets "Enforcing orders against international assets in divorce") [English pensions and international divorce](https://vardags.com/law-guide/claiming-jurisdiction/english-pensions-international-divorce "English pensions and international divorce") Glossary Reference ------------------ ### Disclosure The provision of information. In financial remedy proceedings, parties are required to disclose evidence of their financial circumstances. The information on this website is intended as a guide and does not constitute legal advice. Vardags do not accept liability for any errors in the information on this website, nor any losses stemming from reliance upon the statements made herein. All articles and pages aim to reflect the legal position at time they were published, and may have been rendered obsolete by subsequent developments in the law. Should you require specialist advice, tailored to your situation, please see how Vardags can help you. What our clients say -------------------- Vardags were outstanding throughout my divorce. They were incredibly supportive from the very first meeting & when my mother passed away a month into the proceedings they were so kind & understanding. Amanda Allen Your care throughout was amazing. Christina Wolff Vardags is among the most effective, efficient, and successful group of solicitors I have encountered. They sit at the top table of skill and innovation in family law. They were remarkably caring and attentive to me during a... difficult period. When my position looked bleak, they protected me with a creative defense based upon legal precedent which I never imagined existed under English law. Thanks to their tireless efforts, I walk away from this episode free to move on with both my career and my life in peace. You may find good or even great lawyers, but based on my personal experience, they are the best. Cliff Krause I cannot thank Gareth, Kate, Claire and all the team at Vardags enough for their excellent expertise and professional approach to my divorce case. They have helped me reach a successful conclusion to a process to which I could... see no end. The last three years have been the most traumatic of my life. Their calm and thorough approach and attention to detail reassured me that I was in the best capable hands.They gave me realistic expectations but yet exceeded them. They have definitely lived up to their name of being a top divorce and family law firm. S. Gasparini The team who supported my case at Vardags over several months, led by Nikki Hale (Senior Associate), were outstanding. Nikki navigated me through unchartered territory with expert counsel. It was a blend of confidence, honesty... and objectivity with my best interests always in mind. Further to the professional qualities Nikki and her team possess, they were so personable and I felt they really appreciated and considered any emotional or sensitive matters. I have since recommended Niki and Vardags to friends which is the greatest compliment I can pay. Philip Rogers What should have been the worst year of my life was resurrected by this firm. The Manchester based team of Anne-Marie Bradley and Kate Taylor were exceptional. They treat you as a human being rather than a client. I can't thank... them enough for all their expertise, choice of barrister and expert witness. If I am ever unlucky enough to repeat this horrible episode, they will be my first port of call. Can't recommend these two enough. Mark Gallagher OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM ------------------- [### Ayesha Vardag](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/ayesha-vardag "Ayesha Vardag Founder & President Divorce & Family") [### Stephen Bence](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/stephen-bence "Stephen Bence Vardags CEO") [### David Lister](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/david-lister "David Lister") [Founder & President](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/ayesha-vardag "Ayesha Vardag Founder & President Divorce & Family") [Chief Executive Officer](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/stephen-bence "Stephen Bence Vardags CEO") [Senior Partner and Head of London Family - Divorce & Family](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/david-lister "David Lister") [### Ayesha Vardag Founder & President ](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/ayesha-vardag "Ayesha Vardag Founder & President Divorce & Family")"Ayesha Vardag - Britain's top divorce lawyer." The Telegraph [### Stephen Bence Chief Executive Officer](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/stephen-bence "Stephen Bence Vardags CEO")"Dr Stephen Bence is a financial genius." Lewis Marks KC [### David Lister Senior Partner and Head of London Family - Divorce & Family ](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/david-lister "David Lister")"Brilliant with a real spark which clients love" Legal 500 [Meet the rest of the team](https://vardags.com/team) [Vardags climbs ranks of UK's biggest firms in The Lawyer's UK 200](https://vardags.com/posts/vardags-london-climbs-ranks-of-uks-biggest-firms-in-the-lawyers-uk-200)