The act of concealing assets during divorce proceedings involves strategically moving or hiding funds or property to prevent their inclusion in the marital estate, which is subject to division. For example, transferring funds to a separate, undisclosed account or underreporting income are actions that constitute concealing assets during a divorce.
The motivation behind concealing assets typically stems from a desire to retain a larger share of the marital estate than would be awarded through a fair and equitable distribution. Historically, such actions were often driven by power imbalances within the marriage, with the financially dominant spouse attempting to maintain control. However, the practice is fraught with legal and ethical implications, potentially leading to severe consequences if discovered.