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Divorce is never simple, and the process can become even more stressful when one spouse refuses to provide financial disclosure. In Rhode Island, both parties are required by law to be honest and transparent about their assets, debts, income, and expenses. Without accurate financial information, the court cannot make fair decisions about child support, spousal support, or property division.
At The Law Office of Brett V. Beaubien, LLC, Attorney Beaubien helps clients protect their rights when financial disclosure becomes an issue. Whether your spouse is hiding assets, delaying the discovery process, or refusing to turn over financial records, Attorney Beaubien provides direct representation to ensure you receive the information you need for a fair outcome.
About The Law Office of Brett V. Beaubien, LLC
Located in Providence, Rhode Island, The Law Office of Brett V. Beaubien, LLC represents clients in family law, criminal defense, and appeals across Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Known for his personalized service, attention to detail, and client-focused representation, Attorney Beaubien helps clients resolve complex family law matters with clarity and care.
The Importance of Financial Disclosure in Divorce
Every divorce involves questions about money: who owns what, who owes what, and how those assets and debts should be divided. Rhode Island is an equitable distribution state, meaning the court divides marital property in a way it considers fair. To do that, both spouses must provide complete and accurate financial statements.
These documents typically include:
- Tax returns
- Pay stubs and income records
- Bank accounts and account statements
- Retirement accounts and pensions
- Loan applications and credit card balances
- Real estate holdings, including the marital home
- Business interests or substantial assets acquired during the marriage
Without full disclosure, the court cannot properly assess the couple’s financial situation or determine a fair division of assets for each party.
Legal Obligations for Spouses in Rhode Island
Under Rhode Island law, both parties have a legal obligation to provide financial disclosure during divorce proceedings. This includes not only assets and debts, but also income, expenses, and other relevant financial information.
The financial disclosure requirements are designed to protect both spouses, especially dependent spouses who may rely on child support or spousal support. If one spouse withholds or misrepresents information, it can affect everything from property division to support payments.
The court takes these disclosure obligations seriously. A spouse who refuses to comply can face serious consequences.
Steps to Take if Your Spouse Refuses to Disclose
If your spouse fails to provide the required financial records, there are several legal steps you can take to protect yourself:
Discovery Requests
Your attorney can serve formal discovery requests, which require the opposing spouse to turn over specific financial documents, such as tax returns, bank accounts, and retirement accounts.
Subpoenas
If your spouse ignores discovery requests, your lawyer can issue subpoenas to third parties such as banks, employers, or even family members to obtain the necessary account statements and records.
Motions to Compel
If the other spouse continues to refuse, your attorney can file a motion with the Rhode Island Family Court asking the judge to order disclosure.
Hire Forensic Accountants
In cases involving substantial assets or suspected hidden assets, forensic accountants may be used to track money through other accounts, loan applications, or investments.
Taking these steps ensures that you have the evidence necessary to make informed decisions during the divorce process.
Potential Legal Consequences for Non-Disclosure
When a spouse refuses to comply with financial disclosure requirements, the court has the authority to impose sanctions. These may include:
- Ordering the noncompliant spouse to pay legal fees for the other party.
- Issuing penalties or fines.
- Holding the spouse in contempt of court.
- Awarding a larger share of marital property to the compliant spouse as a remedy for the misconduct.
In extreme cases, if the court determines that one party deliberately attempted to deceive the other by hiding assets, it may reopen the case even after a divorce decree has been issued. Rhode Island courts take financial misconduct seriously because it undermines the integrity of the divorce process.
Judicial Remedies: How the Court Can Intervene
When disputes over financial disclosure reach the courtroom, the family court judge has several tools to resolve the issue:
- Compelling Disclosure: The judge can issue an order requiring the spouse to produce the requested documents.
- Adverse Inference: If one spouse fails to provide disclosure, the court may assume the missing information would have been unfavorable to that party.
- Property Division Adjustments: The court may award a greater share of the marital assets to the spouse who complied with the matrimonial obligations.
- Support Adjustments: Refusal to disclose income can lead to assumptions about earning capacity when calculating child support or spousal support.
These judicial remedies protect the best interests of children and ensure that both spouses receive a fair share of the marital estate.
The Role of Legal Counsel in Enforcing Financial Disclosure
Enforcing financial disclosure requirements can be a complex and stressful process. An experienced divorce attorney is essential for navigating the discovery process, filing motions, and presenting evidence to the court.
Attorney Brett Beaubien helps clients by:
- Filing timely discovery requests and subpoenas.
- Using investigators or forensic accountants when necessary to find hidden assets.
- Presenting arguments in family court to ensure compliance.
- Protecting dependent spouses who need financial support to care for children.
- Ensuring that marital property and separate property are properly classified.
With his hands-on approach, clients can be confident that their case is being handled with diligence and attention to detail.
How The Law Office of Brett V. Beaubien Assists Clients
As a Rhode Island divorce lawyer, Attorney Beaubien provides direct, personalized representation in cases involving financial disclosure disputes. Clients trust him because he:
- Works directly with each client, no associates or case managers.
- Provides clear explanations of Rhode Island law and court procedures.
- Develops strategic planning for uncovering assets and securing compliance.
- Advocates in court to protect clients’ rights and interests.
- Offers confidential consultations to help clients understand their options.
By combining legal knowledge with strong client service, Attorney Beaubien ensures that clients receive both practical solutions and determined advocacy in the courtroom.
Contact The Law Office of Brett V. Beaubien, LLC Today
If you are going through a divorce in Rhode Island and suspect that your spouse is hiding assets or refusing to provide required documentation, you don’t have to face the process alone.
Contact The Law Office of Brett V. Beaubien, LLC today to schedule a consultation. Attorney Beaubien will meet with you directly, review your case, and explain the best strategies for ensuring fair disclosure and protecting your financial future.
Categories: Rhode Island Laws
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