How to find hidden assets

Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2009 4:35 pm

Help, my grandfater is 88 and in a nursing home. We recently found out that his 2nd wife of 17s has perfected her gambling habit to the tune of 35,000 a year! she has maintained her seperate bank account all these years but is also listed my my grandfathers and is hording her money and spending his! How can i find out about hidden assets besides filing for a disolution of marriage?

Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2009 6:03 pm

You are going to get other responses as well, but I would say one quick and easy method would be to go through the trash. And don't laugh it off, it works. And although its generally legal, as always check local laws, I am NOT a lawyer. Despite what is said over and over again about guarding personal privacy, people continue to throw their personal information in the trash for anyone that might walk by to pickup. Keep it low key and you can do this over and over until you find what you need. Also remember it is trash, wear gloves and watch out for sharp objects.

Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2009 8:44 pm

justlogic is correct, garbage runs can be a valuable investigative tool. If you search the forum will should find additional info on this subject including reference to court decisions.
Your success depends on what type of assets you’re searching and if consciously hidden. Sometimes it takes professional assistance, a cause of action, subpoena, deposition and if your subject is resourceful the results may not be entirely fruitful. Consult an attorney who specializes in these types of matters

Posted: Tue Mar 03, 2009 3:21 am

WM,

There was a time when I was checking out hidden assets and I found out that the IRS has an entire department that investigates potential hidden assets. I believe that you can file a complaint without giving your name etc. They have access to records which are not usually available to the public, or in some cases, to professionals. You can just google IRS and navigate around - sorry I don't remember how I found it but it is there.

4myinfo

Posted: Tue Mar 03, 2009 4:18 am

Quote:

Help, my grandfater is 88 and in a nursing home. We recently found out that his 2nd wife of 17s has perfected her gambling habit to the tune of 35,000 a year! she has maintained her seperate bank account all these years but is also listed my my grandfathers and is hording her money and spending his! How can i find out about hidden assets besides filing for a disolution of marriage?

http://www.treas.gov/irs/ci/
"In support of the overall IRS Mission, Criminal Investigation serves the American public by investigating potential criminal violations of the Internal Revenue Code and related financial crimes in a manner that fosters confidence in the tax system and compliance with the law. While other federal agencies also have investigative jurisdiction for money laundering and some bank secrecy act violations, IRS is the only federal agency that can investigate potential criminal violations of the Internal Revenue Code."

4my is the above IRS site/info what you are referring too?
No doubt this family situation is a lot more convoluted than posted, however on face value I read a familiar family concern usually articulated by children when elderly and assets are involved.

Posted: Wed Mar 04, 2009 3:22 am

WM,
Yes, it is the IRS Criminal Investigation Unit, that's why you are a PI and I'm not : My understanding is that it is the Criminal Enforcement Arm of the IRS. Let's ask LM - he knows everything Wink

4myinfo

Posted: Wed Mar 04, 2009 4:20 pm

4my

I PM'd LM yesterday as you can imagine he's a busy young man helping other members. In another post he mentioned something about his new laptop freezing up. I've been told not releasing your CAP LOCK may cause this. Wink

case970 may want to look at lawman's sites and or PM him.

Posted: Fri Mar 06, 2009 7:28 pm

I have filed for the disolution of marriage on behalf of grandfather. We have reported the wife to the irs for false claims and r seeking innocent spouse relief. thank-you to everyone who responded. I was just trying to find out more info in case step gram reported false assets, I wanted to able to call her on the carpet

Posted: Fri Mar 06, 2009 8:48 pm

Case
Thank you for posting a follow up, no doubt there’s more to it than posted and I trust you’ve consulted an attorney who has a successful track record in these type of matters, you certainly don’t want it to come back and bite you in the rear. In your original post you state "We recently found out that his 2nd wife of 17s” Do you mean married 17 years, 17 years younger or?? I’ve looked into these types of situations numerous times and they can and usually do become complicated or worse particularly when marital property must be divided and potential inheritance is at stake. I’m particularly interested if IRS in fact investigates this matter or merely accepted your report, what is the nature of the false claims? If you will please keep us abreast and I hope you can resolve this matter.

watchman