Introduction
In any divorce, accurate financial disclosure is critical. Florida law requires both parties to submit full, honest statements of income, assets, and debts during the discovery process. Yet, in many high-conflict or high-asset divorces, one spouse may attempt to conceal wealth in order to skew alimony, child support, or equitable distribution outcomes. When traditional discovery methods fail to reveal the full financial picture, hiring a private investigator (PI) may be a strategic and effective step toward uncovering hidden assets.
Private investigators possess the tools, licenses, and training necessary to find what one party may be trying to hide. From bank accounts and real estate holdings to offshore entities and concealed income streams, PIs bring investigative techniques that complement and strengthen legal discovery. While PIs cannot compel testimony or serve subpoenas like attorneys can, they often uncover evidence that prompts the court to act or triggers productive settlement negotiations.
A Tampa divorce lawyer experienced in asset concealment cases will know when to bring a private investigator into the process, how to coordinate efforts legally, and how to use the findings in court. This article explores the role of private investigators in divorce asset discovery, how they work with legal teams, what they can and cannot do, and how Tampa clients benefit from combining legal and investigative strategy.
Why Hidden Assets Are a Concern in Tampa Divorces
Florida follows the principle of equitable distribution under §61.075 of the Florida Statutes. This means that marital assets must be divided fairly—but not necessarily equally—based on factors such as the length of the marriage, the parties’ contributions, and their economic circumstances. If one party hides income or assets, the court cannot divide the estate equitably.
Common reasons for concealing assets include:
- Protecting business interests from division
- Reducing apparent income to avoid spousal or child support
- Hiding money in anticipation of divorce
- Preventing a spouse from accessing liquid assets
- Punishing the other spouse emotionally or financially
In Tampa, where many divorces involve family-owned businesses, investment portfolios, and real estate, concealment efforts are common. A Tampa divorce lawyer who recognizes red flags early can bring in a private investigator to uncover vital information before it’s too late.
What Can a Private Investigator Do in a Divorce Case?
Private investigators are licensed professionals who conduct discreet and legal inquiries into a person’s financial, personal, or professional life. In the context of divorce, their services may include:
- Locating hidden bank or investment accounts
- Investigating real estate ownership and transfers
- Identifying vehicles, boats, or aircraft not disclosed in discovery
- Reviewing lifestyle habits inconsistent with claimed income
- Tracing business revenue or side income
- Monitoring cash-heavy businesses
- Examining online activity and digital footprints
- Performing surveillance to document spending, travel, or unreported work
Private investigators gather evidence that can be used to compel disclosures, support motions for sanctions, or bolster credibility during litigation. A Tampa divorce lawyer will integrate the investigator’s findings into formal discovery and court filings.
How Private Investigators Find Hidden Assets
- Public Records Searches
PIs have access to public and proprietary databases that may reveal:
- Real estate holdings in Florida or other states
- Property transfers between family members or shell companies
- Business registrations and ownership interests
- Vehicle and watercraft ownership records
- UCC filings showing liens on valuable assets
These records are often overlooked in basic discovery. A Tampa divorce lawyer may use a PI’s findings to request specific documentation from the opposing party or subpoena financial institutions directly.
- Bank Account Tracing
While PIs cannot access bank accounts without a subpoena, they can identify financial institutions used by the other spouse through:
- Transaction patterns
- Bank-branded envelopes, cards, or statements found during surveillance
- Observing bank visits or ATM use
This intelligence allows the Tampa divorce lawyer to issue targeted subpoenas instead of conducting broad, costly document requests.
- Digital and Social Media Investigations
Many individuals share financial or lifestyle information on social media—often unaware of the consequences. A PI can collect posts, photos, and check-ins showing:
- Vacation destinations
- Luxury purchases
- Undisclosed employment
- New vehicles or properties
A Tampa divorce lawyer can use this evidence to show that a spouse’s declared income is inconsistent with their actual lifestyle, supporting a claim for imputed income or sanctions.
- Business and Employment Verification
Some spouses claim they are unemployed or underemployed to avoid paying support. A PI can:
- Monitor the spouse’s business location
- Interview employees or customers (legally and discreetly)
- Document regular hours or job duties
- Obtain visual proof of ongoing employment
A Tampa divorce lawyer can present this information to the court as part of a motion to impute income or modify support.
Legal Limits on Private Investigators in Florida
While private investigators have broad access to information, they are still subject to state and federal laws. They cannot:
- Wiretap phones or intercept electronic communications
- Hack into email or financial accounts
- Enter private property without permission
- Use GPS tracking devices without consent or legal authorization
- Misrepresent themselves as law enforcement or government officials
Any evidence obtained illegally is likely inadmissible in court and may harm the credibility of your case. A Tampa divorce lawyer will ensure that all investigative methods comply with Florida law and ethical standards.
Signs That a Spouse May Be Hiding Assets
A Tampa divorce lawyer will often look for behavioral and financial signs that suggest asset concealment. These may include:
- A sudden decline in reported income
- Unexplained business losses
- Overpayment of taxes or debts to create future refunds
- Loaning money to friends or family without expectation of repayment
- Creating new business entities or trusts
- Making large purchases with cash
- Using cryptocurrency or offshore accounts
- Withdrawing cash in small amounts over time (structuring)
When these red flags appear, it may be time to retain a private investigator. Their report can guide the discovery process and reveal avenues for further inquiry.
Working With a Tampa Divorce Lawyer and Private Investigator
The collaboration between a Tampa divorce lawyer and a private investigator is critical for effective results. Typically, the process includes:
- Initial Case Review
The attorney and PI review the financial disclosures, identify inconsistencies, and discuss the client’s concerns. This step determines what information is needed and what tools the investigator will use.
- Scope of Investigation
The Tampa divorce lawyer outlines the investigator’s role, objectives, and legal boundaries. The PI may be asked to locate hidden accounts, verify employment, or identify undisclosed assets.
- Ongoing Communication
The lawyer and investigator stay in close contact. As information is uncovered, the attorney may issue subpoenas, request production, or schedule depositions to verify findings.
- Use of Evidence in Court
The PI’s written reports, photographs, or witness testimony can be introduced as part of motions, hearings, or trials. The Tampa divorce lawyer ensures the evidence is properly authenticated and admissible.
- Preserving Confidentiality
To maintain attorney-client privilege and avoid improper disclosures, the investigator typically works under the direction of the attorney—not the client directly.
Real-World Scenario #1: Undisclosed Real Estate Holdings
A spouse in Tampa claimed to have no significant assets outside the marital home. Financial affidavits were sparse. The client suspected otherwise. A private investigator hired by the Tampa divorce lawyer conducted property searches and discovered two rental homes in Pinellas County titled under an LLC created by the spouse just before filing.
These properties were never disclosed and generated over $3,500 in monthly rental income. The attorney filed a motion to compel, added the properties to the marital estate, and secured a favorable distribution.
Real-World Scenario #2: Suspicious Business Decline
A dentist undergoing divorce suddenly reported a steep drop in income. His Schedule C filings showed mounting business losses. A private investigator was retained to observe the clinic. Surveillance revealed consistent patient traffic and unreported after-hours appointments paid in cash.
A Tampa divorce lawyer used the evidence to challenge the income figures and persuaded the court to impute income based on historical averages, resulting in higher support and a more equitable settlement.
Real-World Scenario #3: Concealed Overseas Accounts
A high-net-worth spouse had worked abroad prior to marriage. During divorce, he denied holding any foreign assets. A private investigator with experience in international databases discovered that the spouse had a bank account in Singapore receiving quarterly dividends.
The Tampa divorce lawyer used this discovery to subpoena account records and uncover more than $200,000 in unreported foreign investments.
Costs and Considerations When Hiring a Private Investigator
The cost of hiring a private investigator in Tampa varies based on:
- Scope of investigation
- Complexity of financial assets
- Time required for surveillance
- Use of specialized tools or databases
Most PIs charge hourly rates ranging from $75 to $200, with retainers required in advance. While this may seem high, the value of uncovering a hidden bank account, foreign real estate, or concealed income can far exceed the cost of the investigation.
A Tampa divorce lawyer will help the client assess whether the likely recovery or legal leverage justifies the expense.
Private Investigators vs. Forensic Accountants
Private investigators and forensic accountants both help uncover financial misconduct, but they serve different functions:
- A forensic accountant analyzes tax returns, ledgers, and business records to identify patterns and inconsistencies.
- A private investigator gathers external, real-world evidence—surveillance, interviews, social media findings, and asset tracing.
In high-asset divorces, both may be retained. A Tampa divorce lawyer will coordinate their efforts to ensure maximum efficiency and evidentiary value.
Preventive Use of Private Investigators
Even before divorce is filed, PIs can help clients:
- Verify whether a spouse is preparing to hide assets
- Document transfers or withdrawals from accounts
- Identify financial behavior that may indicate fraud
- Build leverage for settlement negotiations
A Tampa divorce lawyer may suggest hiring a private investigator before litigation begins to get a head start on discovery and strategy.
FAQ: Hiring a Private Investigator for Divorce Asset Discovery
Can a private investigator find hidden bank accounts?
They can identify likely financial institutions and patterns, allowing your Tampa divorce lawyer to issue subpoenas. PIs cannot directly access account balances.
Is it legal to use a private investigator in a divorce case?
Yes, as long as the investigator follows all applicable state and federal laws. Your lawyer will ensure that the investigation is conducted legally.
What types of hidden assets can a PI uncover?
Real estate, vehicles, business interests, offshore accounts, undeclared income, and digital footprints of spending behavior.
Do I need a PI if I already have an attorney?
In complex or high-conflict cases, yes. PIs gather evidence that complements legal discovery and strengthens your case.
How much does a private investigator cost?
Most charge hourly rates between $75 and $200. Complex investigations may require larger retainers or ongoing billing.
Can a PI testify in court?
Yes. Investigators may serve as fact witnesses to explain how they found the evidence or document what they observed.
Will hiring a PI invade my spouse’s privacy?
A professional PI operates within legal limits. They do not trespass, hack, or impersonate. Your Tampa divorce lawyer ensures ethical practices.
What’s the difference between a PI and a forensic accountant?
PIs investigate external behaviors and assets. Forensic accountants analyze financial documents for inconsistencies or hidden patterns.
Should I tell my spouse that I hired a PI?
Usually not. The value of a private investigation lies in discretion and surprise. Your attorney will determine the right time to disclose findings.
What if the PI doesn’t find anything?
Even that result has value. It confirms full disclosure—or allows your Tampa divorce lawyer to move forward confidently without fear of hidden assets.
Hiring a private investigator is not a sign of paranoia—it’s a strategic step in high-stakes Tampa divorce cases where full financial disclosure is in question. When one party is determined to hide assets or minimize obligations, a private investigator’s findings can provide the missing link between suspicion and proof. A Tampa divorce lawyer who knows how to work with investigators will ensure that any evidence obtained is admissible, persuasive, and used to secure the best possible outcome for the client. In matters of hidden wealth, professional investigation is often the difference between suspicion—and justice.
The McKinney Law Group: Divorce Lawyers Tampa Families Can Rely On
When divorce affects your family, your finances, and your future, you need more than basic legal advice—you need a team that understands your goals. The McKinney Law Group provides Tampa clients with legal guidance that is thoughtful, effective, and focused.
We assist with:
✔ Filing for divorce and understanding your rights
✔ Handling high-conflict custody and support issues
✔ Dividing complex marital estates, including businesses
✔ Pursuing settlement or trial based on your needs
✔ Adjusting legal orders when life circumstances shift
Contact our office at 813-428-3400 or email [email protected].