That sounds like a very difficult situation. In Colorado, if you're facing financial constraints, you can file a 'Rose Motion' to request the court to order your higher-earning spouse to cover your attorney fees and expert costs associated with the divorce process. This legal provision aims to level the financial playing field between spouses during a divorce, ensuring you can adequately protect your interests. You can learn more about Rose motions in our article "Can Your Spouse Foot the Bill for Your Divorce Attorney?"
Furthermore, it's vital to be vigilant about the disclosure of all marital assets, especially given the financial behavior of your spouse. According to Colorado law, hiding assets during a divorce is illegal, and the courts can punish such behavior by reallocating the concealed assets or even holding the deceitful spouse in contempt of court. If discovered, the court might award you a greater portion of the marital assets. Additionally, there's a provision for revisiting asset division up to five years post-divorce if hidden assets are uncovered later on. This extends a window of opportunity to secure a fair share of all marital assets, promoting long-term financial stability for you and your children.
Because proving your spouse's income for determining alimony and child support might pose a challenge given their cash-based financial practices, I would recommend engaging a forensic accountant. They can delve into financial records, bank statements, and other relevant documents to establish an accurate picture of your spouse's financial standing.
To learn more about hidden assets, check out our article "10 Signs Your Spouse is Hiding Assets."