Fraudulent conveyance refers to the illegal transfer of assets from one party to another with the intention of depriving creditors of their legitimate claims. A transfer of assets can be made in various forms, such as gifts, sales or other arrangements that may not seem suspicious on the surface but are actually acts of fraud because of the circumstances and intent surrounding the situation.
Fraudulent conveyance is a serious offense that is punishable by law. The laws governing fraudulent conveyance are generally designed to protect creditors from unscrupulous debtors who attempt to shield their assets from collection efforts. Serious legal issues can arise if someone tries to hide assets when they know those assets may be claimed to satisfy debts.
Intent must be present
One of the key elements of a fraudulent conveyance is the intention to defraud creditors, which means the transfer of assets must be made with the specific purpose of avoiding the payment of legitimate debts. If a court determines that a transfer of assets was made with fraudulent intent, the transfer can be declared null and void.
Proving fraudulent conveyance can be complex
To prove fraudulent conveyance, a creditor must show that the transfer of assets was made when the debtor was insolvent or was about to become insolvent. The creditor must also demonstrate that the transfer of assets was made without receiving fair consideration in exchange. In addition, the creditor must prove that the transfer of assets was made with the intent to hinder, delay or defraud creditors.
Various transaction types are included
Fraudulent conveyance can take place in many different contexts, including business transactions, personal financial dealings and estate planning. It is important for individuals and businesses to be aware of the laws governing fraudulent conveyance and to avoid engaging in any activities that could be construed as fraudulent.
Whether you’re the person being accused of fraudulent conveyance or the creditor who’s the victim, learning your options is crucial. Determining how to proceed early in the case is beneficial since some options might be time sensitive. It may behoove you to work with a legal professional who’s familiar with these matters.
