Most divorces are amicable. Both couples understand that their marriage is over and are willing to work together to reach a divorce settlement. However, sometimes the spouses try to make things complicated, especially when they are angry.
Angry spouses will do anything to control and manipulate the divorce process. And this can happen to you which makes the process complicated and expensive. To help you out, here are some of the tricks they can use:
Conflicting out the best divorce attorneys
If you are getting divorced, you want to choose the best divorce lawyers. You hope that the attorney you hire is better than your spouse’s counsel. However, some spouses take things too far.
When a divorcing spouse speaks with an attorney, the lawyer may not represent the other spouse in the divorce. “Conflicting out” happens when one spouse schedules appointments with all of the top lawyers in the area.
In such a case, the attorney only offers enough information to establish an attorney-client relationship. This forbids you from hiring any of the lawyers. In such a case, you are left to either hire a less experienced attorney or find one from outside the area.
Conflicts of interest are unethical, and good lawyers oppose them. Your greatest defense is to contact an attorney as soon as you learn you are getting divorced. If you wait too long, your options may become limited.
Denying access to resources
In many families, one partner handles all financial affairs. If your spouse were in charge of the finances, they could take advantage of your inexperience.
They may close your credit card accounts, take money out of joint accounts, and make it impossible for you to get the funds you require to fulfill day-to-day obligations.
To be on the safe side, consult a lawyer if your ex is refusing you access to family cash.
Pressuring for a settlement
Some spouses pressure for a rapid settlement. If your ex sent you a settlement proposal early in the divorce proceedings, he may have something to hide.
You may be ready for a settlement, but do not sign the deal until you and your attorney have reviewed all of your financial paperwork. Your ex may be hiding assets that could significantly impact your future.
Stalling the process
If your spouse is furious or opposed to the divorce, they may prolong the process to increase your legal bills. Rescheduling court sessions, ignoring requests, filing unnecessary motions, and demanding evidence can all cause divorce processes to drag on for a year or more. And you don’t want this, do you?
Your ex expects that when you run out of money, you will be more likely to accept their terms. If you feel that your ex-spouse is dragging the process, you should talk to your attorney. Your lawyer will file a discovery motion to help move your divorce forward.
Hiding assets
If you are unfamiliar with your family’s finances, your ex may be able to relocate and conceal assets without your notice. This is unethical and unlawful, yet commonplace.
Spouses may keep money in separate accounts or overpay bills in the expectation of receiving it after the divorce.
There are numerous ways your ex can use to conceal money. If you feel your spouse is hiding assets, consult with your attorney about the benefits of employing a forensic accountant for your divorce.
Sabotaging the family business
If you, as a couple, own a business together, your partner may try to destroy the company’s worth by mismanaging it, fabricating fraudulent financial records, or diverting funds to gain an edge in the asset split.
To avoid this, maintain an active role in the family business and keep precise records of its performance and financial transactions. If you feel your spouse is destroying the business, speak with an attorney.
Consider employing a forensic accountant or business valuation specialist to evaluate the situation. If sabotage is confirmed, the court may change the asset distribution and hold the culpable spouse accountable for their conduct.
Intentionally incurring debt
A spouse may purposefully incur debt throughout the divorce process. For example, they may take out loans or make substantial purchases on credit to burden the other party with a share of the debt during the settlement process.
To avoid being caught unaware, keep a watchful eye on your joint accounts and credit reports for any unexpected behavior. If you observe your spouse accruing additional debt, speak with your attorney, who will help you avoid being unfairly burdened with these new commitments.
Remember to bring up any debt in court. When splitting obligations in a divorce, the court may consider the timing and purpose of the debt. Remember that you don’t have to carry a burden that you didn’t contribute to making.
Hiding income
During a divorce, a spouse may try to conceal their actual income to reduce financial obligations, such as child support or spousal support (alimony).
This can take many forms, including failing to declare cash earnings, delaying bonuses or commissions, or even fabricating business expenses to lower their taxable income.
To counter this tactic, you should obtain financial documents that show your spouse’s income, such as pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements. Look for discrepancies or inexplicable variations in their earnings.
You might even engage a forensic accountant to help you identify hidden income sources. If it is determined that your spouse has been concealing money, they may face legal sanctions, and the court may change support payments to reflect their actual income.
Parting shot
These are some of the ways a controlling spouse may try to manipulate the divorce process. To have an easy time, you must work with experienced divorce lawyers Fairfax VA and let them take control of the case.
Sure, there is some prep work you can do to save money and make their job easier, but allow your lawyer to design a case plan in conjunction with you.
They can even speak on your behalf to avoid potentially harmful conversations and defend your legal rights. Giving up control to someone who understands how to navigate turbulent waters might keep you in a position of power. And this is what you want, isn’t it?
