Divorce in a Financially Abusive Marriage

If you are in a financially abusive situation with your spouse, it can be hard to know what to do or who to turn to. While leaving the situation may seem like the obvious answer, divorcing a financially abusive partner can be challenging due to the controlling nature of the relationship.

If you are dealing with a financially abusive spouse, reach out to a dedicated divorce lawyer right away. A skilled attorney can help you demonstrate the abuse, protect your finances, and plan for your economic future.

Recognizing Financial Abuse

The first and most important step is recognizing the nature of the situation. There are certain signs to look out for that indicate that a spouse might be financially abusive.

Financially abusive spouses often demand that a partner does not work or finish their education and may restrict them from accessing finances or opening their own bank account. A financially abusive person may take their partner’s paychecks, preventing them from accessing the money. Asking for specific proof of how a spouse spends their money is also a sign of a financially abusive partner. In extreme cases, a financially abusive spouse might acquire debt on a shared credit card or take actions to lower the credit score of their partner so that their partner cannot access credit in the future.

Once you recognize that your spouse may be financially abusive, the next step is to consult with a divorce attorney to go over your options. It is critical to remember that abuse can continue during the divorce proceedings; so it is wise to move all of your assets to a safe location or account as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand your options for separation, asset division, child custody, and more.

Can I Recover Losses Caused by Financial Abuse?

Generally, it can be tricky to recover the losses incurred during the marriage as a result of financial abuse. In many cases, these assets are considered to be marital property and belong to both partners. If spouses have a prenuptial agreement that specifies the ownership of money acquired during the marriage, or if the money was acquired before the marriage, these are exceptions to marital property. Establishing that a spouse was financially abusive can help get you what is rightfully yours.

Your attorney can help prove financial abuse by retrieving the necessary documents, including tax returns, bank account information, car titles, and more. This evidence can help establish that your partner is not entitled to or entitled to a lesser share of your assets to attempt to make you whole.

Speak with a Dedicated Attorney About Financial Abuse

Being stuck in a financially abusive marriage can be difficult, and it may feel like you have no options or way out. Fortunately, you do not have to take this on alone. An experienced attorney at Moskowitz Law Group can help you pursue a divorce and recoup what you lost. Call today to set up a free case evaluation with a member of our team.