Going into a marriage, you don’t think about how it will end; even if you do, you’d like to believe it will be amicable and everyone involved will reach a fair settlement. Unfortunately, this is not often the reality when it comes to divorces. Emotions run high, tensions start to flare, and some people resort to deceitful, harmful tactics to get the upper hand in divorce proceedings. The consequences and effects of a divorce can be far-reaching by affecting your finances, family dynamic, and mental and emotional well-being. It can be devastating to see a spouse capable of such vindictiveness. While difficult to accept, it is important to be vigilant and protect yourself, your family, and your assets.
You are not alone when it comes to these sneaky tactics being used against you during a divorce, and there is support available for you while navigating through these difficult times. Here, we have gathered some sneaky tactics you should be aware of while going through a divorce and what you can do to counteract them.
Divorce Tactics To Be Aware Of
Hiding Income and Assets
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for one spouse to try hiding assets during proceedings to minimize their financial obligations. This can happen in numerous ways:
- Transferring money/assets to a separate family member
- Hiding away valuable items
- Not reporting cash income
- Making expensive purchases in someone else’s name
- Creating false debt/expenses
- Inaccurate income reports
- Creating fake business expenses
If you have a suspicion that your spouse may be trying to hide assets, you should seek out legal advice to take the necessary steps to guard your assets and make sure your rights are protected in court.
What You Can Do:
- Gather financial records of your spouse’s income (pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, etc.)
- Look for any inconsistencies or unexplained fluctuations in earnings
- Hire a forensic accountant to uncover hidden income sources
Purposely Delaying the Divorce Process
Delay tactics can be an attempt to buy time to gain more of an advantage or to wear you down in order to make you accept a less favorable outcome. Another motive could be because your spouse simply does not want a divorce. Regardless, delaying the divorce can be stressful as well as frustrating.
Stalling tactics might include:
- Refusal to sign paperwork
- Changing divorce lawyers frequently
- Refusing to communicate through texts, emails, or mail
- Making demands that are completely unreasonable
What You Can Do:
- Remain in open communication with your attorney
- Stay organized to expedite the process
- If your spouse still continues to stall, request the court to impose deadlines or sanctions due to their non-compliance.
Rushing for a Settlement
On the other end of the spectrum, another sneaky divorce tactic is to rush everything and quickly settle. Those who use this tactic may have something to hide and have the desire to secure the most favorable settlement for themselves. They may do this by falsifying a time constraint or rushing in order to let small details fall between the cracks.
What You Can Do:
- Have your attorney review the paperwork before signing
- Navigate the proceedings with your attorney so you are treated fairly with the settlement
Lying About or Intentionally Incurring Debt
Spouses may create fake debts or exaggerate existing debt to reduce their financial responsibilities during a settlement to make it appear like they have less disposable income than they do. They also may intentionally create larger debt by taking out loans or making large purchases to burden the other party with this debt.
What You Can Do:
- Request documentation for all claimed debt
- Verify the legitimacy of debts
- Keep an eye on joint accounts and credit reports for unusual activity
- Contact and discuss with your attorney
Invade Privacy
Spouses may attempt to snoop on their partner’s personal communications, track their social media, or even go as far as installing surveillance equipment in order to gather any possible information to use against them in court.
What You Can Do:
- Change passwords
- Secure devices
- Be cautious when sharing personal information
- Inform your attorney
Manipulating Emotions and Alienation
There are some individuals who can effectively provoke emotional reactions out of their spouse in order to gain advantage by making the other appear as if they are irrational or unstable. This can be manipulation of your feelings or others like your children, other family members, friends, or colleagues. Those who manipulate their children can alienate them from the spouse by denying visitation rights, making false accusations of abuse, or, in general, just turning their children against their other parent.
What You Can Do:
- Document all instances of manipulation
- Communicate by text or email to keep a record of all interactions
- Remain calm and focused
- Involve a neutral third-party mediator or child custody evaluator
- Gather any evidence to refute false allegations
- Practice self-control
- Inform your attorney of any incidents
Alabama Divorce Attorneys At Brackin Law Firm
It can be stressful and frightening to go through a divorce, especially with someone who does not have you or your family’s best interest as the opposing party. As unfortunate as it is, these are all common tactics used repeatedly when people are emotionally bitter, hurt, and looking for revenge.
At Brackin Law Firm, we have experienced attorneys who help clients all over Baldwin County with their most challenging moments in life. We practice Criminal Defense, Family Law, Estate Planning and Elder Law, Automobile Injuries, and Real Estate Matters. Contact us so we can help protect you, your family, and your assets during this difficult time.