It probably goes without saying, but one of the issues we encounter most frequently in a divorce is a loss of trust between spouses. Sometimes that lack of trust leads to concerns over whether our client’s spouse has engaged in financial misdeeds. These problems may come to light in several ways, including changes in behavior or hidden activities.
Here are a few potential signs of financial misconduct:
- Your spouse has been hiding money or has become secretive about finances.
- Passwords have been changed on financial accounts.
- Your spouse has made unusual lifestyle changes, including recent purchases of expensive items.
- Your spouse’s income declined suddenly.
- Your spouse has made large transfers of money from one account to another or has become involved in complex and hard-to-understand financial transactions.
- Your spouse has suddenly begun borrowing money or incurring significant expenses, especially new ones.
- Large sums of money have disappeared.
- Your spouse is gambling or, if your spouse has gambled in the past, that activity has recently increased.
- Your spouse has been taking a lot of trips described as “business vacations” that are out of keeping with their normal travel.
- Your spouse has made a lot of cash withdrawals.
- Your spouse has begun carrying significantly more cash than usual.
- Your spouse is asking you to sign papers transferring money or assets.
- Bills aren’t being timely paid.
If you have seen these kinds of changes or activities or similar aberrations from your spouse’s normal behavior, you should raise them with your lawyer. They will likely suggest seeking assistance from a forensic accountant who can assist with a thorough evaluation of the finances.
The experienced family law attorneys at Paule, Camazine & Blumenthal can help you evaluate your family’s financial situation as you go through the divorce process.
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