How to Recognize 5 Sneaky Divorce Tactics

 Posted on November 13, 2024 in Divorce

Divorce is financially stressful and emotionally exhausting, especially when one spouse refuses to play by the rules. When underhanded strategies are used by one spouse to gain an unfair advantage during a divorce, the other spouse may not know how to counter these tactics effectively. Having an experienced Will County, IL divorce attorney from Law Office of Ronald L. Hendrix, P.C. can help ensure you have a strong advocate in your corner who will always look out for your rights and your future. Below are the five most commonly seen sneaky divorce tactics.   

One Spouse is Hiding Assets from the Other

There are numerous ways to hide marital assets during a divorce. These include underreporting income, transferring property to friends or family, inventing debt to minimize assets, and delaying work bonuses or compensation until after the divorce. Texas community property laws dictate that all marital assets are subject to a 50/50 split. If some of those assets are hidden, then a fair division is not possible. It is important that spouses have a comprehensive picture of the marital assets. In some instances, a forensic accountant must be brought in to trace hidden assets.

Parenting Time Decisions are Being Manipulated

One parent may paint the other as an unfit parent as a method of gaining the upper hand in the allocation of parental responsibilities. Parental alienation could also be taking place when one parent consistently talks negatively about the other parent in front of the children. Illinois courts always focus on the best interests of the child, but when the information presented is being manipulated by one parent, making those decisions may not be fair. It can be helpful to request a psychological evaluation or have a guardian ad litem appointed to protect the child from untrue statements by one parent.   

One Spouse is Either Delaying the Divorce or Rushing It

One spouse may be pushing for a quick resolution as a means of convincing the other to sign an unfair agreement. The flip side of this is one spouse constantly delaying the divorce to exhaust the other emotionally and financially. When delaying tactics are used, the other spouse may give up his or her fair share of the assets and other important considerations simply to have the divorce over and done. Stalling tactics include the continuous filing of frivolous motions, missing important court dates, and ignoring requests for documentation.  

A Parent is Attempting to Relocate with the Children

One parent could be planning on moving with the children, which can dramatically alter custody arrangements. When a parent is unwittingly forced into a long-distance co-parenting situation, his or her access to the children can be significantly limited. Parents are not allowed to relocate a child in the state of Illinois without consent from the other parent and approval from a family court. If a spouse is leaving the state with the children without court approval or consent, an emergency hearing can be requested.

Debt Appears to Be Piling Up During the Divorce

One spouse may be going wild with marital charge cards because he or she knows that debt is considered a part of the marital estate. Every person who is facing divorce or in the midst of a divorce should keep a close eye on joint accounts and credit card charges, while carefully monitoring his or her credit report. If one spouse is accumulating significant debt, the other should immediately inform his or her attorney.

Contact a DuPage County, IL Divorce Lawyer

When you have a knowledgeable Naperville, IL divorce attorney from Law Office of Ronald L. Hendrix, P.C. by your side, he or she will help you spot potential red flags and protect your interests and your future. Attorney Ronald Hendrix holds a master’s degree in guidance and counseling in addition to his law degree and is a court-appointed mediator. Our firm is ready to help you through this challenging time in your life with the best possible outcome. Call 630-355-7776 to schedule your free consultation.