Actions taken by one party in a marital separation to control or conceal assets from the other party, diminish their access to shared resources, or increase their financial dependence represent a form of manipulation. This misconduct can manifest in various ways, such as hiding income, misrepresenting the value of assets, running up debt without the other party’s knowledge, or restricting access to bank accounts. For example, one spouse might secretly transfer funds into a separate account before the divorce proceedings begin, thus reducing the marital estate available for division.
Recognizing and addressing this type of exploitation is crucial for ensuring equitable outcomes in divorce settlements and safeguarding the long-term economic well-being of vulnerable individuals. Historically, societal norms and legal frameworks often failed to acknowledge the subtle ways power imbalances could be exploited within marriage, leaving victims with limited recourse. Greater awareness and legal reforms are gradually evolving to protect individuals from this type of control and manipulation during separation.
