Establishing financial control and manipulation within a marriage requires demonstrating a pattern of behavior where one party exerts undue influence over the other’s access to, or knowledge of, marital finances. This demonstration can involve showcasing instances where one spouse controls all income, restricts the other’s access to funds, hides assets, or coerces the other into signing financial documents against their will. For example, if one spouse deposits all paychecks into a hidden account and provides the other with a meager “allowance” while prohibiting access to bank statements or credit card information, this could be a sign of such control.
Successfully illustrating such misconduct is crucial in divorce proceedings as it can significantly impact asset division, spousal support awards, and even child support determinations. A historical perspective reveals that financial abuse was often overlooked in divorce cases, contributing to the long-term economic disadvantage of the victimized spouse. Recognizing and addressing this form of control ensures a fairer and more equitable outcome, preventing further economic hardship for the party who was subjected to it.
