Is Financial Fraud an Acceptable Reason to Divorce?
States like New Jersey allow no-fault divorces based on irreconcilable differences as long as specific timeframes are met. Fault-based divorces are filed for adultery, extreme cruelty, long-term separations, institutionalizations, and incarceration. Financial fraud would fall under the irreconcilable differences category.
As a guideline, financial fraud in the context of divorce is when one spouse misrepresents essential issues to their partner. Examples of partners lying about finances include:
- Being dishonest about income.
- Cheating on taxes.
- Not telling the spouse they were previously married or have other children and are paying alimony or child support.
- Running up considerable debt and hiding it.
- Spending shared assets without telling the spouse.
These can be acceptable reasons to divorce. Some spouses are lucky enough to recognize the signs before their money disappears. This behavior happens to spouses of all ages, and modern technology makes hiding information easier than ever before.
What Are the Signs of Financial Fraud?
For many married couples, one spouse handles all the financial affairs. The signs of a financially irresponsible spouse include phone calls from debt collectors, newly purchased and seemingly unaffordable goods and services, unaccounted-for receipts, and declined credit cards.
If you suspect that your spouse is hiding financial information, check your credit report and start doing other research. Review bank and investment statements to see if there were any strange-appearing withdrawals, and check if the bills are being paid on time. Look at the credit card statements for large or ongoing purchases. Checking your spouse’s social media accounts for any revealing information is also a good idea.
What About Spouses Who Lie During Divorce Proceedings?
A spouse concealing financial information during a marriage will likely do the same during divorce proceedings. You could try to prove their dishonesty, but an experienced divorce lawyer understands how to establish this evidence legally.
Lawyers can subpoena tax returns and pay stubs and will advise you when forensic accounting is warranted. In some divorce cases, lawyers work with financial auditors and private investigators to dig for evidence. Keeping an open mind about this is important because getting the truth in divorce proceedings is crucial.
A Marlton Divorce Lawyer at Goldstein & Mignogna, P.A. Can Help You With Handling Financial Fraud in Your Divorce
Financial fraud is an acceptable reason for divorce, but navigating the process can be overwhelming. Contact a Marlton divorce lawyer at Goldstein & Mignogna, P.A. today. Call us at 856-890-9400 or complete our online form to schedule a consultation. Located in Marlton, New Jersey, we serve clients in South Jersey, including Burlington County, Camden County, and Gloucester County.
