What Can Be Used Against You in Divorce?
Unfortunately, “all’s fair in love and war” is alive and well through some of the sneaky divorce tactics that spouses use on one another. About half of all marriages end in divorce, and in many of them, spouses exemplify the worst in themselves.
What should you not do during a divorce? Unfortunately, bitter spouses are only too willing to show you. In this article, we examine the most-used tactics.
So read on to see what can be used against you in divorce!
Hiding Assets
The hiding of assets by a vindictive spouse during a divorce is unethical and can also have legal consequences. However, if you suspect that your spouse is hiding assets, you can do a few things.
First, review your joint financial records carefully. Look for any red flags, such as unexplained deposits or withdrawals. It would be best if you also talked to your spouse directly about your concerns. If they refuse to open up about their finances, they could be hiding something.
Lack of Cooperation
In any divorce, the biggest challenge is often simply agreeing to the terms. Unfortunately, this can be even more difficult when one spouse is uncooperative, unwilling to compromise, and willing to employ sneaky divorce tricks.
Hard lines and refusing to budge on any issue are unlikely to lead to success. Instead, try to find common ground and push for that even if your spouse is resistant.
Playing Dirty
Dragging out the proceedings to make things more difficult for the other party (and more expensive) is one tactic. Another dirty divorce trick is trying to turn the children against the other parent during child custody disputes.
This can be done by speaking badly to the other parent in front of them or by making false accusations about their parenting skills. It also may mean trying to turn the other spouse’s friends and family against them, claiming abuse, or making outrageous demands.
Smartphone Warfare
Can text messages be used against you in a divorce? It’s certainly possible since New Jersey is a one-party consent state. Therefore, Smartphone warfare should be top-of-mind throughout the divorce process.
This could include secret recordings and text messages. In some cases, a spouse may try to entrap you into admitting to something while their recorder app is activated. They could also try intercepting your text messages to gain an advantage.
Last but not least, they might take to their Facebook or Snapchat app to blast you to mutual friends and contacts. Family law matters should stay confidential, not be broadcast online along with other sensitive information.
Filing Frivolous Lawsuits
While filing for divorce, it can be tempting to leverage any advantage possible. However, divorces are already emotionally charged affairs. Dragging them out with frivolous lawsuits is only going to make things worse.
It will prolong the divorce process, but it will also increase the legal costs for both parties involved. In some cases, one spouse may even use frivolous lawsuits to intimidate or control the other. If you find yourself tempted to file a frivolous lawsuit (or become the target of one), consult with an experienced divorce lawyer.
Do Not Resort to Sneaky Divorce Tactics
If you consider sneaky divorce tactics, please be aware of the potential consequences. Know the red flags to keep yourself from being victimized as well.
Additional Divorce Guidance
Dalena & Bosch has helped many New Jersey residents like you find a fair and respectful outcome in their divorce proceedings, and we’ll do the same for you. Contact us today to get started! We will be happy to give you a warm and comforting hand in guiding you through your divorce.