Whether it involves hiding money, manipulating custody, or dragging things out to wear you down, it is essential to know what to look for and how to protect yourself.
Being informed is one of your best defenses. Our team of attorneys at Christman | Daniell wants you to be educated and armed with the best information as you navigate your divorce. With that in mind, here are some common sneaky divorce tactics we’ve seen over the years that you might want to keep on your radar:
6 Sneaky Divorce Tactics To Watch Out for Now!
1. Hiding Assets or Income
This is one of the oldest tricks in the book. And unfortunately, it still happens. A spouse might suddenly become vague about their finances, move money to secret accounts, or claim their income has mysteriously dropped. They may delay bonuses or hide assets in the names of friends or family members to avoid having them counted in the settlement.
What to do: Work with a knowledgeable attorney who can help identify red flags and potentially involve a forensic accountant. Full financial disclosure is not optional–it is a legal requirement.
2. Deliberate Delays
Dragging out the process is another tactic some spouses use, especially when they have more financial resources. The goal is to exhaust the other party emotionally and financially so they will agree to settle for less just to be done with the whole thing.
What to do: Stay focused. Your attorney can request court-imposed deadlines and seek sanctions if the delays become excessive or appear strategic.
3. Parental Alienation
When children are involved, things can get even more complicated. One parent might try to turn the kids against the other, limit access, or undermine the other’s parenting, all in hopes of gaining full custody or favorable child support terms.
What to do: Keep records of all communication and interactions. Courts frown upon behavior that interferes with or undermines the bond between a child and their parent, and documentation is key.
4. Manipulating Employment or Income
It is not uncommon for a spouse to suddenly change jobs, reduce work hours, or even quit a job during a divorce to lower child or spousal support obligations. Or they may shift from salaried roles to commission-based pay to make income appear more variable.
What to do: Be proactive. Make sure income history is reviewed over a reasonable timeframe, not just in the months leading up to the divorce. The court can “assign” income when it believes a person is intentionally under-earning.
5. Filing in a Different Jurisdiction
Sometimes, a spouse will try to file for divorce in a county or state where the laws favor them, especially around spousal support or property division. While it is not always a “sneaky” tactic, there are legitimate reasons for choosing one jurisdiction over another, and it can still catch the other party off guard.
What to do: Consult with an attorney immediately if you are served with papers from a location other than where you live, as jurisdiction challenges can be time-sensitive.
6. Sudden Generosity or Guilt Trips
In some cases, a spouse may become unusually agreeable or sentimental, suggesting you “just work it out without lawyers.” While it may sound appealing, it could be an attempt to keep you from getting good legal advice or to lock in a less-than-fair agreement.
What to do: Trust your instincts, but also protect your interests. Always have a professional review any proposed agreements before signing anything.
Please Call Christman | Daniell Attorneys for Your Legal Needs Today!
Are you looking for family law services in Texas? Christman | Daniell is your premier choice. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the legal landscape, our skilled team is dedicated to helping families navigate complex legal matters. Whether it’s divorce, child custody, or adoption, trust Christman | Daniell to provide compassionate and effective representation for all your family law needs.
Please consult an attorney for advice about your individual situation. The material on this website and in this or any blog article we publish is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The attorneys at Christman | Daniell Attorneys believe in tailoring legal advice and solutions to your own personal circumstances.
We have an unwavering commitment to supporting our clients at every stage of their legal journey.
