Divorce isn’t a pretty process, and in some cases, it can get really ugly. At times people resort to nasty tricks in an attempt to gain the upper hand or hurt their spouse. These tricks can range from subtle manipulations to outright lies and illegal activities. Let’s discuss some of the most common dirty divorce tricks to watch out for so that you can protect yourself and your assets during the divorce process.
- Hiding Assets. One of the most common divorce tricks is to hide assets. This is when one spouse tries to conceal income or property from the other spouse in order to get a better settlement. This can be done in a variety of ways, including transferring assets to a friend or family member, understating income on tax returns, or simply lying about the value of assets. It’s important to be aware of these tricks and work with your attorney or mediator to uncover any hidden assets.
- Alienation of Affection. Another dirty divorce trick is to try to turn your children against your spouse. This is known as the alienation of affection, and it can be incredibly damaging to everyone involved. Some parents will speak negatively about their spouse in front of their children or even lie to them to gain their sympathy. This can lead to a breakdown in the relationship between the child and the other parent and can even impact their emotional development. It’s important to focus on the best interests of the children during a divorce and to avoid using them as pawns in a game of revenge.
- False Accusations. Another common divorce trick is to make false accusations against your spouse. This can include allegations of abuse, neglect, or infidelity. These accusations can be incredibly damaging, both to your spouse’s reputation and to your relationship with them. It’s important to remember that making false accusations is not only unethical, but it can also be illegal. If you’re facing false accusations, it’s important to work with your attorney to defend yourself and protect your rights.
- Withholding Information. Withholding information is another trick that can be used during a divorce. This can include failing to disclose important financial information, such as bank accounts or investments. It can also include withholding information about the children, such as medical records or school schedules. It’s important to be upfront and honest about all aspects of your life during a divorce, and to work with your attorney to ensure that you have access to all the information you need.
- Delaying Tactics. Some people will use delaying tactics during a divorce in an attempt to wear down their spouse. This dirty divorce trick can include continually requesting extensions, filing frivolous motions, or refusing to cooperate with the discovery process. These tactics can be incredibly frustrating, but it’s important to remain patient and focused on your goals. Your attorney or mediator can help you navigate these tactics and keep the divorce process moving forward.
- Social Media and Texting. Social media and texting can also be used as weapons during a divorce. Some people will post negative comments about their spouse online or use social media to spy on them. Others will send threatening or harassing texts or emails to try to intimidate their spouse. It’s important to be aware of what you’re posting online and to be cautious when communicating with your spouse during a divorce.
- Going to Court. Finally, going to court can be a nasty divorce trick. Litigation is expensive, time-consuming, and often leaves both parties feeling angry and resentful. In many cases, it’s possible to resolve divorce issues through mediation or negotiation, which is a less confrontational approach. However, if going to court is necessary, it’s important to work with an experienced attorney who can protect your rights and advocate on your behalf.
Divorce is never easy, but it doesn’t need to get dirty. Resorting to dirty divorce tricks will only make the divorce process worse. Remember to stay focused on your goals, be honest and upfront about all aspects of your life, and prioritize the well-being of your children. With the right approach and the support of the right professionals, like a divorce coach, you can move forward and rebuild your life after divorce.
