Financial abuse is a form of domestic abuse that often accompanies domestic violence when one spouse manipulates money and economic resources to maintain power and control over the other. The subtle yet damaging behavior affects nearly all domestic violence cases, according to the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV).
Financial abuse often traps victims in abusive relationships because they lack the financial means to leave.
Recognizing how financial abuse during divorce manifests is critical for protecting your rights and building a path toward independence. If you suspect economic abuse in divorce, the Michigan divorce attorneys at Kraayeveld Family Law can provide the guidance needed to address financial abuse in divorce proceedings. Our goal is to help you preserve your financial future after an abusive marriage.
What Financial Abuse Is and Signs to Watch For
Financial abuse involves controlling a partner’s access to family finances, assets, investment accounts, or employment opportunities. Common signs include withholding money, restricting access to bank accounts (including joint accounts), taking away credit cards, demanding control over all spending decisions, or preventing a spouse from working.
Some abusers hide assets, create debt in their partner’s name without consent, or use joint funds irresponsibly. They may try to gain power by withholding necessities like food, shelter, or medication, or sabotaging employment by calling constantly or forcing a spouse to miss work.
Victims of financial abuse are often kept in the dark about the household’s true financial situation, making it difficult to plan for their future or seek help.
The Impact of Financial Abuse on Divorce Proceedings
Financial abuse can complicate divorce in Michigan by creating obstacles to fair property division, alimony, and child support arrangements.
When one spouse has controlled all financial decisions, the other may lack knowledge of marital funds or the existence of hidden accounts. Abusers may funnel money through businesses, shift assets into trusts, or establish offshore accounts to avoid equitable distribution. In cases involving children, financially abusive spouses may attempt to hide income to reduce child support obligations.
If left unaddressed, such manipulation could result in unfair settlements that leave victims without the resources they need to rebuild their lives. Documenting patterns of control and gathering financial records early can help establish the full scope of marital assets and income. Working with professionals who can trace hidden funds becomes important when financial misconduct is suspected.
Can I Sue My Ex for Financial Abuse?
In Michigan, victims of financial abuse have legal options. During divorce proceedings, you can request a fair division of assets and seek spousal support or compensation for financial losses caused by the abuse. If the abuse involves illegal activities such as fraud or unauthorized use of financial information, criminal charges or separate civil lawsuits may be possible.
Consulting with an experienced divorce lawyer from Kraayeveld Family Law can help you determine which legal avenues might apply in your situation.
When Financial Imbalance Is — and Is Not — Abuse
Not every uneven division of financial responsibility is financial abuse. Many couples intentionally divide tasks, with one spouse managing finances while the other handles different responsibilities. In those situations, trust — not control — defines the relationship. It would be inappropriate to later claim financial abuse simply because one spouse handled the money.
If you are questioning whether your situation crosses the line, consider these practical steps:
- Ask for transparency. Request a simple list or spreadsheet of all assets, debts, and accounts. This is a wise step for any marriage, including estate planning.
- Confirm ownership. Ask whether assets are jointly titled and, if not, why.
- Request access. Ask for a review of financial accounts and recent tax returns.
- Watch the response. Willing cooperation suggests task-sharing; secrecy, resistance, or threats may indicate control.
- Document responsibly. Keep copies of financial records without escalating conflict.
These steps help you evaluate your situation thoughtfully without prematurely labeling your spouse or your marriage. Additionally, each of these steps are a wise time investment in case of illness or death of one spouse.
How to Prove Financial Abuse in Divorce
Proving economic abuse in divorce requires gathering evidence. It may involve collecting bank statements, credit card bills, tax returns, and investment records. Victims should keep detailed records of incidents where they were denied access to money or placed on a strict allowance. Save emails, text messages, and receipts that demonstrate financial control.
Our family and divorce lawyers can request additional documents through subpoenas and work with forensic accountants to trace hidden assets and uncover irregularities. Testimony from friends or family members who witnessed the abuse could also strengthen your case.
Take Action: Protect Yourself and Your Finances
If you experienced financial abuse, taking action now can help protect your future. At Kraayeveld Family Law, our Michigan family law attorneys have over 30 years of experience helping clients through complex divorce cases.
Contact our Grand Rapids law office today or call anytime at (616) 383-2679 for a confidential consultation. Our office is conveniently located at 990 Monroe Ave. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Feel free to visit us for a case evaluation!
