Select Page

How To Protect Yourself from Dishonest Divorce Tactics

What Are the Sneakiest Divorce Tactics on Long Island?

Getting a divorce on Long Island, or anywhere else for that matter, is a life-changing experience. Unfortunately, few divorces are completely amicable and often, spouses are at odds with each other during the process of dissolving their marriage. Sometimes, frustration, fear, and the desire for revenge go too far and one spouse may use unscrupulous tactics to try to control the divorce narrative. To help you protect yourself, following are some of the sneakiest divorce tactics and how a Long Island family attorney can help protect you from a spouse that tries to use them against you.

One Spouse Hiding Assets

One spouse may attempt to hide or conceal assets or money from the other in a divorce to avoid having them subject to equitable distribution. They may move money from a joint account to an account only in their name, or they may “sell” assets to a friend who will then “sell” them back after the divorce is over. In very high net worth divorces they may even move money offshore, and then move it back once the final settlement is issued. However, this goes against the legal requirement to provide full and fair financial disclosure in the event of a divorce or legal separation. Any attempt to hide material or liquid assets during a divorce is against the law and may result in the perpetrator being held in contempt of court.  

Using Your Children for Leverage

Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for children of a divorce to be used by one spouse to get back at the other or to control them in some way. Children may be used as pawns by problematic parents and their wellbeing may become an incentive to get one parent to do as the controlling parent wishes. For example, a spouse may drag their feet during child custody matters to make resolving the issue more expensive and time-consuming for you. Or, they may attempt to pit your children against you, telling them stories to make them believe you are a bad parent that doesn’t want them or the divorce was your fault.

Staying Unemployed to Avoid Paying Support

On Long Island, the amount of child support, spousal support or alimony paid is determined by how much each parent makes and who spends the most time caring for the children in their home. A noncustodial parent may stay unemployed or underemployed in an attempt to avoid paying as much child or spousal support as they should. They may get a job under the table or “off the books” where they are paid in cash and don’t report earnings to the state, so their wages cannot be garnished for child support. Or, they may even ask employers to withhold raises, bonuses or promotions until after the divorce is final so their higher earnings won’t be used to calculate support.

Creating Conflicts of Interest

A divorce lawyer representing your spouse cannot also represent you. The same is true if your spouse meets with a lawyer for a consultation and provides intimate details about your marriage and upcoming separation but does not retain that lawyer. Because your spouse divulged private information and established an attorney-client relationship, you cannot then retain that lawyer even though your spouse also did not end up selecting them. This leaves your pool of experienced divorce lawyers from which you can choose more shallow, while your spouse has had time to meet with multiple divorce attorneys and select the most compatible one.

How to Get Help from a Long Island Family Lawyer

If you’re considering getting a divorce or have been served with divorce papers by your spouse, you need to retain a reputable, experienced, and trustworthy Long Island divorce attorney as soon as possible. Any delays give your spouse the opportunity to make legal and financial moves that could harm you in the future, as well as potentially put your children’s wellbeing in jeopardy if you and your spouse are parents.

At Hornberger Verbtisky, PC, we understand how frightening it is to go through the process of dissolving your marriage, especially if you suspect that your spouse will try to use sneaky or dirty divorce tactics to come out ahead. It’s important that you have adequate legal representation on your side as you move through your divorce, child custody, and alimony negotiations. Contact our office now for a consultation to discuss your case by calling 631-923-1910 or fill out the short form on this page.

 

SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION TODAY
Call 631-923-1910 or fill in the form below

Schedule your complimentary consultation and case evaluation with our experienced attorneys today. When you call, you’ll speak to our friendly Client Services Director, who will be able to answer your general questions and set up your appointment with an attorney who specializes in your unique case.

At your meeting, your attorney will describe the many options available and determine together which is the right solution for you. By the end of this meeting we’ll all understand how we can best help you to move forward.

No Cost or Obligation

There is no cost or obligation for this initial consultation. It is simply an opportunity for us to get to know each other, answer your questions and learn if Hornberger Verbitsky, P.C. is right the right law firm for you. Give us a call at 631-923-1910 or fill in the short form below to schedule your free consultation and case evaluation.

All Fields Are Required

Divorce Lawyer Long Island New York
Melissa Rappa
Melissa Rappa
18:09 08 Feb 24
At one of the hardest and most stressful times of my life, it was so comforting to have a team at Hornberger and Verbitsky who ALWAYS responded in record speed to my questions, phone calls, emails or texts and who I felt really cared about helping me through this difficult time. It was a long few years and I am grateful to all of you. Thank you so much Rob, AnneMarie, Christine, Patty, Joan and Lawrence. Your guidance, professionalism and expertise is appreciated beyond measure.
Paul Carmichael
Paul Carmichael
16:21 11 Dec 23
I would give 6 stars if I could. I can't say enough good things about Robert and his firm. We were in a situation for over 2 years and I could have never made it through without Robert's experience and knowledge. He guided me through tough times when needed and his expertise could "read" the situation and make the next best move for me. He was tough when he needed to be tough (thankfully) and at the same time guided me through the process to make me feel comfortable in an uncomfortable situation. I would not want to go through this process without Robert and his team having my back. he helped move the case along and not waste any time or money. One last time, I 100% endorse Robert and his expertise.
js_loader
Child Support & Spousal Maintenance Tools
Robert E. Hornberger, Esq., P.C. respects your right to privacy. We will never sell your information to any third party. Follow this link to read our full privacy policy.