Expecting Alimony After the Divorce? Stay Alert to These Devious Money-Hiding Practices
When you build a life with someone, you become accustomed to living a certain lifestyle because of their income being considered as something you have access to. In these situations, it is not at all uncommon for a divorce judge to determine you are entitled to alimony or some form of spousal support after the divorce. The only problem is, just because you feel you are entitled to alimony, your soon-to-be ex partner probably will not be happy with being expected to support you partially after your divorce. In these situations, a devious spouse may try to downplay their monetary assets so they don't have to pay as much. Be on the lookout for these sneaky behaviors before you go to court.
Your partner suddenly pays an enormous tax bill.
Did you know that you actually have the option to pay your taxes in advance regardless of the fact that you don't technically owe anything? If your husband or wife is expecting to have to pay alimony, they could make a huge payment toward their tax bill long before it's due in an effort to drop down the amounts in their bank account before the judge assesses their financial situation. Then, when the next tax season rolls around, they would be entitled to a hefty refund because they overpaid.
Your partner makes advance payments on utilities.
If your partner has the utilities in their name, they can seemingly eliminate some of their fluid resources by overpaying their monthly utility payments. Even though this is not money that they can get back in hand, this means that they get rid of a substantial amount of money really quickly and then get to enjoy the fact that their utilities are paid up for the long term. Keep an eye on utility bills to make sure there has not been a major credit to the accounts.
Your partner invests money into seemingly odd things.
When you are heading for a divorce, it is only logical that now would not be the time to start investing in new furniture or other belongings. However, if your partner is trying to make it look like they don't have as much money on hand, they may invest in an expensive piece of antique furniture, a piece of artwork, or some other high-end, collectible item. After the divorce is final and alimony has already been figured, they could easily sell the piece to regain their money.
If you suspect your soon-to-be ex-spouse of any of the above practices, talk to a divorce lawyer for guidance.