In many cases, when a spouse files for divorce, a couple has spent months or years embroiled in conflict and it’s not a total surprise. There are, however, cases where a husband or wife claims to have been blindsided by a spouse’s decision to file for divorce. It often isn’t until after the papers have been filed that an individual can look back and realize that a spouse was laying the groundwork for an impending divorce.
Barring extenuating circumstances, most spouses who plan to file for divorce take care to establish some type of financial safety net prior to doing so. This is why changes in a spouse’s activities or attitude about finances are some of the most telltale signs that a spouse is preparing to file for divorce.
As with anything in life it’s wise to be prepared and, when it comes to divorce, a spouse who files has often been planning their moves for months. For this reason, many filing spouses are afforded the upper-hand during divorce proceedings.
While some divorce filings may truly seem to be out of the blue, there are often signs and, in many cases, these signs relate to money. For example, a spouse who suddenly decides to open his or her own bank account or who no longer contributes to a joint account may be seeking greater financial independence for a reason. Additionally, a spouse who suddenly picks fights about money or attempts to limit a husband’s or wife’s spending may be trying to save up enough money for a place of his or her own.
The end of a marriage is often a difficult reality to face. In cases where an individual learns that a spouse has not only filed for divorce, but has also been diverting or squirreling away large sums of money, the blow can be particularly harsh. What’s more, an individual who was in-the-dark about a spouse’s divorce plans may experience financial difficulties when both a spouse and his or her income walk out the door.
Source: Time, “11 Financial Clues That Your Spouse Wants a Divorce,” Lili A. Vasileff, March 19, 2015
