Divorce cases often become more complex when financial abuse is involved. In Greenville, South Carolina, many individuals going through divorce face challenges where one spouse has used finances as a means of control. This type of abuse can impact every part of the divorce process, from property division and child custody to spousal support and legal decision-making.
At Sarah Henry Law, we represent clients facing financial abuse in divorce proceedings with compassion and clarity. Our team of experienced family law attorneys understands how these situations affect every aspect of a person’s life. We help clients assert their legal rights, seek fair outcomes, and protect themselves and their children from further harm.
Recognizing Financial Abuse in Divorce
Financial abuse can be subtle or overt, but it always involves one spouse exerting control over another through money, assets, or access to essential financial information. This behavior often continues during the divorce process, especially in contested divorce situations.
Signs of financial abuse may include:
- One spouse hiding marital property or assets
- Controlling access to joint accounts
- Preventing the other spouse from working or earning income
- Withholding funds for basic needs
- Making all financial decisions without consultation
These patterns often emerge over time and can escalate during legal separation or divorce proceedings. If you’re experiencing financial abuse, it’s important to work with a Greenville divorce lawyer who is familiar with both South Carolina laws and the emotional impact of this form of control.
Divorce and Financial Abuse Under South Carolina Law
Under South Carolina law, financial abuse may be considered when determining spousal support, child custody, and equitable division of property. While South Carolina allows for no fault divorce based on irreconcilable differences or living separate for at least a year, it also recognizes four fault based grounds for divorce—including physical cruelty and domestic violence. In some cases, financial abuse may be tied to these broader patterns of abuse.
A divorce attorney can help determine whether financial control may have influenced decisions related to marital property, debt division, and income disparities. We guide clients through divorce in South Carolina with a focus on uncovering hidden assets, analyzing financial records, and ensuring fair settlements.
How Financial Abuse Affects Property Division
In South Carolina, marital property is divided through a process called equitable division. This does not always mean equal, but rather what the court deems fair based on various statutory factors. When financial abuse is present, the court may consider one spouse’s efforts to hide, control, or waste assets as part of its decision.
A family law attorney can help you:
- Identify hidden or non marital property
- Determine how one spouse’s financial behavior affected the marital estate
- Evaluate complex legal issues surrounding business ownership or investments
- Address joint debt and unfair financial burdens
Uncovering the full financial picture is critical in these cases. Our law firm has the resources to work with forensic accountants and financial experts to ensure your rights are protected.
Child Custody, Child Support, and Financial Abuse
Financial abuse can also impact child custody and child support outcomes, especially when it limits a parent’s ability to care for the children involved. The family court prioritizes the best interests of the child in all custody decisions and considers each parent’s financial stability, support history, and willingness to provide for the child’s needs.
If one parent has restricted the other’s access to money or has refused to pay child support, the court may weigh this behavior when awarding physical custody, legal custody, or visitation rights.
We help clients:
- Pursue full or sole custody when financial control affects the child’s well-being
- Secure child support orders, including back payments
- Ensure proper calculation of child support based on the parent’s income
- Address issues of support refusal by the non custodial parent
Our Greenville family law attorneys ensure the child’s needs are front and center throughout the case.
Your Legal Options in a Financial Abuse Divorce
If you’re facing financial abuse during divorce proceedings, it’s essential to have a family law attorney who understands how to present these facts to the court. South Carolina family courts require clear documentation and strong legal arguments, especially when the abuse is financial rather than physical.
We assist clients with:
- Filing for contested or uncontested divorce
- Enforcing or modifying child custody and support
- Protecting marital assets during the divorce process
- Negotiating spousal support for a dependent spouse
- Addressing physical cruelty, domestic violence, or other fault based grounds
No matter your circumstances, our team is prepared to guide you through your family law matter with discretion and strength.
Why Choose Sarah Henry Law
Our Greenville divorce attorneys are experienced in complex divorce cases involving economic control and financial intimidation. We take the time to understand the specific dynamics of your case and provide tailored legal solutions designed to secure your future and financial independence.
Whether you are pursuing a no fault divorce or addressing one of the four fault based grounds, we will work tirelessly to uncover the truth, advocate for your rights, and help you move forward with clarity and peace of mind.
Learn more about Greenville Financial Abuse Divorce Lawyer services. Call Sarah Henry Law at (864) 478-8324 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. You can also reach us anytime through our contact page. Let us help you take the first step toward resolution and peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions: Greenville Financial Abuse Divorce Lawyer
Can financial abuse be considered in a South Carolina divorce?
Yes. Financial abuse may influence decisions related to marital property, child custody, child support, and spousal support. Courts can consider such behavior when assessing equitable division and parental fitness.
What should I do if I suspect my spouse is hiding assets?
Speak with a family law attorney immediately. Your lawyer can help uncover hidden assets through discovery, financial analysis, and expert review. The court may impose penalties for financial deception.
How does financial abuse affect child support?
If a parent is refusing to pay child support or is controlling financial resources unfairly, the court may enforce or adjust child support orders accordingly. Prior abuse may also factor into custody decisions.
Is financial abuse grounds for a fault based divorce?
While financial abuse is not listed as a fault based ground itself, it may be considered alongside other behaviors such as physical cruelty or domestic violence to support a fault based claim.
Can I get spousal support if I was financially dependent?
Yes. If you were financially dependent during the marriage, the court may award spousal support, especially if financial abuse contributed to your dependency or loss of income.
