Financial abuse is one form of domestic abuse. Withholding money, stealing money, and restricting the use of finances are some examples of financial abuse. To figure out if your partner is financially abusing you, think about how you are being treated by answering the following questions.
Does your partner:
- Steal money from you or your family?
- Force you to give him/her access to your bank accounts to make transactions without your input?
- Make you feel as though you don’t have a right to know any details about money or household resources?
- Put you on an “allowance” even if you object to this?
- Force to you to account for all money you spend by, for example, asking for receipts?
- Prevent you from working or attending school or skill-training sessions?
- Overuse your credit cards or refuse to pay the bills (thus ruining your credit)?
- Withhold physical resources from you including food, clothes, necessary medications or shelter?
- Force you to turn over your paychecks or public benefit payments?
- Force you to cash in, sell or sign over any financial assets you own (e.g., bonds, stock or property)?
- Force you to agree to power-of-attorney so s/he can sign legal documents?
- Force you to work in a family business for little or no pay?
If any of these patterns feel familiar, they may indicate financial abuse within a relationship.
Learn how to identify financial abuse in divorce cases and better advocate for vulnerable clients. Join my live Zoom panel on July 30, 2026.
Financial Abuse in Divorce: What Most Attorneys Miss
Online via Zoom July 30, 2026 8:00-9:00PM EST
I’m excited to join the upcoming Dominate Law Podcast panel focused on recognizing and addressing financial abuse in divorce cases. Learn how to identify warning signs, screen for financial abuse during client intake, and develop effective legal strategies to better support vulnerable clients.
I will explore common forms of financial control, hidden assets, restricted access to funds, and other tactics that can impact divorce outcomes. Attendees will also gain insights into building the right professional support team and enhancing client advocacy.
Topics Include:
- Recognizing financial abuse and key red flags
Screening during client intake - Legal strategies for financial abuse cases
- Building a multidisciplinary support team
- Improving client outcomes and growing your practice
- Recognizing financial abuse and key red flags
Register today to gain practical tools and insights you can immediately apply in your family law practice.
