Three Signs of Marital Financial Abuse in Illinois

 Posted on March 18, 2022 in Family Law

Most Illinoisans are familiar with concepts like violent domestic abuse and emotional abuse. However, marital abuse comes in many different forms, and one form that people are often less familiar with is financial abuse. Although someone suffering from financial abuse may have no outward signs of being abused, this type of abuse can still lead to extreme suffering and hardship, especially if someone feels trapped in a marriage because they have no money to leave. 

Women are most often the victims of marital financial abuse, but it can happen to anyone of any gender, regardless of whether their marriage is heterosexual or same-sex. If you are suffering from any of these three signs of financial abuse, it may be time to speak with an Illinois divorce attorney. 

Your Spouse Gives You No Control Over or Access to Money

Many couples divide financial responsibilities and often, one spouse will manage all or most of the family’s finances. This is not necessarily a problem unless the spouse controlling the finances restricts the other spouse’s access to money, including the money they earn themselves. If your spouse demands that you hand over your money, refuses your requests for money to buy things you need, or will not allow you to have passwords or access to family bank accounts and keeps the family’s finances a secret, something may be seriously wrong. 

Your Spouse Threatens to Leave or Temporarily Leaves You Without Money

While all couples have fights, if your spouse regularly threatens to leave and take all the money with them, you may be left alone in a home with no way to pay for basics like food and utilities. Some spouses do this repeatedly, putting their family in a terrible and frightening position. If you are only given cash from time to time and have no way to access emergency funds when your spouse leaves you, you may want to consider leaving the relationship altogether. 

Forcing You to Justify Every Expense

Sometimes irresponsible financial behavior warrants a close monitoring of a couple’s finances for a justifiable period of time. But if you always have to account for every penny you spend or give your spouse back exact change on small, inexpensive items, you may be a victim of financial abuse. If you need something or want something that you do not strictly need, and your spouse refuses all requests to give you money or makes you feel guilty for spending money on personal necessities, this may be financial abuse. 

At the end of the day, every couple’s financial arrangements are different, and only you know whether your arrangement is acceptable to you. But if you are regularly left feeling guilty, foolish, or afraid because you need money for ordinary expenses, you may want to consider leaving the relationship. There are often options like temporary financial assistance for spouses whose partner leaves them indigent, and an experienced Illinois divorce attorney can help you explore these options. 

Meet with a Hinsdale, IL Divorce Lawyer

Nobody should have to deal with financial abuse in their marriage forever. If you feel trapped in a bad marriage and want to get out, schedule a free consultation with an experienced Hinsdale divorce attorney at Law Office of Martoccio & Martoccio. Our team works in a safe, confidential manner so you can put your trust and confidence in us. Call us today at 630-920-8855 and start your divorce on the right foot. 

Source:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=075000050HPt%2E+V&ActID=2086&ChapterID=59&SeqStart=6200000&SeqEnd=8675000