What Can I Do If My Spouse Is Using Divorce Negotiations to Manipulate Me?

 Posted on March 25, 2022 in Family Law

Once an Illinois couple has decided to get divorced, both partners usually want the divorce to end as soon as possible. Although sometimes delays in the legal system are inevitable and complications arise, when spouses work cooperatively, divorce does not need to take longer than the time it takes to resolve all relevant issues. 

However, sometimes one spouse will try to use divorce proceedings to manipulate the other spouse. They may contest the divorce or try to drag on negotiations to keep their spouse from getting what they want out of the divorce or from beginning a new life without them. If your spouse is using your divorce negotiations to manipulate you or postpone the divorce, here are some things you can do that may help. 

Plan Carefully Before Filing

While this tip may only be helpful to those who have not yet filed, if you anticipate that your spouse may become manipulative during your divorce, preparing carefully before filing for divorce may save you significant trouble later on. Getting documents and arranging your finances before you announce divorce may prevent a spouse from trying to keep these things from you in the future. 

Minimize Direct Communication

Parents with children may need to communicate with each other sometimes, but when it comes to working with a manipulative spouse, less communication is better. Let your attorney handle your communication about all legal matters, including document requests and scheduling appointments. Experts suggest having a dedicated email address for the necessary communication between divorcing spouses so conversations can be documented. 

Get Help From a Judge

Your spouse cannot simply refuse to sign the divorce papers and keep you married to them forever. Even if your spouse completely fails to cooperate or respond, your attorney can help you get divorced without their consent. Additionally, Illinois courts tend not to look kindly on spouses who appear to be deliberately dragging out the divorce process; your attorney can help you alert the judge to your spouse’s behavior and try to get you relief. 

A judge can order your spouse to produce documents by a certain time and threaten them with court sanctions if they refuse. You may also be able to subpoena entities like a bank to get financial documents, even without your spouse’s cooperation. 

Call an Experienced Hinsdale Divorce Lawyer

Dealing with a spouse who is intentionally dragging out divorce negotiations can make your life miserable. At Law Office of Martoccio & Martoccio, our experienced Hinsdale divorce attorneys can recognize the signs of a manipulative spouse and help you come up with an appropriate response so you can finalize your divorce and get on with your life. Call us today at 630-920-8855 to schedule a free consultation. 

Source: 

https://www.forbes.com/sites/frawleypollock/2020/02/18/divorce-dilemma-settle-or-go-to-trial/