When Your Spouse Becomes an Adversary

Marital problems and breakups are never easy. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for a spouse who may have at one point been your best friend to become adversarial to the point that he or she becomes your worst enemy. During a separation or divorce, a bitter or vindictive spouse can end up doing a lot of damage. Be aware of common behaviors from your spouse that could end up costing you money and hurting your divorce case. 

Problems to Watch Out for During a Separation

A marital separation can provide some important time apart for spouses in a troubled marriage and often gives them perspective on their relationship. Unfortunately, your former partner may take a hostile approach to what is happening. Psychology Today warns that fear, jealousy, and anger can cause your spouse to take actions that could cause you significant harm. These may include: 

• Reading your mail and monitoring your online activities;
• Hiding important documents;
• Depleting funds in bank accounts;
• Running up heavy debts;
• Selling real estate or personal property without your knowledge or consent;
• Giving away assets to others or destroying them in spite;
• Stalking or complaining about you to your employer;
• Claiming they want a reconciliation, then turning around and filing for divorce without telling you. 

Actions Your Spouse May Take During Divorce Proceedings

The above types of actions can cost you money and put you at a disadvantage when filing for divorce. There are also actions your spouse can take during these proceedings that could harm your case. These include: 

• Making up allegations about you, such as claiming you had affairs;
• Having their attorney attack your character in front of a judge;
• Not attending mandatory hearings and refusing to sign documents, with the goal of causing delays in your divorce and driving up your legal costs;
• Refusing to negotiate on divorce-related matters that must be resolved under the Illinois Statutes;
• Demanding more than their fair share of marital property and assets;
• Refusing to provide alimony payments;
• Refusing to cooperate in creating a parenting plan for children of the marriage;
• Making up allegations about your parenting skills;
• Refusing to pay any child support ordered in your case. 

Get Our Chicago Divorce Attorneys on Your Side

At the Women’s Divorce and Family Law Group, we provide the trusted legal guidance and aggressive representation you need when dealing with an adversarial spouse. Rather than putting up with this behavior and suffering the ramifications that can result, get our legal team on your side. Call or contact our Chicago divorce attorneys online to schedule a consultation in our office today.