Financial Misconduct in Ohio Divorce: If You Suspect Something, Say Something!

financial misconduct in Ohio divorce

Understanding Financial Misconduct in an Ohio Divorce

Divorce is both an emotional and financial separation. Unfortunately, some spouses try to gain an unfair advantage through financial misconduct in an Ohio divorce, such as hiding assets, wasting marital property, or taking on secret debt before or during the divorce process.

Ohio law recognizes these actions as financial misconduct and allows courts to compensate the innocent spouse when misconduct is proven. The key is identifying the problem early. If something doesn’t seem right, tell your attorney.

What Is Financial Misconduct in an Ohio Divorce?

Under Ohio Revised Code Section 3105.171, financial misconduct occurs when a spouse knowingly dissipates, conceals, destroys, or fails to disclose marital assets. If proven, an Ohio court may award a larger share of the marital estate to the innocent spouse.

Common Examples

Financial misconduct in an Ohio divorce can take many forms, depending on the circumstances and the assets involved:

  • Hiding bank accounts, investments, or income
  • Transferring assets to friends or relatives
  • Gambling or excessive spending before divorce (this topic is covered more in depth here)
  • Using marital funds to support an extramarital affair
  • Concealing business income or manipulating financial records
  • Accumulating significant debt for non-marital purposes

These actions can significantly impact a fair property division.… View Full Article → “Financial Misconduct in Ohio Divorce: If You Suspect Something, Say Something!”

What To Do if You Think Your Spouse is Hiding or Wasting Marital Assets

financial misconduct divorce marital assets

Your Marital Assets Could Be In Jeopardy if Your Spouse is Engaging in Financial Wrongdoing During a Divorce Action. Can The Ohio Courts Step In?

The time leading up to a divorce and the actual divorce process can be quite bumpy and unpleasant. Oftentimes, the unknowns of divorce will lead to irrational thinking and bad behavior by one or both of the spouses. While some bad behavior is simply frowned upon, other forms of misconduct are actually illegal. For instance, if your spouse is intentionally scheming to hide or waste your marital assets in an attempt to interfere with your right to an equitable distribution during the divorce, you may have a claim of financial misconduct.

What is the law in Ohio behind financial misconduct in a divorce action?

Under Ohio law, “if a spouse has engaged in financial misconduct , including, but not limited to, the dissipation, destruction, concealment, nondisclosure, or fraudulent disposition of assets, the court may compensate the offended spouse with a distributive award or with a greater award of marital property.”… View Full Article → “What To Do if You Think Your Spouse is Hiding or Wasting Marital Assets”