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!”

Blast From The Past: Gambling: The Consequences Of Financial Misconduct In A Divorce

Blast from the past 13 years Ohio Family Law Blog

Financial Misconduct in a Divorce, Is it a Gambling Addiction?

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: This blog about financial misconduct in a divorce case is as meaningful today as it was when we originally posted it on April 22, 2017. We have a ton of interesting articles in our archives of the Ohio Family Law Blog. Use our Search tool and enjoy a few oldie but goodies!

Overview on Ohio Divorce Law: Gambling as the Basis for Financial Misconduct and Unequal Division of Marital Assets Upon Divorce

Gambling exists in every state (even in Utah and Hawaii where it is illegal), but not everyone gambles the same.  If gambling gets out of control, it becomes a real medical condition. A “Gambling Disorder”, as the affliction is known, affects slightly more than 2 percent  of all U.S. adults. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Gambling  can stimulate the brain’s reward system much like drugs such as alcohol can, leading to addiction”.… View Full Article → “Blast From The Past: Gambling: The Consequences Of Financial Misconduct In A Divorce”

Gambling: The Consequences Of Financial Misconduct In A Divorce

Overview on Ohio Divorce Law: Gambling as the Basis for Financial Misconduct and Unequal Division of Marital Assets Upon Divorce

Gambling exists in every state (even in Utah and Hawaii where it is illegal), but not everyone gambles the same.  If gambling gets out of control, it becomes a real medical condition. A “Gambling Disorder”, as the affliction is known, affects slightly more than 2 percent  of all U.S. adults. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Gambling can stimulate the brain’s reward system much like drugs such as alcohol can, leading to addiction”. Individually, male gambling addicts typically accumulate an average debt between $55,000 and $90,000.  Female gambling addicts average a $15,000 debt, by one estimate. But as one might expect, most gamblers do not have sufficient resources to pay back what they owe. As a result, gambling addicts develop a high tendency to, suffer from other health issues, lose their jobs, commit crimes, and strain their relationships and marriages.… View Full Article → “Gambling: The Consequences Of Financial Misconduct In A Divorce”