Posted by Mary E. Ramos | Divorce
Divorce can be emotionally exhausting and financially stressful, especially if your spouse is not playing by the rules. In Texas, some people may use underhanded strategies to gain an unfair advantage during divorce proceedings. Awareness of potential tactics and how to safeguard yourself is crucial for achieving a fair outcome. Below, we explore some common underhanded strategies and learn how to counter them legally and effectively.
Is Your Spouse Hiding Assets from You?
One of the most common sneaky divorce tactics in Texas is asset concealment. Your spouse might underreport income, transfer property to family or friends, or invent debts to minimize the marital assets available for division. Since Texas follows community property laws, anything acquired during the marriage is subject to equitable division. When assets are hidden, it disrupts this balance and can unfairly shift the financial outcome.
How to Counter Hidden Assets
Begin by collecting all financial documents, such as tax returns, bank statements, and investment records. If your spouse has complicated financial dealings, hire a forensic accountant to trace any hidden assets. Texas courts don’t take kindly to dishonesty; if your spouse is caught concealing assets, the court may award you a larger share of what’s uncovered.
Is Your Spouse Manipulating Custody Discussions?
Child custody is often the most contentious part of divorce, and sneaky divorce tactics may include your spouse attempting to paint you as an unfit parent. This can involve exaggerating conflicts or fostering alienation between you and your children—a harmful practice called parental alienation. In Texas, courts focus on the child’s best interests. If your spouse distorts the facts, they could sway the custody arrangement in their favor unless you know how to counter such unethical tactics.
How to Counter Custody Manipulation
Keep detailed records of your interactions with your spouse and your children. If your spouse is engaging in parental alienation or false allegations, these records can provide crucial evidence. In addition, Texas courts take such tactics seriously, and you can request psychological evaluations or appoint a guardian ad litem to protect your child’s best interests.
Is Your Spouse Rushing or Delaying the Divorce?
Speeding up or dragging out the divorce process can also be part of a larger strategy. Your spouse might push for a quick resolution to rush you into signing an unfair agreement. Or conversely, they could use delay tactics to exhaust you emotionally and financially. Stalling could involve missing court dates, ignoring communications, or filing frivolous motions to wear you down.
How to Counter a Delayed or Rushed Divorce
Take the time to understand your legal rights before agreeing to any terms. If your spouse tries to fast-track the process, insist on a thorough review. If delay tactics are at play, your attorney can file motions to expedite proceedings or seek sanctions for abusive litigation practices.
Are They Trying to Relocate with the Children?
In Texas, one parent attempting to relocate with the children can drastically affect custody arrangements. Your spouse may try to move to another city or state, potentially limiting your access to your children and forcing you into a long-distance co-parenting situation.
How to Counter Unapproved Relocations
Texas law requires a parent to notify the court and the other parent before relocating with the children. If your spouse attempts to move without consent, you can request an emergency hearing to stop the relocation until the court conducts a proper custody evaluation.
Is Debt Suddenly Piling Up?
Sometimes, a spouse accumulates substantial debt during divorce, knowing it will be considered part of the marital estate. This tactic includes racking up credit card debt or taking out large loans, leaving you on the hook for half of the total amount once the divorce is final.
How to Counter Excessive Debt
Keep a close eye on your joint accounts and monitor your credit report. If you suspect your spouse is recklessly accumulating debt, immediately inform your attorney. Texas courts can assign this debt solely to the spouse responsible if they can prove the spending was done in bad faith.
How Can You Avoid These Sneaky Divorce Tactics in Texas?
To protect yourself, be proactive. Here are some steps to help you avoid sneaky divorce tactics in Texas:
- Hire a skilled attorney. An experienced family law attorney from Ramos Law Group, PLLC, is familiar with Texas divorce laws and unethical schemes employed by some opposing parties. They will use this knowledge to help you spot potential red flags and strategize to protect your interests.
- Document everything. Whether it’s financial statements, communications, or interactions with your spouse, keeping detailed records is crucial. These can serve as valuable evidence if your spouse resorts to underhanded tactics.
- Stay informed. Know your rights, understand the divorce process, and don’t rush into decisions. The more informed you are, the better you can counter shady tactics.
At Ramos Law Group, PLLC, we understand that divorce is a deeply personal and challenging experience. Our family-owned, award-winning firm, led by a Board-Certified Family Law attorney, protects your rights and ensures a fair outcome. If you suspect your spouse is using sneaky divorce tactics in Texas, contact us today for a confidential consultation. Let our experienced team ensure that your divorce process is fair, transparent, and focused on your best interests.
Resources:
- Community Property, Texas Law Help (2022), link
- Divorce, Texas State Law Library (2024), link
- Vexatious Litigants in Family Law, Texas Law Help (2023), link
- Child Custody and Conservatorship, Texas Law Help (2023), link
- What To Expect in Texas Family Law Court, Texas Young Lawyers Association (2005), link
- Texas Divorce, Women’s Law (2024), link
- Texas Custody, Women’s Law (2024), link
- Divorce in Texas, Texas Law Help (2023), link
Last Updated on October 23, 2024 by Mary E. Ramos
By submitting this form, I understand and agree that an attorney-client relationship with Ramos Law Group is ONLY established upon entering into a written fee agreement. I acknowledge that this submission is not a request for legal advice, and any information received in response will not constitute legal advice.
I also consent to receiving text messages from Ramos Law Group. I can text ‘STOP’ to opt out of text messages at any time. Please visit our SMS Terms of Service and Privacy Policy for more details.