Financial infidelity is the act of hiding monetary activity from a spouse or romantic partner or of lying about what has been spent. It occurs when one or both partners in the relationship are not honest about their finances.
Many marital conflicts involve money. When one spouse is hiding assets, it can erode trust and lead to more conflict. As a marriage is slowly heading to divorce court, some spouses may be tempted to do some unscrupulous things with the family’s finances.
Red flags to be aware of
Like other forms of infidelity, there are signs to look for. Being aware of what to look for can be the first step to discovering financial infidelity. Here are a few signs:
- Lack of communication: Avoiding the subject of personal finance, accounts, credit cards or debt can be a sign that a partner has something to hide.
- Computer secrecy: A spouse involved in making purchases that they prefer to hide will start with the computer. Changing passwords or taking the cellphone to the bathroom can be a sign of hiding e-commerce activities.
- New purchases: Showing up with new clothes, accessories, jewelry or vehicles is a red flag that is hard to ignore. Lavish or luxury purchases that would normally be out of character can be a red flag.
Financial infidelity can be one of the most difficult relationship problems there is. Partners may feel as though they don’t know the person they’re supposed to trust and confide in with their deepest held secrets and fears.
When facing divorce in New Hampshire, having experienced legal guidance can help you work to get a fair settlement even if your spouse hasn’t been fully transparent about their spending.
