Posted in Firm News
Financial abuse doesn’t always leave visible bruises, but it can be just as damaging as physical violence. When one spouse uses money as a weapon to control, manipulate, or trap the other, it creates a prison without bars. Many victims don’t even recognize what’s happening until they’re completely dependent and isolated.
What Financial Abuse Looks Like
Economic coercion takes many forms in a marriage. Some tactics are obvious, while others hide behind the guise of “managing household finances.” Understanding these patterns is the first step toward breaking free. Common signs include:
- Denying access to bank accounts or credit cards
- Forcing a spouse to ask permission for every purchase
- Withholding money for basic necessities like food or medication
- Sabotaging employment by causing scenes at work or hiding car keys
- Running up debt in the victim’s name
- Refusing to work while demanding that the other spouse provide everything
- Taking paychecks and giving only small “allowances”
- Hiding assets or income during separation
The abuser’s goal is always the same: maintain power by making the victim financially helpless. When someone can’t access money, they can’t leave. They can’t hire an attorney. They can’t even afford a security deposit on an apartment.
How Maryland Law Addresses Economic Coercion
Maryland courts recognize financial abuse as a form of domestic violence. This matters because it opens doors to legal protections that go beyond typical divorce proceedings. A Bethesda domestic violence lawyer can help victims seek protective orders that address economic harm. These orders might require an abuser to pay temporary support, stop interfering with employment, or stay away from the victim’s workplace. During a divorce, judges consider financial abuse when dividing property and awarding alimony. If one spouse deliberately destroyed the other’s credit, hid assets, or prevented them from working, the court can compensate for that harm. Maryland follows equitable distribution rules, which means fair doesn’t always mean equal. A spouse who suffered years of economic control might receive a larger share of marital assets.
Protecting Yourself And Building Independence
Getting out requires planning, especially when you’ve been cut off from financial resources. Start by gathering documentation quietly. Make copies of tax returns, bank statements, investment accounts, and titles to property. If you can’t access these documents, your attorney can request them through legal channels later. Open a bank account in your own name at a different institution. If possible, have statements sent to a trusted friend’s address or accessed online only. Even small amounts of money tucked away can provide options when you’re ready to leave.
Consider whether you’re entitled to access marital funds now. In Maryland, both spouses generally have equal rights to money in joint accounts, regardless of who earned it. Taking your fair share isn’t theft, it’s protecting yourself. A Bethesda domestic violence lawyer can advise on what’s legally appropriate in your situation. Employment sabotage deserves special attention. If your spouse interferes with your job, document every incident. Save threatening texts, emails, or voicemails. Ask your employer to note disruptions in writing. This evidence strengthens protective order petitions and divorce cases.
Moving Forward After Financial Abuse
Recovery takes time. Rebuilding credit, regaining financial literacy, and learning to trust your own decisions don’t happen overnight. Many victims spent years being told they were incompetent with money. That’s a lie abusers tell to maintain control. You have legal options. Maryland’s system provides tools to hold abusers accountable and help victims regain their footing. Property division, alimony, and child support can all factor in the economic harm you’ve suffered. Fait & DiLima, LLP works with clients who’ve experienced financial abuse throughout their marriages. We help victims understand their rights, access marital assets, and build cases that reflect the full scope of what they’ve endured. If you’re dealing with economic coercion, contact our firm to discuss your situation and explore your legal options.
