It is estimated that in the United States, more men than women are still the financial heads of their households, which can leave women at a disadvantage in a separation situation. It may come as a surprise to Connecticut residents that many women are not as financially knowledgeable as their husbands, and in a divorce, that lack of knowledge can result in an unfair settlement. It is important for women to be aware of their rights in a divorce situation before the paperwork goes through.
Divorce experts mention several key signs to look for in a divorce scenario that might mean a husband is attempting to carve out a larger piece of the pie than the one to which he is entitled. For example, if his personal expenses are paid for through his business, he can theoretically claim no income. Additionally, any claim that the business is suffering that does not correspond with a change in lifestyle should be seen as suspect.
These sorts of moves are endemic to what experts call “self-protective” planning, and they may have been cropping up well before the divorce discussion was brought up. If a husband’s business began reporting so-called loss of income around the time marital problems began, it could be a sign that the business may be doing better than he would lead others to believe. Ultimately, not everyone is as honest as they should be, so it behooves a woman to request relevant information before agreeing to alimony or other divorce-related stipulations.
Divorce can be a complicated process even if both parties are amicable and fair with one another. Ultimately, Connecticut women are responsible for educating themselves about the divorce process prior to sitting down at the negotiation table. Doing so with knowledge of one’s rights and responsibilities can mean the difference between a painful separation and a fair and comprehensive settlement.
Source: Forbes, If Your Husband Owns A Business, Watch Out For SIDS (Sudden Income Deficit Syndrome) Once Divorce Proceedings Start, Jeff Landers, Oct. 10, 2013