What if my spouse starts spending uncontrollably during divorce proceedings?

In a high net-worth divorce case, a party can start spending recklessly for a number of reasons. Sometimes, they want their wealth dissipated into easily movable, hard to find property; on other occasions the profligacy is designed with the goal of securing more maintenance by inflating their “needs case” which the court will look at when dividing the assets. Sometimes they simply have a new partner who they are showering with gifts. As each of these goes against the intentions of the court, a top divorce lawyer can help you.

Freezing orders in family law ensure a wealthy party cannot dissipate their assets in this way. This is a form of injunction which restricts a party from spending above their reasonable needs. If they breach it, they can be fined or jailed. Add back in can be used in family law with the aim of covering other types of reckless spending. Where a party has deliberately engaged in wasteful spending, the court can add that amount back into their side of the balance sheet, effectively meaning it is taken wholly out of their share. We will use court orders to ensure the disclosure of your spouse’s historic financial statements.

Through thorough forensic analysis, we can demonstrate just how their spending has varied, highlighting the discrepancies in spending over time. We will then present this evidence, undermining their case. Vardags are experienced at obtaining freezing orders as well as successfully running add-back arguments. Through these means, we can protect your case from your partner’s uncontrollable spending.

If you’re considering or going through a divorce and your spouse is spending uncontrollably, click below for a free initial consultation with one of our expert divorce solicitors.

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