The thought of contacting a lawyer made her sick. To live through her abusive marriage was hard enough. Would she have to bare all the details of her twisted reality to someone…and pay them for it? Where would she get the money for that, especially since her husband was hiding his paychecks?
Is your story anything like this?
I get the hesitation. The fear, the dread, and disgust. Bringing somebody else into your messy life is humiliating. But (and this is a really big but(t)), there are so many really important reasons to contact a lawyer when you’re in an abusive marriage. Because protecting yourself from financial abuse isn’t easy or simple, and it takes someone who knows what they’re doing.
Which leads us to questions. You have so many questions.
So I invited a lawyer who’s at the top of her game to answer the questions women just like you want (and need) answered.
Because this knowledge is worth its weight in gold. And your protection is worth even more than that.
This episode answers:
- What are the signs of financial abuse?
- What can you do if you’re being financially abused?
- Why is mediation with a narcissist like a waiting room (a very pointless, expensive one)?
- How can I survive financially if I get a divorce?
- My husband racked up credit card debt; am I responsible to pay it off if we divorce?
- Can I file for sole legal custody if my husband shows no interest in the kids?
- My husband is hiding assets but I have no proof; what can I do?
- Is it financial abuse to keep all his earnings to himself?
- What can I do if my husband refuses to pay bills?
- Will my husband’s higher income be taken into account when dividing debt during divorce?
- What can I do if my husband refuses to obey court orders, like paying alimony/child support? (HINT: garnishing wages has nothing to do with salad; who knew?)
- Why is life insurance important when alimony/child support is being paid?
- Should I keep utilities/mortgage in my name?
- And more!
Access the transcript, read the show notes, and/or ask Natalie a question here
Related Resources:
- Read Lisa’s popular blog on Legal Matters: Understanding mental health issues as they apply to divorce and child custody.
- Read more about Lisa on her website.
- Visit the Savvy Ladies site to learn more about how this organization champions the advancement of self-reliant, financially educated women.
- If you are a Christian woman who thinks you may be in an emotionally destructive marriage, learn more at https://flyingfreenow.com
- I'll send you (free!) the first chapter of my book, Is It Me? Making Sense of Your Confusing Marriage, which has an assessment to help you figure out if your relationship is abusive or not. All you have to do is hop on my mailing list at https://flyingfreesisterhood.com/free-download
- You can also find out about our online education and support program for women of faith at https://joinflyingfree.com
- And finally, if you are a divorced Christian woman who wants to take back her life and get healthy, lose weight, have amazing relationships, get things done, build a business or career, and even find a good man (if you want one) - check out Flying Higher at https://joinflyinghigher.com
Lisa Zeiderman is a matrimonial attorney, certified family law specialist, certified divorce financial analyst, and managing partner at Miller Zeiderman LLP, based in New York. She was named to the Crain’s New York list of Notable Woman Attorneys for 2022, a Hudson Valley Best Lawyer in 2022, and a 2021 Best Family Law Attorney for Client Satisfaction by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys. She also serves as the vice president of the board of Savvy Ladies, Inc., a nonprofit helping reduce economic and racial disparities in financial education for women.
