Being dishonest during a divorce process is so common, we tend to think nothing of it, other than regard it as someone protecting their own interests from an evil partner. Not so simple!
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Lies
The purpose of dividing assets in the divorce process, is to treat both spouses fairly, considering their individual needs and contributions to the family. Some parties decide to be dishonest, by actually hiding assets, storing personal property elsewhere, transferring money into a secret bank account, understating income, undervaluing assets or overstating debts and expenses in the financial disclosure etc.
Ethics & Legals
Not only is this conduct unethical, it is also illegal! When signing your financial affidavit, you declare that everything contained therein is completely accurate. Lying on an affidavit is perjury. Perjury, is the intentional act of swearing a false oath or of falsifying an affirmation to tell the truth, whether spoken or in writing, concerning matters material to an official proceeding. If caught, you will be held in contempt of court and probably ordered to pay damages as well as face imprisonment.
If you suspect that your spouse is guilty of withholding information or hiding assets, consult with your attorney on the appropriate course of action. Read Signs that Your Spouse is Hiding Assets.
Financials
Apart from the legal implications of a court order being made based on non-disclosure, consider the financial cost as well. The average couple who does not have unlimited financial resources to fund litigation in the event of failure to provide full and frank disclosure, might end up with huge expenses which are ultimately paid out of the joint assets. Read Prevent Divorce from Ruining Your Finances.
Emotions
Furthermore, attempting and succeeding to be untruthful will obviously engender resentment and anger, which will have an adverse effect on the whole family and destroy any chance of a positive co-parenting relationship after the separation. Read 25 Signs of Emotional Abuse.
Honesty
The benefits of dealing with matters in an open and honest way, ensures a fair outcome and the ability for both parties, including children, to move forward better off emotionally and financially.
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Written by Sinta Ebersohn (Creator of fairdivorce.co.za – Stellenbosch)