Although it happens in rare cases, a divorce rarely comes without warning. It’s important to look for the warning signs so that you are prepared in the event your spouse is considering a divorce. Here are five things to be aware:
1. If you have been out of the workforce and your spouse suddenly suggests that you need to get a job. This is a sure sign that your spouse has consulted with a lawyer and learned about Nevada alimony law. Your spouse was likely advised to hold off filing the divorce as long as possible until you become employed in order to mitigate his or her alimony exposure.
2. Your spouse suddenly becomes parent of the year. If your spouse had little time or interest in parenting before and is now interested in meeting the children’s teachers, going to school activities and doctors’ appointments, this is a good sign that your spouse has consulted with a lawyer and is attempting to make a case for joint custody of the children. In many cases, the motivation for joint custody is to decrease a child support obligation.
3. Joint credit cards are cancelled. If your spouse starts closing joint credit card accounts, it could be a sign that your spouse is trying to limit your spending and decrease your potential need for alimony.
4. Significant cash withdrawals. If you start noticing unusual activity at the ATM, this could be a sign that your spouse is attempting to “siphon” off money to obtain a divorce lawyer, or is attempting to put aside cash that he or she may not account for during the divorce. Retirement liquidation. If your spouse liquidates a retirement account without consulting or notifying you, this is a clear red flag. Not only does a withdrawal from a retirement account create tax liability, but it may be the only asset you will obtain upon a divorce and you must preserve this asset.
5. Personality changes. If your spouse is suddenly going to the gym (without you), is losing weight, purchasing new stylish clothes, or staying out late at night, this could be the sign that your spouse is having an affair and may be preparing for a divorce. You know your spouse better than anyway and if you have a gut feeling that something is going on, the chances are, something is going on.
If you feel that your spouse is considering divorce and may be filing for divorce, the best thing you can do is to have a consultation with a family law attorney who can explain your rights and help take preventive actions to protect yourself in the event of a divorce.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at PecosLawGroup.com at 702-843-5142