Divorce When One Spouse Controls the Finances: What to Know
Divorce is hard under any circumstances, but it's overwhelming when one spouse has controlled the money throughout the marriage. If you’ve never had access to bank accounts, don’t know what assets exist, or feel anxious about how you’ll support yourself, you’re not alone.
Many people come to our divorce lawyers feeling stuck, worried, and unsure where to start. Fortunately, there are ways to regain clarity and confidence. At Heckert & Associates Co., LPA, we work with individuals in Columbus, Ohio, and throughout Central Ohio who are facing divorce in situations where financial control has created fear or uncertainty. We focus on helping clients regain their footing and make informed choices about their future. If this situation sounds familiar, reach out to us to discuss what’s going on and the options available to you.
How Financial Control Can Affect a Divorce
When one spouse has held the financial reins, divorce often comes with added stress and uncertainty. You may worry about what assets exist, how debts are titled, or whether your spouse is being honest about money. These concerns are common, and they’re taken seriously during the divorce process. Some of the ways financial control may show up during divorce include:
Limited knowledge of bank accounts, retirement funds, or investments.
One spouse handling all income and expenses without transparency.
Difficulty accessing cash for daily needs or legal costs.
Fear that assets may be hidden or spent before the divorce is final.
Ohio divorce procedures allow for financial disclosure and, when needed, court involvement to bring information into the open. Once these concerns are identified, our divorce lawyers can help address them.
What Ohio Law Says About Money and Divorce
Divorce is guided by principles of fairness when dividing marital property and debts. That means assets and obligations acquired during the marriage are typically subject to division, regardless of whose name is on the account or who managed the money day to day.
If you’re worried that you don’t know enough about your finances, you’re not expected to figure it all out on your own before filing. Part of the divorce process involves sharing financial information. This can include income records, bank statements, retirement accounts, and debts. Important financial concepts in divorce include:
Identification of marital versus separate property.
Full disclosure of assets and debts by both spouses.
Consideration of temporary support during the case.
Fair division based on the circumstances of the marriage.
These rules exist to prevent one spouse from using money as leverage during divorce. While the process can take time, it’s designed to bring transparency and balance to situations where one person previously held all the financial cards.
Steps You Can Take to Protect Yourself
If you’re thinking about divorce and your spouse controls the finances, there are practical steps you can take to feel more prepared. You don’t need to confront your spouse or make drastic moves right away. Small, thoughtful actions can make a meaningful difference. Helpful steps to consider include:
Gather copies of financial documents that you can access.
Making a list of known accounts, assets, and debts.
Opening a separate bank account in your own name.
Tracking household expenses to understand monthly needs.
Taking these steps can help you feel less in the dark and more grounded as you consider your next move. After you’ve taken stock of what you know, it’s often easier to have productive conversations with our divorce lawyers about what comes next and how to address any gaps in information.
What You Can Do Right Now
It's normal to be unsure how to begin. You don’t need to solve everything at once. Taking a few intentional steps can help you regain a sense of control and momentum, even if you’re not ready to file for divorce yet. Some practical actions you can take right now include:
Starting a private record: Write down concerns, questions, and any financial information you learn over time. This can help you spot patterns, remember details, and feel more grounded as decisions arise.
Protecting your access: Secure your personal documents, such as your ID, Social Security card, and insurance information. Having these items in a safe place can prevent added stress if tensions increase or access becomes limited.
Building quiet support: Talk with a trusted friend or family member so you’re not carrying this alone. Emotional support can help you think more clearly and feel less isolated.
Scheduling a legal conversation: A consultation with our divorce lawyers can help you understand options without committing to next steps. It also gives you a space to ask questions and get clarity before making any major decisions.
Even small actions can reduce fear and replace uncertainty with direction. Once you’ve taken these steps, you’ll likely feel more prepared to make decisions that protect your future and your well-being.
Compassionate Legal Advice
Facing divorce when one spouse controls the finances can be isolating, but you don’t have to go through it without support. Working with experienced divorce lawyers can help you understand your rights, ask the right questions, and take steps toward a more secure future.
At Heckert & Associates Co., LPA, our divorce lawyers help clients in Columbus, Ohio, and throughout Central Ohio who feel overwhelmed by financial control during divorce. We focus on listening, explaining your options, and advocating for fair treatment under Ohio law. If you’re ready to talk about your situation and learn how we may be able to help, contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation.