Financial Abuse

Our specialist family lawyers work sensitively and strategically to help those experiencing financial abuse regain control and independence.

Are you in a relationship where your partner is restricting your financial independence? You may feel isolated, coerced, degraded and powerless.

Since 2015, coercive control (which includes financial or economic abuse) has been a crime with a penalty of up to five years in prison. Financial abuse is recognised as a form of domestic abuse.

As true family law specialists who practice solely in this complex area, we are experts in identifying financial or economic abuse. Our solicitors offer confidential support and advice to help victims escape this damaging and belittling situation.

What is financial abuse?

Financial abuse is a form of coercive control where one partner restricts the other’s ability to acquire, access and use money or other economic resources. This can include how savings and investments are managed.

Ultimately, this can lead to a complete loss of financial independence, with no access to your own funds and no savings.

Money is a powerful weapon and financial abuse is a way in which a person seeks to control or manipulate another. This behaviour aims to entrap the victim and make them economically dependent.

It can happen to anyone, whether you are wealthy or not, and it can happen during a relationship or its breakdown.

Many people tolerate financial control in a relationship as they have concerns about being able to provide for themselves and their children, but it’s important to act if you spot the signs.

Financial abuse is a type of domestic abuse alongside sexual, physical and emotional abuse. These categories of abuse often co-exist in the same relationship. In fact, it is very rare for financial abuse to happen in isolation, and sadly it usually stems from or leads to other forms of abuse.

What are signs and examples of financial abuse?

An abuser can exert their economic control in many ways.

It may begin subtly, under the guise of care. A partner may offer to take on the ‘burden’ of managing household finances, only to later use this position to restrict access or provide a strict ‘allowance’.

The behaviour can be more overt, particularly as time progresses. It may involve using threats to stop the victim from working, or moving money out of joint accounts.

Common signs and examples of financial abuse include:

• Monitoring and surveillance: Having to justify every penny you spend or being required to provide proof of everyday purchases.
• Controlling and dictating spending: Being given ‘pocket money’ or an allowance, and being told that the money can only be spent on certain things.
• Spending imbalances: The perpetrator may use most of the family income for their own benefit, leaving you with substantially less.
• Interfering with your job: The partner may limit your working hours, force you to stop working or even try to sabotage your career entirely to increase dependence on them.
• Financial coercion: Being made to take out loans, agreements or contracts in your name, or having your partner build up debt you are legally responsible for.
• Restricted access and theft: The perpetrator may change passwords to accounts, or steal your pay, money, pensions or investments.
• Sabotaging essentials: Refusal to pay for vital costs, like rent, the mortgage or childcare, leaving the victim in a precarious position.

It is very important to identify the early signs of this behaviour so you can take steps to address it.

How to address and stop financial abuse

In some cases, it may be possible to discuss these issues and agree that certain actions or arrangements are not reasonable. You could make a post-nuptial agreement to formalise these financial arrangements.

If identified early, sometimes people can change their behaviour. In other more severe types of cases, you may wish to explore legal options such as a restraining order, a freezing injunction or initiating divorce proceedings.

It can be challenging to confront the situation, particularly if you fear it could lead to other forms of abuse. A specialist family law practice, such as Harrogate Family Law, can provide tailored, confidential support and help you explore your options.

How do I prove financial abuse?

If initial steps to resolve the situation do not work, gathering evidence is a vital step for obtaining protection. This documentation will help courts understand the extent of the control.

Common examples of evidence include:

• Financial documents like bank statements, credit card statements or loan agreements that show the abuse.
• Communication logs, like text messages, emails or voicemails where the perpetrator exerts control or uses threats regarding money.
• Witness statements from friends, family or neighbours who have observed the controlling behaviour.

At Harrogate Family Law, we can help you to prepare and gather evidence and vital documentation to support your case.

Taking immediate steps to protect your finances, such as by opening a separate bank account or changing passwords, can be a helpful step. You should also monitor your credit report for unauthorised activity.

We can also help you create an Economic Abuse Evidence Form (EAEF). This is a professional tool that creditors and banks use to understand your situation and potentially write off coerced debt.

Harrogate Family Law: helping financial abuse victims regain independence

Whatever you’re going through, you’re not alone. Rated ‘Excellent’ by our clients, we are a ‘considerable force in family law within Yorkshire’ according to Legal 500.

Our team blends compassion with legal expertise, drawing on extensive experience handling cases involving financial abuse.

During an initial confidential consultation, we’ll gain a deeper understanding of your situation. We’ll then put together a plan of action, advising you on the next steps for moving towards a financially independent future.

Contact us today to arrange a consultation. This can happen remotely or at our welcoming central Harrogate office – whatever is most comfortable and convenient for you.