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Recognising Financial Abuse as a Victim— and What to Do During a Property Settlement
A simple guide for anyone separating and worried about financial control, loss of access to money, or allegations of financial abuse.
Financial abuse can be one of the most distressing parts of a relationship breakdown. It can leave you feeling powerless, unsafe, confused, or unsure where to start. It can also influence your access to money, your ability to move on, and the overall fairness of your property settlement.
At ALA Law, we understand both the legal and emotional impact of financial abuse.
What Is Financial Abuse?
Financial abuse is a recognised form of family violence. It happens when one person uses money or financial decisions to control, restrict or intimidate their partner.
Examples include:
- controlling access to bank accounts
- taking your income or restricting your spending
- preventing you from working or studying
- creating debt in your name without permission
- withholding money for essentials
- refusing to share financial information
- using joint funds or assets without telling you
- monitoring your spending in a controlling way
Sometimes it happens slowly and subtly, and people don’t realise until they separate.
Signs You May Be Experiencing Financial Abuse
You may be experiencing financial abuse if:
- You have little or no access to money
- You don’t know what assets you and your partner have
- You were not allowed to work or were pressured to stop
- You’re unsure whether debt was taken out in your name
- Your partner made all the financial decisions
- You’re scared to ask for money or financial information
- Your partner drained accounts or moved money just before separation
If any of these feel familiar, you are not alone—many people experience this, and we can help.
If You Believe You’re the Victim of Financial Abuse
Our priority is your safety, stability, and financial independence.
We will help you by:
✔ Getting a clear picture of your financial situation
We obtain bank statements, financial records, tax documents, business and trust information—so you don’t have to confront your ex-partner or put yourself at risk.
✔ Making sure all financial information is shared
Your former partner must legally disclose all assets, liabilities and financial documents. If they don’t, we can take steps to compel disclosure.
✔ Putting protective arrangements in place
We can seek urgent court orders to secure property, freeze accounts, or stop assets from being sold or hidden.
✔ Making sure you have the money you need to live
We can help with applications for:
- interim financial support
- contributions to bills and school fees
- access to joint funds if needed
✔ Strengthening your case
We gather evidence that shows patterns of financial control, if relevant.
✔ Negotiating safely
We use methods that reduce pressure and protect your wellbeing (e.g., lawyer-assisted negotiation or shuttle mediation).
How Property Settlements Work When Financial Abuse Is Involved
Financial abuse affects the way a settlement may be approached.
We will help you:
- secure or preserve assets
- prevent financial harm
- understand your rights
- negotiate safely
- structure a fair financial division
- ensure clear, enforceable orders
- protect your ongoing financial wellbeing
We take a trauma-informed, safety-first approach—and we tailor your strategy to your situation.
You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone
Financial abuse is deeply personal and often overwhelming, but you deserve safety, clarity and support.
At ALA Law, we help you:
- understand your financial rights
- protect your assets
- regain independence and control
- resolve your property settlement safely and fairly
- move forward with confidence
Whether you believe you’ve been harmed or whether you’re facing allegations, our team is here to guide you every step of the way—professionally, respectfully, and without judgment.