Financial Abuse in Divorce: Strategies for Protection and Recovery with Lisa Zeiderman | Episode 227

Financial Abuse in Divorce: Recognizing the Signs and Protecting YourselfIn this episode of Divorce at Altitude, Ryan Kalamaya is joined by New York matrimonial attorney Lisa Zeiderman to discuss the often overlooked but highly damaging issue of financial abuse in marriage and divorce. Lisa explains how financial abuse is rooted in control and can take many forms, from withholding access to money and financial information to restricting credit, hiding tax returns, and forcing one spouse into complete financial dependence.Ryan and Lisa explore how financial abuse can affect both lower-earning and higher-earning spouses, why many victims do not recognize it until they are deep into a divorce, and what practical steps people can take to protect themselves. The episode focuses on empowering listeners to understand the warning signs, seek support, and take action before or during a divorce proceeding.Guest InformationLisa Zeiderman is the Managing Partner of Miller Zeiderman LLP in New York. She regularly handles complex financial and custody matters for high-net-worth individuals and is widely recognized for her work in matrimonial law. In addition to her legal practice, Lisa writes on legal and psychological issues, contributes to financial publications.Episode HighlightsWhat Financial Abuse Really Means Lisa defines financial abuse as a form of control. It happens when one spouse is denied access to money, credit, financial records, tax returns, or decision-making power, leaving them dependent and disempowered.The Difference Between Disinterest and Abuse Ryan and Lisa discuss the distinction between a spouse who simply chooses not to engage in the family finances and a spouse who is actively excluded from them.Warning Signs to Watch For The episode identifies key red flags, including not being allowed to see tax returns, being told to “just sign here,” not having access to bank accounts or credit cards, having passwords changed, being unable to pay for basics.Financial Abuse Can Affect Breadwinners Too Lisa points out that financial abuse is not limited to the lower-earning spouse. In some relationships, even the primary breadwinner can be manipulated into surrendering control of their income and finances.Why Transparency Matters in Marriage Ryan and Lisa emphasize that both spouses should understand the financial picture of the household.What is Divorce at Altitude? Ryan Kalamaya and Amy Goscha provide tips and recommendations on issues related to divorce, separation, and co-parenting in Colorado. Ryan and Amy are the founding partners of an innovative and ambitious law firm, Kalamaya | Goscha, that pushes the boundaries to discover new frontiers in family law, personal injuries, and criminal defense in Colorado. To subscribe to Divorce at Altitude, click here and select your favorite podcast player. To subscribe to Kalamaya | Goscha's YouTube channel where many of the episodes will be posted as videos, click here.  If you have additional questions or would like to speak to one of our attorneys, give us a call at 970-429-5784 or email us at [email protected].************************************************************************DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS ON THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL ADVICE. CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE OR AREA TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE ON ANY OF THESE ISSUES.