When You Realize You Married a Gold-Digger

You feel so dumb! Sure, you should have paid attention to the signs before you got married, but you were too in love to notice. But now you’ve tied the knot and it seems crystal clear that your spouse married you for one reason, and one reason only: to get their hands on your money. Now what?

You Ignored the Signs 

You thought it was wonderful, and enjoyed spending on your significant other, and, since you were better positioned to do so, you never thought to question whether it was a one-way street. But the signs that your affection, and your money, were not reciprocated are agonizingly apparent now. While you were dating, why didn’t you care that your lover exhibited some unique qualities?

• All of their friends would date only wealthy individuals.
• Their affection was unrestrained while you were spending, but diminished if you ever felt like paying it low-key for an evening.
• There was more excitement over expensive presents than for sentimental gestures or gifts.
• Conflict resolution usually meant an expensive gift to make up.
• Only the best was acceptable; high-class restaurants and 5-star hotels were a must.
• They always had an insatiable interest in your work and finances.
• You always paid in full for everything.
• They radiated a sense of entitlement and seemed to frequently lack authentic gratitude.
• There were numerous financial crises that required a bail out from you, often at your insistence (how did they manage that!).
• In some ways you were made to feel you were dating out of your league (perhaps someone much younger, for example).
• They don’t seem very ambitious in terms of work.
• They seem distressed when you don’t comply with their wishes.
• They love overindulgence and are unconcerned with saving money.
• If your spending waned, they threatened to leave you.

Is it too Late?

Now that you are in this predicament, and married, to boot, what should you do? Relationship experts have some guidance:

• Create strong and clear financial boundaries.
• Work on developing a stronger emotional bond if possible.
• Keep as much of your finances as possible a mystery.
• Expect them to contribute to the relationship, both financially and emotionally.
• Trust your gut, and if you believe the relationship is beyond repair, get out before things get more tangled and messy.

Good News!

No, you didn’t plan on divorce, but the good news for you is that your spouse won’t be able to rob you blind in a divorce, especially if the marriage was short-lived. Florida law is unambiguous about property division. Marital property is defined as that which was acquired by either party subsequent to the legal marriage, with a few exceptions like when there are inheritances or gifts. Anything you owned prior to the marriage, however, is still yours. There is a bit of an exception to this…

On the Other Hand… 

You should understand that if you and your spouse had a child together, you will be required to pay child support to provide a living environment somewhat equivalent to what your spouse became accustomed to with you. Most people don’t resent supporting their children, but you need to be aware that it is the one way your gold-digger spouse will get their hands on your money after it’s all said and done.

Fighting for You

The dedicated Boca Raton divorce lawyers at WiseLieberman always look out for our clients’ best interests. To discuss your situation, schedule a confidential consultation in our Boca Raton office today

Source:

leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.075.html