How to Recognize 5 Sneaky Divorce Tactics

 Posted on November 15, 2025 in Divorce

Divorce can bring out the worst in people. With so much at stake, some spouses use underhanded tactics to try to get an unfair advantage. These behaviors can cause serious harm, not only financially and emotionally, but even in terms of your relationship with your children. Recognizing these tactics early is an important part of protecting yourself during your divorce and into the future.

If you are facing a tough divorce in Illinois, having an experienced Will County divorce lawyer is essential. Our knowledgeable attorneys can identify red flags, find hidden information, and make sure your case stays fair and honest.

Five Manipulative Divorce Tactics to Watch Out For 

One Spouse is Hiding Assets From the Other

One of the most common forms of deception in divorce involves money. A spouse who wants to pay less child support or alimony may attempt to hide income or property to keep it from being counted. In Illinois, under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (750 ILCS 5/503), marital assets are supposed to be divided equitably, which means fairly, taking many factors into account. When a spouse hides property, that fairness disappears.

There are many ways to hide money or make assets seem less valuable. Someone might:

• Transfer funds to a friend or family member

• Delay receiving a year-end bonus or commission

• Overpay on taxes to claim a refund later

• Undervalue business interests or personal property

• Create fake debts to make their finances appear worse than they are

A skilled divorce attorney can use tools like subpoenas and discovery requests to find hidden accounts or transactions. For example, if a business-owning spouse says their company is unprofitable but continues to pay personal expenses through the business, we can take a closer look at what is really going on.

Manipulating Parenting Time

Custody disputes during divorce can be particularly painful. Some parents attempt to gain an advantage by undermining the other parent’s relationship with the children. This can include exaggerating minor parenting mistakes, making false accusations of neglect, or saying bad things about the other parent in front of the children.

Illinois law focuses on the best interests of the child, which means both parents are expected to promote a positive relationship between the child and the other parent. If one parent consistently sabotages the children’s relationship with their other parent, the court may consider it when determining parenting time or decision-making authority.

For instance, if one parent blocks the other parent’s contact with the children, that behavior could influence custody decisions. In severe cases, a guardian ad litem (GAL) may be appointed to investigate what is truly happening at home and advocate for the child’s well-being.

Using Delay or Pressure Tactics

Timing can be a weapon in divorce. Some spouses intentionally delay proceedings to wear the other down emotionally or financially. Others rush to finalize an agreement before the other spouse has a chance to review it carefully. Both approaches are manipulative and can lead to unfair results.

Common delay tactics include failing to respond to court orders, skipping depositions, filing unnecessary motions, or requesting constant continuances. A spouse who does this often hopes the other will settle just to end the ordeal.

On the opposite end, a spouse who pushes for a quick resolution may do so to prevent full disclosure of assets or avoid legal scrutiny. For example, if one spouse insists on signing documents immediately after separation, that may be a sign they are hiding something.

An attorney can manage these tactics. Sometimes the most effective response is filing a motion to compel discovery. Other times, asking for temporary relief orders to ensure bills and support are still paid during the process is most effective. Whatever it takes, your attorney can help you make sure the divorce process is manageable. 

One Parent is Attempting to Relocate with the Children 

A relocation request is one of the most stressful issues parents can face during or after divorce. Unlike ordinary parenting-time disputes, relocation can dramatically change a child’s life. Moving to a different city or state can affect schooling, friendships, and how often the child sees the other parent. Illinois courts treat relocation seriously because of its long-term impact on the parent-child relationship.

Under 750 ILCS 5/609.2, a parent cannot simply move a child far away on their own. Moves over a certain distance require advance notice and, in many cases, court approval. The parent who wants to relocate must show that the move truly serves the child’s best interests, not just their own preferences.

Courts consider factors such as the parent’s reasons for moving, the opportunities available in the new location, the child’s ties to both parents, and how realistic it is to maintain a strong relationship with the parent who stays behind. If a parent attempts to move without permission, withholds notice, or tries to use relocation to limit the other parent’s involvement, the judge may view that conduct negatively.

In contested relocation cases, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem (GAL) or child representative to investigate the situation, speak with the child, and analyze the potential benefits and disruptions of the proposed move. Their recommendations can carry significant weight when the judge decides whether relocation should be allowed.

Running Up Debt During Divorce

Financial misconduct is not limited to just hiding money. It can also include reckless spending. Some spouses intentionally run up credit card bills or take out loans during a divorce, knowing those debts will be split as part of the marital estate.

In Illinois, marital debt is treated similarly to marital assets; it needs to be divided fairly between both spouses. If your spouse racks up unnecessary charges on joint accounts, you could still be responsible for part of that balance.

To protect yourself, close or freeze joint credit cards, open separate accounts, and watch your credit report closely. You may need to give your attorney copies of recent credit card statements. 

How to Protect Yourself Against Dirty Tactics in Divorce

Knowing these behaviors exist is the first step. The next step is taking measures to protect your interests. If your spouse is trying to rush you, avoid making decisions under pressure. Do not sign anything until your attorney reviews it.

If your spouse is acting suspiciously, tell your lawyer immediately. The sooner these issues are identified, the easier it is to stop the damage.

Call a Will County, IL Divorce Lawyer

At Law Office of Ronald L. Hendrix, P.C., our Naperville divorce attorneys understand the tactics people use to make divorce harder on their spouse. We use our experience to level the playing field and protect our clients.

Call 630-355-7776 today to schedule a confidential consultation and learn how we can help you see and then stop unfair divorce tactics before they cause lasting harm.