What is Economic Abuse?
Economic abuse is recognised as a form of family violence, characterised by behaviours that control, limit, or sabotage a partner’s economic resources or financial independence. Common examples include:
- Restricting access to bank accounts and financial information.
- Preventing a partner from working or pursuing career opportunities.
- Accumulating debt intentionally in a partner’s name.
- Selling or disposing of joint assets without consent.
Your property settlement lawyer can assist in identifying and documenting instances of economic abuse to ensure they are considered appropriately in your settlement. Check our our range of Family Law Services.
Property Settlement Advice: How Economic Abuse Influences Settlements
Under the new legislation, courts must specifically evaluate how family violence has economically impacted the parties involved. This evaluation can significantly alter property division, as courts may award a higher percentage of assets to the victim to compensate for financial disadvantages incurred due to economic abuse.
An experienced property settlement lawyer will offer critical property settlement advice, guiding you on presenting your case effectively, supported by robust documentation and clear evidence of economic abuse.
Understanding Economic Abuse in Divorce
In divorce proceedings, the economic impacts of family violence are particularly pronounced. Economic abuse can drastically limit one partner’s earning capacity, reduce their retirement savings, or lead to significant debts. The 2025 legislative amendments acknowledge these impacts explicitly, allowing courts to adjust property settlements to reflect the real financial damage suffered by victims.
Consulting a property settlement lawyer can help you clearly articulate the economic consequences of family violence, ensuring fair treatment and appropriate asset division.
Family Violence Economic Effects
Courts now specifically recognise several forms of economic abuse and their tangible impacts, including:
- Career disruption: Forcing a partner to quit employment or preventing them from career advancement.
- Debt accumulation: Incurring debt fraudulently or without a partner’s knowledge.
- Asset control: Selling or damaging shared assets intentionally.
- Financial dependency: Restricting financial resources to create dependence.
An effective property settlement lawyer will assist you in documenting and presenting these economic abuses clearly in court.
Family Law Services in Mornington Peninsula and Melbourne
Village Family Lawyers provides compassionate and informed family law services across the Mornington Peninsula from our Mt Eliza office, and Inner Eastern suburbs of Melbourne from our Malvern office. Specialising in handling complex cases, our property settlement lawyers ensure your rights and financial future are protected.
We offer various services to help initiate your journey towards clarity, including:
- Initial Clarity Consultations
- Strategic Mediation Services
- Property Settlement Guidance
- Parenting Arrangements
- Binding Financial Agreements
Engaging our expert services can help you navigate the complexities introduced by the 2025 changes while emphasising the economic effects of family violence on your property settlement outcomes. Explore your options to Work With Us.
