How Florida Courts Handle Drained Bank Accounts In A Fort Lauderdale Divorce
Imagine waking up, checking your bank account balance, and realizing your spouse drained it. Unfortunately, this type of behavior often happens when a Fort Lauderdale divorce looms on the horizon.
A spouse may withdraw money, max out credit cards, or move cash into secret accounts to gain an advantage. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale divorce attorney helps clients in these complex cases. Find out how the Broward County Court views this behavior and steps you can take to protect yourself.
How Florida Courts View Drained Accounts In Divorce
In a Fort Lauderdale divorce, Florida requires that marital property be divided fairly, but not always equally. Under Section 61.075 of the Florida Statutes, if one spouse intentionally wastes or hides assets, judges can adjust the property division to make up for it. Common situations judges see:
- Unexplained withdrawals: If thousands disappear, courts may treat that money as already received by the spouse who took it.
- Affair spending: Vacations, rent, or gifts for a new partner often trigger credits for the other spouse.
- Hidden transfers: Moving money into another account or giving it to a friend is a red flag.
- Running up debt: Cash advances or hefty charges near the divorce filing may stick with the spender.
- Cash hoarding: Switching to “cash only” without receipts can raise suspicion.
Courts don’t reward financial games. If proven, the spouse who drained the account may walk away with less of the marital estate.
What to Do If Money Disappears From Accounts During A Fort Lauderdale Divorce
It’s scary to see funds vanish, but you are not powerless. When getting a divorce through the Broward County Family Court, the faster you react to lost funds, the more options you’ll have to recover. Steps you can take right away:
- Save account records: Download recent bank, credit card, PayPal, and Venmo statements. Look back at least a year to spot patterns.
- Open a separate account: Redirect your paycheck and set up bill payments in your name.
- Request temporary orders: Courts can require your spouse to contribute to housing, utilities, or child costs while the divorce is pending.
- Push for discovery: Your lawyer can subpoena records, demand sworn disclosures, and track hidden transfers.
- Consider a forensic accountant: These experts are trained in divorce cases and can trace where the money went.
One important note: Don’t stop paying rent, car loans, or utilities without a plan. Missed payments hurt your credit and can weaken your position in court.
To Protect Your Financial Security, Contact Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Divorce Attorney
If your spouse drained the bank account before or during a Fort Lauderdale divorce, you don’t have to just accept the loss. At The Law Office of Sandra Bonfiglio, we help clients in Fort Lauderdale stabilize their finances, request emergency orders, and hold the other spouse accountable for wasting assets.
Don’t let financial manipulation control your future. To get the professional legal help you need, call or contact our office online. Request a consultation right away with our experienced Fort Lauderdale divorce attorney.
Sources:
flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2018/61.075
browardclerk.org/Divisions/Family
