Can it get any worse

I've planned my early retirement for a long time. I was even putting 6% of my salary into my pension when I was an 18 year old apprentice. Well the time arrived. I had my 50th birthday with my wife in Barbados. We arrived home, my lump sum was in my account, my pension was in my account. I bought my wife the car she had always wanted and I got a letter from her solicitor saying she wanted a divorce. We're talking but I'm not hopeful and I know she's hidden money and taken a 3rd of my lump sum from my account. She's always had the the pw's. More fool me. No kids, house paid, no debt and I'll end up giving half my pension. Can it get any worse?

Well yes, she could have taken it all! In a criminal court, you would not have a leg to stand on as you have given her access to the funds.

I'd change your cards, otherwise she may continue asset stripping. If you have bought her a car, effectively you could deduct that off any financial settlement that may be paid to her.

I'd get some legal advice, change your cards, passwords to your private accounts and remove excess funds from any joint accounts.

She took 33% instead of 50%, look on the bright side!






Kinrara wrote:

I've planned my early retirement for a long time. I was even putting 6% of my salary into my pension when I was an 18 year old apprentice. Well the time arrived. I had my 50th birthday with my wife in Barbados. We arrived home, my lump sum was in my account, my pension was in my account. I bought my wife the car she had always wanted and I got a letter from her solicitor saying she wanted a divorce. We're talking but I'm not hopeful and I know she's hidden money and taken a 3rd of my lump sum from my account. She's always had the the pw's. More fool me. No kids, house paid, no debt and I'll end up giving half my pension. Can it get any worse?

Hi Kinrara,

I'm so sorry to hear about your situation. Just when you thought things were settled - to have it so unexpectedly ripped out from under you by the person you most expect to trust is an awful feeling.

In relation to the money, get all the documentary evidence you have that shows she has removed money. The court can take into account the money and other assets in their settlement - even if she fritters it away.

It's going to be hard, because there's emotional stuff and practical stuff all confused together at the moment. But while you're sorting your feelings, get some good legal advice and as Sommer suggested, protect the rest of your money etc right now. If you're sure she's not to be trusted (which your post suggests) you need to get control of the financials now. Interim maintenance etc can then be negotiated.

Best of luck with an awful situation.