Since the time we are kids, we are taught not to lie. Lying can be hurtful and get us into trouble. Unfortunately, when two people are divorcing, they can find it quite tempting to lie in the interest of self-preservation.
However, even if you think a lie could improve your situation, you will likely find that it will not, as there are serious consequences to lying during the divorce process. Below, we take a brief look at how lying can affect you and the various elements of a divorce.
Lying about assets and liabilities
In an effort to shield assets from division or try to get a larger share of the marital assets during a divorce, people might lie about how much money they do or do not have. However, concealing assets or lying on a financial affidavit is both unwise and illegal.
As discussed more thoroughly in this Forbes article, the penalties of concealing assets during divorce range from being required to pay the other person’s legal fees to incarceration.
Lying about an ex’s parenting capabilities
Wrongfully accusing the other parent of your child of things like substance abuse, illegal activity or neglect is not uncommon in contentious custody battles.
However, these lies don’t just hurt the other parent; they hurt your children as well when they lose a valuable, meaningful relationship with their parent. When these lies are revealed or disproven, you can wind up looking unstable and your kids can lose trust in you.
Lying about abuse
Claiming your ex abused you (or your children), harasses you or otherwise mistreats you when it is not true will not do you any favors whether you make these false allegations in court, to the police or even on social media.
Understand that filing a false report is unlawful in Pennsylvania, and it comes with criminal penalties. Further, lying about abuse won’t win you favor with the courts, and it can make you look vengeful and unreliable.
Don’t lie; rely on legal guidance
If you are tempted to lie during your divorce, try to understand that doing so can end up hurting no one but yourself. Rather than risk the consequences of lying during a difficult divorce, you would be wise to work with an attorney to examine the legal avenues to secure the outcomes you desire.
