Tips From Celebrity Divorce Attorney, Vikki Ziegler
By definition, financial infidelity is defined as one partner in a relationship spending, borrowing, withholding, or hiding money and not telling the other partner.
For example, a spouse may have a credit card or bank account that is only in that person’s name and kept concealed from the other partner. Having separate accounts is not the issue, but hiding it and not disclosing that it does exist, ultimately will end up causing a lack of trust and irrevocable damage down the line. Another way that people financially cheat is by purchasing items and either flat-out lying to their partner when asked about them or hiding them altogether.
However, whenever financial infidelity becomes exposed, the person who is being lied to will naturally feel betrayed.
A partnership requires transparency. Having secrets including financial ones can derail most marriages. Chances are, if you or hiding one thing, you are most likely hiding more than only that. In order to have a successful relationship, both parties must commit to full transparency and total trust. Once the trust is broken in any way shape or form, the relationship is bound to begin deteriorating. Talk about your fears, and how you want to deal with money matters, and come clean if you have been hiding your spending habits or money. Seek out expert advice to teach you about what you have in your marriage and how to handle your money jointly. If you each want a separate account discuss it and explain why. Communication is the key. Love shouldn’t cost a thing just be honest!
