7 signs your divorcing female clients may be victims of financial abuse, and how to help

Figures published by Surviving Economic Abuse (21 July 2025) show that 15% of women in the UK have had their money and economic resources controlled by an abuser in the previous 12 months. Worryingly, 42% of these women did not speak to anyone about what they were going through. Moreover, 55% of women in the UK are unaware of this form of domestic abuse.

That’s why it’s crucial for professionals, including divorce solicitors, to understand the signs of financial control; you could play a vital role in helping victims recognise the problem and access the support they need.

Indeed, this type of abuse may be a driver of divorce, and it can create an uneven power dynamic in proceedings, making it harder for victims to achieve a fair settlement. As such, the effects of economic abuse could be felt long after a relationship ends.

Keep reading to learn more about financial abuse, find out how to spot it, and discover practical steps you can take to help.

Financial abuse occurs when one person takes control of another’s finances

The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 recognises financial or economic abuse as a form of coercive and controlling behaviour. It involves one person controlling another’s money and their financial decisions.

In a marriage or civil partnership, this could involve one person:

• Preventing their partner from accessing joint accounts or assets
• Limiting the victim’s working hours or forbidding them from working at all
• Restricting how their partner can spend their money
• Monitoring the other person’s payments and receipts
• Sabotaging their partner’s credit rating
• Isolating the victim from friends and family
• Insisting that all assets, savings, and investments are held in their name.

Victims of economic abuse may be significantly disadvantaged in divorce proceedings

If you have female clients whose ex-partner or spouse controls all aspects of their financial life, they might be:

• Unaware that what they’re experiencing is abuse
• Financially dependent on their abuser
• Traumatised by the abuse.

All of which is likely to create an uneven playing field and make it harder for your clients to negotiate a fair settlement.

That’s why spotting the signs and ensuring that victims have the legal, financial, and emotional support they need early on in proceedings is so important.

7 red flags that your divorcing female clients may be suffering from economic abuse

Your client may be experiencing financial abuse if they:

1. Have limited knowledge of shared finances
2. Do not know login details for their accounts
3. Are unaware of transactions or debts in their name
4. Have no access to their own money, or their accounts have been closed
5. Have a history of being blocked from building a career or attending training
6. Report threats by their ex-partner or spouse, such as, “If you leave, you’ll get nothing”
7. Appear fearful, anxious, or ashamed to discuss their finances and share information.

Of course, this is not an exhaustive list and some of these behaviours could indicate low confidence rather than abuse.

However, if you’re concerned for a client’s wellbeing, it might be worth offering help and referring to specialist support if needed.

Also, it’s important to be aware that some demographic groups may be more vulnerable to abuse than others. According to Surviving Economic Abuse (21 July 2025), women most affected by an abuser’s economic control are those:

• Disabled
• Younger (aged 18 to 24)
• From an ethnic minority
• With children in the household
• From a lower socioeconomic background.

Practical ways you can help female clients suffering from financial abuse

If you suspect that one of your clients is experiencing economic abuse, consider:

Expressing your concern privately

Create a safe space where your clients feel confident talking openly about their challenges and experiences. Avoid asking too many questions, as this could put them on the defensive. Instead, reassure them that support is available and they don’t have to cope alone.

Sharing contact details for specialist support lines

Several support services offer specialist advice and guidance that you could signpost your clients to.

For example, the National Domestic Abuse Helpline (England) is a confidential, 24-hour service run by Refuge. Women’s Aid also has an online search tool that your clients can use to find support locally.

If you feel your client may be in immediate danger, call the police on 999.

Referring them to a financial expert

A trusted financial expert who is experienced in working with divorcing women could help your clients rebuild their knowledge and confidence in money matters. This could help you to keep negotiations running smoothly and achieve a positive outcome.

Please note

This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.

All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.

Please do not act based on anything you might read in this article. All contents are based on our understanding of HMRC legislation, which is subject to change.

Approved by 2plan wealth management Ltd 30/03/2026.