Financial strangulation on the rise: Divorce experts warn Australians being silently controlled through money

Australia's leading family law experts are sounding the alarm on a disturbing and rapidly growing trend in separations: financial strangulation.

Award-winning family lawyer Joplin Higgins OAM and leading Melbourne barrister Dr Darren Mort, founders of the fast-growing Dear Divorce Diary podcast, are seeing a sharp increase in cases where one partner uses money as a weapon to control, pressure and harm the other during separation.

"This is one of the most insidious forms of abuse we are seeing right now," Higgins said.

"It is not always visible, but it can be just as damaging as any other form of control."

A hidden form of harm

Financial strangulation occurs when one party deliberately restricts access to money, withholds financial information or manipulates resources to create pressure and dependency.

Mort said the behaviour often escalates once separation begins.

"We are seeing situations where bank accounts are suddenly emptied, credit cards are cancelled, joint funds are locked down or one party is cut off completely," he said.

"It leaves the other person unable to pay for basic living expenses, legal representation or even support their children."

He said the intent is often clear.

"It is about power and control," Mort said.

"It is designed to force the other person into submission or to accept unfavourable settlements out of desperation."

The new front line of divorce conflict

Higgins said financial control is becoming a primary tactic in high-conflict separations.

"In many cases, the financial abuse starts long before separation, but it becomes far more aggressive once the relationship breaks down," she said.

"Money becomes the battleground."

She said this can include delaying financial disclosures, hiding assets, refusing to contribute to shared expenses or deliberately dragging out proceedings to increase pressure.

"These tactics are calculated," Higgins said.

"They are designed to wear the other person down emotionally and financially."

The devastating real-world impact

The consequences can be immediate and severe.

"We see people who suddenly cannot pay their rent or mortgage, cannot afford groceries or are forced to rely on family support just to survive," Higgins said.

"For many, it creates a crisis situation almost overnight."

Mort said the financial pressure can also impact legal outcomes.

"If you cannot afford proper legal advice, you are at a significant disadvantage and that is exactly what the other party is often trying to achieve," he said.

He warned that people under financial stress are more likely to agree to poor settlements.

"When someone is struggling to get by, they are far more likely to accept whatever is put in front of them just to make it stop," he said.

A growing issue across Australia

Higgins and Mort said the rise in financial strangulation reflects broader pressures in the current economic climate.

"With cost-of-living pressures increasing, money has become an even more powerful tool of control," Higgins said.

"We are seeing this across all demographics."

They said many victims do not initially recognise what is happening.

"Because it is financial, people often question themselves when they experience financial difficulty. They think it is just part of the separation process, when in reality it is a deliberate strategy."

Podcast listeners seeking answers and support

Higgins and Mort said the growing reach of their Dear Divorce Diary podcast reflects just how widespread and confusing these issues have become.

"We are seeing more people tuning in because they are looking for insight, support and a better understanding of what they are going through," Higgins said.

"Many are experiencing these behaviours but don't have the language to describe it or the knowledge to know what to do next."

Mort said the podcast is helping people recognise patterns and take more informed steps.

"People are hearing stories that mirror their own situations and realising they are not alone," he said.

"That awareness is powerful and it helps people move from confusion to clarity."

What people need to know

The experts said it is critical for Australians to understand that this behaviour may have legal consequences.

"Financial control can be relevant in family law proceedings, particularly where it impacts a person's ability to support themselves or participate fairly in the process," Mort said.

Higgins said early advice is essential.

"The sooner people seek legal guidance, the more options they have to protect themselves," she said.

This can include applying for urgent financial orders, securing access to funds or ensuring transparency around assets.

"Do not wait until you are in crisis, by then, the damage is often much harder to undo," Higgins emphasised.

A clear warning: don't ignore the signs

Higgins and Mort are urging Australians to take financial control seriously during separation.

"If your access to money is being restricted, questioned or controlled, that is a red flag," Higgins said.

"This is not just about finances, it is about your ability to live, function and move forward."

Mort added that divorce is already one of the most stressful experiences a person can go through.

"Using money as a weapon only makes it more damaging and more complex," he added.

About Dear Divorce Diary

The Dear Divorce Diary is a fast-growing Australian podcast delivering honest, practical and expert insights into separation, divorce, parenting disputes and domestic violence.
Hosted by award-winning family lawyer and domestic violence advocate Joplin Higgins OAM and leading Melbourne barrister Dr Darren Mort, the podcast draws on decades of combined legal experience at the frontline of family law.
Through real-world case insights and candid conversations, Dear Divorce Diary helps Australians better understand their rights, navigate complex legal processes and avoid common pitfalls during separation. The podcast is rapidly gaining traction for its raw, informative and accessible approach to one of life's most challenging transitions.

Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@DearDivorceDiary-withDazJop