Business Tricks in Divorce: 10 Sneaky Tactics to Watch Out For and Outsmart!
Video Overview & Insights
Watch this episode if...
You’re not entitled to anything just for being married. Go start your own business. Become successful yourself.
You're divorcing someone who owns or runs a business.
You're in a family business with your ex and things are getting murky.
You focus on money alot - like that's what you're audience is all about. Better to go to court and give everything from both parents to the lawyers is it?
You suspect your ex is hiding assets or undervaluing the business.
You’re overwhelmed by the complexity of business valuations in divorce.
This is happening to me unfortunately. I cashed in all of my investments, built a family business with my husband, (I drafted entire business plan, HR, Payroll, totally 100% the sole reason he is successful), but when he filed for divorce, he locked me out of our business accounts, deleted my salary, zeroed out all of our checking accounts, gave himself a raise, and took everything from me. He even tried to take my car, AND I caught him logging into my life insurance policy!!! So I am now in a severe crisis, begging for help. Since he took all marital assets, I can’t afford an attorney. I feel like my heart has been ripped out of my chest. I wish I was in Australia, you two are angels, as I am trying to educate myself, as I am standing alone.. and I am so grateful for you. Can you please explain how one goes about getting a business valuation?
You're preparing for mediation or court and want to understand your options.
📌 Legal Disclaimer: This episode is for general information only and is not legal advice. Please seek your own legal support for your specific circumstances.
Excellent information. Better never do business with wife. Lawyers will support her and very easy for her to get DVO then your done.
Divorcing a business owner or running a business with your soon-to-be ex? You must hear this. In this eye-opening episode, Mum and I dive into the most common and sneaky tricks business owners use during separation and how to stay one step ahead.
From manipulating business valuations to hiding assets in clone companies, refusing disclosure, and even dragging staff into the mess, we break down each tactic with real-world examples and strategies you can use. Whether you're preparing for mediation or already deep in the property settlement process, this is a must-listen for anyone who suspects their ex isn't playing fair when a business is involved.
Episode Timeline Summary:
00:00 – Intro: Divorce and Business Ownership
Understanding why divorcing a business owner is uniquely challenging.
01:06 – Real-Life Divorce Scenarios with a Business Involved
What happens when you're in business with your ex—or they own one.
03:02 – Trick #1: Making the Business Seem Worthless
How business owners hide value before property settlement.
08:12 – Trick #2: Starting a New Business to Hide Assets
The “mirror business” strategy and how to uncover it.
09:26 – Trick #3: Issuing New Shares to Dilute Ownership
What to do when your share of the business suddenly shrinks.
12:41 – Trick #4: Hiding Income and Creating Fake Tax Debts
How income manipulation affects child support and property division.
17:58 – Trick #5: Refusing to Allow a Business Valuation
Steps to take when your ex delays or avoids business valuation.
19:58 – Legal Disclaimer: General Education Only
Reminder to seek personal legal advice for your situation.
20:39 – How Courts Handle Business Valuation & Disclosure
Why you don't need full financial disclosure to move forward.
21:31 – Trick #6: Cooking the Books & Cash Deals
Spotting hidden income, second books, and cash-based deception.
26:39 – Trick #7: Financial Abuse via Job Loss or Sacking
What to do when your ex cuts your income post-separation.
32:01 – Trick #8: Superannuation and Self-Managed Funds
Risks of SMSFs and how assets may be hidden or misused.
36:39 – Court Penalties for Business-Related Divorce Tricks
When shady business tactics backfire in property settlements.
40:36 – Listener Review & Free Coaching Call Giveaway
Shoutout to a listener + how to win a free call with Mum.
Resources
Central Practice Directions
https://www.fcfcoa.gov.au/fl/pd/fam-cpd
Free Disclosure Checklist
https://www.thedivorcecourse.com.au/disclosurechecklist
Shinohara & Shinohara [2025] FedCFamC1A 126 (23 July 2025)
https://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/cases/cth/FedCFamC1A/2025/126.html
Shamon & Shamon [2025] FedCFamC1A 150 (8 September 2025)
https://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/cases/cth/FedCFamC1A/2025/150.html
Episode Links
Your Business and Divorce (old episode)
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0CwIeW1ZHTphzvhPdlq2Bf?si=JCtAHG7NTom5YSceqdSJ2Q
Weapons of Tax Destruction
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1Bvc2JFmgcLMpIZLIXEwVR?si=KT3UdjZRQAWjDRp3EMXhiw
DIY Disclosure
https://open.spotify.com/episode/49yOIB1GLDmXgeZCXkfyJS?si=nhgq3QQlQge-CSYLkMGKBg
🚨 Support Services:
1800 RESPECT (Family Violence Support – Australia)
Lifeline: 13 11 14 (Crisis Support – Australia)
📌 Legal Disclaimer: This episode is for general information only and is not legal advice. Please seek your own legal support for your specific circumstances.
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