Honesty is a core part of any legal process, but in family law, where emotions run high and relationships are strained, the truth can sometimes take a back seat. Whether it’s during a divorce, a custody dispute, or a financial disclosure, dishonesty can have serious consequences. Courts take false statements seriously, and family law attorneys know how to deal with these situations when they arise.
Lies In Financial Disclosures
One of the most common places dishonesty shows up is in financial documentation. During divorce proceedings, both parties are typically required to disclose all assets, debts, income, and expenses. This process helps the court determine fair support, division of property, and other financial outcomes.
When someone fails to report assets, underreports income, or hides money in undisclosed accounts, it can damage the entire case. Courts have legal tools to deal with this, including issuing sanctions, adjusting the final division of property, or even awarding a greater share to the honest party. Judges may also require the dishonest party to pay for the other side’s legal fees.
False Claims Involving Children
Lies don’t stop at finances. In custody disputes, one parent may accuse the other of behavior that could affect parenting time or legal decision-making rights. False allegations of abuse, substance use, or neglect are serious and must be carefully investigated.
When the court suspects false statements, they may appoint a guardian ad litem or order psychological evaluations. These steps are not taken lightly and often involve a close review of the child’s well-being and the parents’ behavior. If the court finds that a parent has made false claims to gain an advantage, it may backfire. Judges can restrict that parent’s custody or modify parenting time as a result. An award-winning attorney can also use false claims to better argue that one parent should be granted greater custody of a child during a divorce.
Perjury And Court Credibility
Lying under oath is perjury, and while it’s not always prosecuted in family court, it can still carry weight. A person caught lying during testimony or in written statements may lose credibility with the judge. In family law, where many cases involve conflicting stories, credibility is often a deciding factor.
An experienced family lawyer understands that issues like falsified documents or fabricated witness testimonies can sometimes be a hurdle. When credibility is damaged, it can affect everything from child custody to spousal support.
Trust Matters In Family Law
Family law is built on trust—between client and attorney, and between parties and the court. Lies can damage that trust quickly, and the consequences can be hard to undo. Whether it’s hiding assets or making false accusations, dishonesty can shift a case in ways that are difficult to repair.
Our friends at Attorney Bernie discuss the importance of coming to court with clean hands. An experienced attorney will listen to your story without any judgment, so it’s important to be truthful. Contact a lawyer today if you’re dealing with family issues that may require mediation or litigation!