Savings

I had a sum of money that I have split between my two children and is now in bank accounts in their names, however my partners mental abuse towards me is getting worse and I can''t see a way out other than divorce, how soon would I need to disclose this account on E1form? He knows nothing of this account

Hard to say, to be honest.

It''s not at all uncommon for parents facing divorce to give money away to relatives or friends to put it beyond the reach of their ex''s.

The courts of course are well aware of this, and there are powers to set aside a disposition of assets if it is done with the intention of thwarting any financial claim.

I''d say it would be for your ex to prove her case, but, let''s face it, if it is done shortly before a divorce the Court could draw its own conclusions.

If you have given away the money, it isn''t yours any more.

But people who give away property with the intention of defeating a spouse''s claims generally don''t disclose it.

If you are open and honest about what you did, it makes it that much harder for your x2b to argue that you were trying to pull a fast one.

I think I''d take legal advice, but I suspect a lot depends on the judge. I know that isn''t helpful because I''m not a specialist in these matters. It might not be a bad idea to speak to your children.j

LMM