lack of financial responsibility in divorce decision

[VAFLA]

I have a couple questions... I just returned from Active duty in Nov having been recalled to active duty for 2 years Sep 2008-Nov 2010. Prior to my leaving I put my spouse on my account and issued her a POA for obvious reasons as I have two children. However, my spouse quit her job and depleted all of my earnings while on active duty leaving the account negative monthly. When I returned this was not an issue the account again was in the positive, however, as a result, her actions have put my civilian career at risk due to the amout of unpaid debt and delinquincies. By regulation I am required to report these activities to my employer and have done so because I am required to hold a security clearance in my position. Additionally, I did not authorize her actions and have correspondence supporting this.

Will the court consider my deployment period of two years and reduce this from our 8 year marriage in determining if I have to pay alimony which she is seeking? Additionally, will her lack of financial responsibility by depleting funds and residual debt impact any decision as this has created issues with my primary employer? I have maintained copies of all statements to reflect this neglegence and employer documentation.

[Attorney Howard Iken]

It would have to be REALLY BAD financial behavior. Foolish money management does not rise to that level. Whether she quit her job voluntarily will figure into the equation. Sorry, but there is not enough here for definites.

Attorney Howard Iken

[VAFLA]

In 2008 as I went to military service, I was in a job transition after being displaced. My gross income while deployed was 9k with overseas entitlements for hazardous duty, which was also tax free due to overseas. My normal gross income was around 5k with 4k in monthly expenses. Before I left I had 6k in savings and the month I left, the account went negative 1k. This continued each month basically showing she was spending 10k a month racking up overdraft fees, which I have had to report to the military. Upon my return her behavior changed as I had been trying to get this resolved while overseas. I have emails documenting all of this. There have been no other issues since my return but doesnt this show a pattern and will this have any bearing? So basically, i earned 72k in 8 months tax free and have nothing to show for it.