What Is Economic Abuse in a Relationship, Separation or Divorce?
Key Takeaways:
- Economic abuse is a recognised form of domestic abuse — UK law treats financial control, coercion, and deprivation of resources as serious misconduct that can arise during a relationship, separation, or divorce.
- Legal protection is available even without criminal action — Victims may seek injunctions, raise economic abuse in financial proceedings, and rely on the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 to secure safety and financial fairness.
- Early legal advice can be crucial — Prompt support can help protect housing, income, children, and long-term financial security, particularly where abuse continues after separation.
At Parachute Law, our UK family law solicitors regularly advise clients who are experiencing — or facing allegations of — economic abuse during a relationship, on separation, or following divorce. This form of abuse is often overlooked, yet it can be profoundly damaging and long-lasting.
If you are concerned that financial control or coercion is affecting you or your children, our family lawyers can provide confidential, practical advice tailored to your circumstances.
Understanding Economic Abuse
Economic abuse is not always obvious. Unlike physical abuse, it rarely leaves visible marks. Instead, it often develops gradually and is frequently disguised as “help”, “love”, or “good financial management”.
Clients often tell us their partner claimed they were:
- Simply better with money or paperwork
- Acting out of love or concern
- Protecting the family finances by taking full control
While some couples choose to divide responsibilities — and that can be entirely healthy — economic abuse arises where one partner uses money or resources to exert power, remove independence, or trap the other in the relationship.
What Is Economic Abuse?
Economic abuse is a recognised form of domestic abuse. It may occur on its own or alongside physical violence, sexual abuse, or emotional and psychological harm.
At its core, economic abuse involves coercive and controlling behaviour designed to make one partner financially dependent on the other. It can occur in both married and unmarried relationships and affects people of all genders, income levels, and backgrounds.
Typical behaviours include preventing someone from:
- Making independent financial decisions
- Accessing money, housing, or possessions
- Working or progressing in their career
The cumulative effect is often isolation, loss of confidence, and an inability to leave the relationship safely.
The Reality of Economic Abuse in the UK
Research commissioned in 2024 by Surviving Economic Abuse, the only UK charity dedicated solely to this issue, highlights the scale of the problem. The findings revealed that:
- Nearly 15% of women experienced economic abuse from a current or former partner within a 12-month period
- 27% also faced threats of serious physical harm or death
- 23% said economic abuse directly prevented them from leaving the relationship
- 36% suffered mental ill-health, including depression, panic attacks, or suicidal thoughts
- 19% had to borrow money to meet essential living costs
These figures underline why economic abuse must be taken seriously — both legally and practically.
The Legal Position on Economic Abuse
UK law recognises economic abuse as a serious matter.
- Controlling or coercive behaviour within a family relationship is a criminal offence under the Serious Crime Act 2015.
- Economic abuse is expressly included within the definition of domestic abuse under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.
Even where the police do not pursue criminal proceedings, victims still have important civil remedies. Allegations of economic abuse can support applications for:
- Non-molestation orders
- Occupation orders
- Financial protection through the family courts
In financial remedy proceedings following divorce, the court can also take account of how economic abuse has affected a person’s health, earning capacity, and long-term financial security — including lost career opportunities or pension provision.
If you are in the UK on a Spouse or Partner Visa and your relationship has broken down due to economic abuse, you may also be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain under the domestic violence concession.
Common Signs of Economic Abuse
Economic abuse can take many forms. Warning signs include:
- Refusal to include your name on property title deeds or tenancy agreements
- Denial of access to joint or personal bank accounts
- Restricting your use of your own salary or savings
- Preventing or limiting your ability to work
- Expecting you to cover household costs while the other party protects their own income
- Requiring permission for everyday spending
- Demanding receipts or justification for purchases
- Forcing loans, credit cards, or overdrafts into your sole name (often referred to as coerced debt)
- Threats of violence if financial demands are not met
- Emotional manipulation, such as telling you that you are incapable of managing money
- Isolating you from friends or family by controlling access to funds
How Parachute Law Can Help
Our family law team supports clients affected by economic abuse with clear, compassionate, and decisive legal advice, including:
- Safely ending a relationship
- Advising unmarried partners on separation and financial claims
- Starting no-fault divorce proceedings
- Applying for injunctions to protect you and your children
- Securing occupation of the family home
- Pursuing financial orders following separation or divorce
- Addressing post-separation abuse, such as non-compliance with court orders
- Child arrangements and safeguarding concerns
- Immigration advice where domestic abuse impacts visa status
We understand how overwhelming economic abuse can feel. Our priority is to help you regain control, protect your children, and move forward with confidence.
If you would like confidential advice from a UK family law solicitor, Parachute Law is here to help.
Related Article:
The Divorce Gap: Why Women’s Income Plummets After Divorce — and What UK Law Can Do About It
Why Couples Really Divorce: The Top 10 Reasons for Divorce in the UK
