Is Your Spouse Taking Advantage of You in Divorce?

Is your ex repeatedly contacting your employer—or is your spouse pressuring you to handle a divorce without getting your own legal advice?

On this episode of **Ask Ilona**, Certified Family Law Specialist Ilona Antonyan answers two listener questions about what happens when divorce and custody conflict start crossing serious boundaries.

First, a divorced mother says her ex-husband repeatedly contacts her employer and school district over custody and pickup disputes—even though their parenting order spells out when his parenting time begins. Ilona discusses when this behavior could become harassment, whether a restraining order or contempt action may be appropriate, and why documenting communications matters.

hen, a woman going through a divorce says her husband wants to mediate—but doesn’t want her to hire an attorney. At the same time, he’s selling marital property, moving money into a separate account, and claiming he should keep his entire 401(k). Ilona breaks down the red flags and explains why understanding your legal rights BEFORE agreeing to a divorce settlement can make an enormous difference.

In this episode, Ilona discusses: -Divorce and custody-related harassment -An ex repeatedly contacting an employer -Preserving emails and documenting a pattern of conduct -Providing a school or employer with the correct court order -Potential responses to violations of custody orders -Restraining orders, contempt, and family-court requests -Why older evidence may become less useful over time -Red flags when a spouse discourages independent legal advice -The role and limitations of divorce mediation -Why a mediator may not protect either spouse’s individual interests -Financial disclosure during divorce -Potentially undisclosed or omitted marital assets -Selling marital property during separation -Dividing retirement accounts such as a 401(k) -Spousal support after a long-term marriage -Evaluating whether a proposed divorce settlement is actually fair -Why both parties should understand their rights before signing an agreement.

Have a relationship, breakup, custody, or divorce question for Ilona? Submit it to podcast@antonyanmiranda.com for a chance to be featured on a future episode of Ask Ilona. The AM Sidebar delivers candid conversations about the legal issues that affect your relationships, family, career, and future. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and individual circumstances.