Chapter 16 - My own hidden transfer
David’s lawyers found something on my side.
Two days before the kitchen confrontation, I had moved $12,000 from our joint checking account into an individual savings account.
I had not told him.
Why?
I had begun suspecting money was disappearing.
I wanted enough cash to leave with Emma if necessary.
Dad advised me to speak with a lawyer first.
I did it anyway.
David’s attorney called it:
“Secret asset removal.”
Rebecca called it:
“Poorly timed self-help.”
I called it:
“Insurance.”
The court cared less about labels.
The money was marital.
I disclosed it immediately once proceedings began.
I spent only documented living and legal expenses from it under advice.
Eventually it was accounted for in the divorce.
Still, I owned the decision.
I had reacted to financial secrecy with secrecy.
Different scale.
Different purpose.
But not the cleanest path.
May you like
That realization helped me later when I wanted every action of mine described as justified simply because David had done worse.
Being harmed does not make you incapable of making mistakes.
