My Ex Faked Their Own Death: How Does This Affect My Divorce in Atlanta?

In a 2016 article, CBS News referred to faking one’s death as “more common than you might think.” Unfortunately, this is something that some spouses in Atlanta may have to deal with. Sometimes, spouses assume that their exes are deceased, only to hear news that they are alive and well. Perhaps they fled to a different country to begin a new life. Maybe they felt they had no other choice but to fake their own death after being pressured by family life, debt, and other concerns. Your ex might have faked their death during your divorce in Atlanta. What can you do in this situation?

Some Spouses Fake Their Own Deaths to Start New Lives

When facing debt, unhappy marriages, and other concerns, some spouses may choose to fake their own deaths. They may work with specialists to make this a reality before leaving Georgia for faraway nations like Mexico or Argentina. Sometimes, spouses take this step to avoid the consequences of divorce. For example, a spouse might face years of alimony and child support. They may then decide to fake their own death as a wild last resort, hoping to avoid these financial consequences and start fresh somewhere new.

Some might even attempt to steal and conceal the family savings before taking this step. The surviving spouse might be shocked to learn that their bank account has been emptied, with their ex presumed dead after a strange fishing accident or skiing tragedy. If no body was ever recovered and the marital assets seem to be mysteriously missing, it is only fair to wonder whether the ex might have faked their own death.

Is Faking Your Death Illegal in Georgia?

No law in Georgia states you can’t fake your own death. However, these activities could easily become fraudulent and criminal. If you purposely mislead law enforcement and waste valuable resources on an illegitimate homicide investigation, you could face criminal charges. You might also face criminal consequences for fraud, particularly if you try to dodge the consequences of a divorce. If you have life insurance and someone else inherits the payout, you could also face criminal charges for faking your death.

What Happens if My Ex Fakes Their Own Death During Divorce? 

Whether your ex’s death is real or not, their passing could make your divorce much more complex. As a result, it makes sense to locate your ex if possible. If your ex is never seen again and they are presumed dead, probate could add another layer of complexity to your divorce. Speak with a lawyer for further insights.

Can a Divorce Lawyer in Atlanta Help Me?

If you believe your ex faked their own death, notify the authorities immediately. You may also want to inform your divorce lawyer in Atlanta of your suspicions. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to track down your ex and hold them accountable for alimony, child support, and other obligations. Contact Buckhead Family Law today for more information.

Sources: 

cbsnews.com/newyork/news/fake-my-own-death/

cbsnews.com/news/wisconsin-kayaker-faked-his-own-death-89-days-jail/