The Question:
My husband is self-employed and earns far more than I do, but he won’t share any financial information. I want to file for spousal maintenance. His income fluctuates, and he’s kept me in the dark for years. What can I do?
RJ Says:
When it comes to self-employed spouses, uncovering accurate income is more complex—but it’s absolutely doable. Arizona law allows the court to evaluate spousal maintenance based on actual income, not just what someone claims. And we have multiple strategies to help uncover that.
Here’s where we typically start:
Tax Returns: Especially Schedule C (Profit or Loss from Business), which provides a breakdown of gross income and business expenses.
Profit & Loss Statements and Balance Sheets: These documents can offer a clearer picture of the business’s financial health over time.
Bank Statements: Both personal and business accounts can help show actual income and spending patterns.
1099s: If he does contract work, these will show payments he’s received from clients.
Invoices and Receipts: These help verify claimed business income and expenses.
Accounting Software Reports: If he uses tools like QuickBooks or similar, these can offer valuable data.
One particularly effective tactic I’ve used in past cases is subpoenaing recent loan applications. If your husband has recently applied for a car loan or mortgage, he likely submitted a detailed income disclosure—often overstating his income to secure approval. Those documents can be powerful evidence in court.
The key takeaway? Just because someone is self-employed doesn’t mean they can hide income. A skilled family law attorney knows where to look and how to build a clear, credible picture of what your spouse actually earns.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward seeking spousal maintenance, we offer free half-hour consultations. Call (602) 256-7575 to schedule yours and begin building a strategy tailored to your case.