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Can I reopen a divorce case after six years for fraud and abuse?

Can I reopen a divorce case after six years for fraud and abuse?

Full question:

can I go back to court after the divorce has been for 6 years, for fraud, tax fraud,hidden banking accounts, failure to disclose many many assetand other accounts, taking my name off all assets long before divorce & planning what he would do if I found out,pretending to be a virgin having a child before marriage and hid it for over 20 yrs., sexually transmitted disease causing cervical cancer, hide the check book for years telling me I was to spacey to have a check book or deal with money,tried to make me believe I was going crazy, giving me date rape drugs to molest me, spreading rumors that I was on drug who can not take care of kids, trying to turn my kids against me by telling them horrible lies, trying to kill me 3 times and have his journal that states.... Divorce Never Just murder' tapping in on water from golf course getting bills for 18000 from after divorce and him paying 65$, And the most horrible abuse one could ever imagine !! And still is trying to harm emotionally and on money issues, etc ...... need help ..... not making it !! took years and still working on post tramatic snydrome.

Category: Divorce
Subcategory: Modification
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Utah

Answer:

After a divorce decree is issued, the court retains jurisdiction to modify its orders. A modification can be granted if both parties agree or if there is a significant change in circumstances. However, property division is final and cannot be changed by the court. Child custody may be modified if there is a significant change affecting the child's best interests. If a court order is not followed, you can file a petition for contempt in the court that issued the order. This petition can request that the noncompliant party pay for any losses caused by their failure to comply. The court can enforce its orders by holding the noncompliant party in contempt. In Utah, there is a statute of limitations for criminal charges, typically no longer than five years. Many of the issues you mentioned could have been raised during the divorce as grounds for fault. The deadline for filing an appeal in a divorce case has likely passed after six years. Whether the court would extend this deadline due to fraud is subjective and depends on the specific facts of your case. I recommend contacting a local attorney who can review your documents and circumstances.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

What makes divorce papers invalid?

Divorce papers can be deemed invalid if they are not properly signed, filed, or served according to state laws. Incomplete information, lack of jurisdiction, or failure to meet residency requirements can also render them invalid. Additionally, if one party was coerced into signing or if there was fraud involved in the process, the papers may be challenged in court. It's essential to ensure that all legal requirements are met to avoid invalidation.

What happens if you hide money in a divorce?

Hiding money during a divorce can lead to serious legal consequences. Courts take such actions very seriously, as they undermine the fairness of the proceedings. If a spouse is found to have concealed assets, the court may award a larger share of the marital property to the other spouse or impose penalties. Additionally, this could affect child support and alimony calculations. Transparency is crucial in divorce settlements.

Can you go back on a divorce settlement?

Generally, once a divorce settlement is finalized, it is binding and cannot be changed without a valid reason. However, if there is evidence of fraud, misrepresentation, or a significant change in circumstances, a party may petition the court to modify the settlement. It's important to consult with an attorney to understand the specific grounds for modification in your case.

What constitutes fraud in a divorce?

Fraud in a divorce can occur when one spouse intentionally deceives the other regarding assets, income, or other material facts. This includes hiding income, failing to disclose assets, or misrepresenting financial situations. If fraud is proven, it may lead to a reassessment of property division, alimony, or child support. Courts take allegations of fraud seriously and may impose penalties on the offending party.

What makes a divorce decree invalid?

A divorce decree may be considered invalid if it was obtained through fraud, coercion, or if one party did not have the legal capacity to consent. Additionally, if the court lacked jurisdiction over the parties or the subject matter, the decree could be challenged. Errors in legal procedures or failure to comply with state laws can also render a decree invalid. Legal advice is recommended for challenging a decree.

How can a divorce decree be invalid?

A divorce decree can be invalidated if it was issued without proper jurisdiction, if one party was not properly notified, or if it was based on fraudulent information. Other factors include lack of legal capacity or coercion during the divorce process. If you believe your decree is invalid, you may need to file a motion with the court to contest it, ideally with the help of an attorney.