Dear Amy: I was so sad and embarrassed to learn that my ex-husband was involved in corporate crimes during the time we were married.
One of two cases and the related court dockets and evidence reveal participation in a complex scheme that resulted in the plaintiff company being awarded a huge settlement.
I quietly left the marriage and took a work assignment halfway across the country to escape my former husband’s erratic behavior, irresponsibility, and terrible work ethic.
I had no idea he was committing crimes, in my home and under my nose – a common scenario, as I now understand it, when it comes to wives of white-collar criminals.
A second corporate fraud case is now on the docket. I am aware that these crimes materially impacted many people far and wide.
I am now wondering if I should remain silent about my departure from the marriage, or take a few proactive measures to share with those that were once in our common circle of friends and colleagues that I was neither aware nor would I have ever condoned such illicit and predatory acts.
From what I am reading, a divorce from a white-collar criminal is often perceived as a means for the wife to protect her interests, all the while standing by her man.
For better or for worse, I am not that person, and I am increasingly uncomfortable that this could be the perception.
What should I do?
– Amy in SC
Dear Amy: Because you feel so strongly about this, you should claim your own narrative, using your own words and writing down the story you want others to know. But for now, do this only for yourself.
I don’t think it is wise to publicly note any details about your ex-husband’s crimes, until these crimes are completely settled through the courts and you receive current and competent legal advice directed only to you.
The last thing you want to do is to somehow accidentally ensnare or implicate yourself in the situation you are trying to maintain your distance from.
Your actual friends know you and understand your situation. The people in your former circle who may have “perceptions” about your divorce? Didn’t you leave these perceptions behind when you left your previous life behind? Because the fact is, you did leave the marriage in order to protect your own interests. And – good for you.
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)
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