Dear Abby: My husband faked having a job and put us in debt

Greetings, Abby

I’ve been married to my spouse for ten years, and we’ve been dating for twenty. I recently learned that he has been lying about his employment for over a year. In order to pass off our savings as revenue from this fictitious job, he pretended to have a part-time contracting work.

We have been in a hard spot since we had made several financial decisions over the past year under the presumption that he was employed. When I challenged him, he first denied everything and even produced fictitious employment documents before eventually confessing. This betrayal is causing me to feel a range of emotions, and I’m not sure how to handle it. Are you able to help me? CALIFORNIA DUPED

Greetings, Dupe:

Your husband may have lied to you because he was ashamed of losing his job. When he was supposed to be working, what was he doing? Your current financial situation may not be the only issue he (and you) are facing. Is your spouse looking for work elsewhere? For what reason was he fired?

Ask a certified public accountant or financial advisor what steps you should take to regain stability in your finances. You didn’t specify if you have a job, but if not, it’s time to get one. Marriage counseling is essential after that.

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Abigail Van Buren, better known as Jeanne Phillips, is the author of Dear Abby. Her mother, Pauline Phillips, began the company. For more information, visit www.DearAbby.com or send an email to P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

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