Suddenly finding yourself without access to your means of subsistence because your spouse has blocked your bank accounts or withdrawn your ATM cards is a deeply destabilizing experience. This conduct, unfortunately frequent in marital crisis dynamics, is not a mere act of spite but constitutes a genuine form of abuse. As an expert lawyer in family law in Milan, Avv. Marco Bianucci deals with these delicate situations daily, offering legal and strategic support to restore the dignity and economic independence of the affected person.

The Legal Framework: What is Economic Violence

In our legal system, the intentional deprivation of financial resources necessary for daily needs falls under the concept of economic violence. This behavior manifests through obsessive control of finances, blocking joint accounts, taking away payment cards, or unjustified refusal to contribute to family needs. This is not solely a civil matter related to separation but conduct that can have serious criminal implications.

Italian jurisprudence, in fact, recognizes that such actions can constitute the crime of mistreatment in the family, governed by Article 572 of the Penal Code, or the violation of family assistance obligations, pursuant to Article 570. The law punishes anyone who deprives a spouse or children of the means of subsistence, using money as a tool of coercion, blackmail, or psychological subjugation. Recognizing this form of abuse is the first fundamental step to being able to defend oneself effectively in the appropriate venues.

The Bianucci Law Firm's Approach

Addressing a case of economic violence requires promptness, sensitivity, and a deep understanding of family and procedural dynamics. The approach of Avv. Marco Bianucci, an expert lawyer in family law in Milan, focuses first and foremost on carefully listening to the person, to fully understand the severity of the situation and the specific needs for immediate protection. The primary goal is to end the state of need and restore the violated financial balance.

The strategy adopted by the Bianucci Law Firm involves a two-pronged approach. From a civil perspective, urgent procedures can be initiated to obtain an alimony order or the unblocking of resources necessary for subsistence. Concurrently, where the conditions are met, the drafting of a formal complaint-denunciation is evaluated and prepared to protect the victim also in the criminal sphere. Every step is agreed upon with the client, ensuring maximum confidentiality and constant support throughout the entire legal process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my husband blocks my bank account or takes away my ATM card?

The first fundamental action is to gather all documentation useful to demonstrate your economic dependence and the sudden lack of means of subsistence. Subsequently, it is crucial to promptly contact a legal professional to evaluate filing an urgent application in civil court, in order to obtain a court order compelling the spouse to pay a maintenance contribution, and to assess the grounds for a criminal complaint.

Is economic violence considered a crime in Italy?

Yes, economic violence is not a standalone crime with this specific name in the Penal Code, but the conduct characterizing it, such as blocking accounts or depriving someone of the means of subsistence, can constitute very serious crimes. These include mistreatment in the family, if the conduct is habitual and aimed at harassing the partner, or the violation of family assistance obligations. Jurisprudence is increasingly attentive to severely punishing those who use money to subjugate their spouse.

How can I pay for legal fees if I no longer have access to my money?

This is a legitimate and very common concern among victims of economic violence. The costs of legal proceedings depend on numerous factors specific to each individual case. During the initial consultation, Avv. Marco Bianucci will analyze the situation and provide a clear and transparent overview of the expected financial commitment, also evaluating, if the strict legal requirements are met, the possibility of accessing legal aid (patrocinio a spese dello Stato), thereby guaranteeing the inviolable right to defense.

Protect Your Rights: Contact the Bianucci Law Firm

Suffering the deprivation of your economic resources is an unacceptable violation of your dignity and independence. You do not have to face this complex situation alone. Contact Avv. Marco Bianucci for a careful and confidential assessment of your case. At the Milan office located at via Alberto da Giussano, 26, you will receive the necessary assistance to undertake the most appropriate legal path to protect your rights and those of your children, putting an end to abusive conduct.